Run Momma Run

We listen to kids' music. I'm ashamed of this fact. Right now, we just have a few favorite kids' songs, but I'm aware that a few will lead to more, and pretty soon, I'll be fine with listening to ridiculous, happy, over-enthusiastic tunes even on long car trips. I just know it.

I digress, however. One of the songs that K loves is 'Run Baby Run' by Caspar Babypants. Uh-huh, I know the name of a kids' band. It's bad, I know...but again, I digress, as the point of this post is not at all kids' music but running. When I head out for a run, K says "Run momma run", and then he runs around like a madman. It's pretty cute.

Then I'm out my back door and running, getting what I need to replenish. When you become a mom, your needs remain the same, but they are harder to meet as you just have significantly less time. I still need time outside, exercise, fresh air, and solitude. Before K, my preference to meet those needs would have been climbing, mountain biking, or skiing. I still love those activities and try to do them as often as possible, but I need my outside/exercise/solitude fix much more often.

And so, I strap on running shoes and just go. That is the beauty of running; it is simple and transportable. You don't need an hour to pack the necessary gear. You don't need to drive to a certain location that has the rock/trail/snow that you want to enjoy. All you really need is your shoes. You can do it anywhere -city, mountain, interurban trail, dirt road, hiking trail, or country road.

Learning to enjoy running -notice I didn't use the word 'love'- has been a process for me. I used to absolutely detest running. Then, I married a runner, and I listened to him talk about his love for running and thought he might be slightly crazy. My acquired taste began with curiosity, progressed to equal parts slight enjoyment and pure hatred, until one day when I realized I actually enjoyed running.

Now that we have a little guy, I've discovered the greatest benefit of running, which is how it fits into my life and time so well. Last weekend, we took a camping trip. I needed some exercise and quiet time, so I tied my shoes on tight, K encouraged me with "Run Momma Run" and I hit the trail out of camp. Pretty soon, I was running among a mix of purple, orange, and yellow wildflowers set against snow-covered peaks. I huffed and puffed my way along for an hour and came back with a clear head and newfound energy.

So, to all you mommas, if you find yourself crunched for time (of course you do!) and struggling to meet your needs for exercise or solitude, get some shoes and go for a run. If you don't love it right away, stick with it. Try it again. And again. Find a partner, another mom to join you. There will come a day that you will suddenly realize that you love running. And now you have something you can do anywhere, anytime, that will rejuvenate you and keep you healthy.