Today I have the honor of welcoming the lovely Denise from RunDMT. Denise and I were paired up as part of a Sweat Pink Ambassador blog swap that our SPA sister Jill coordinated, and I definitely consider myself lucky to have her as my partner. If you read her post below, and you’ll see why I think she’s such a rock star. (By the way, head over to RunDMT if you want to check out my guest post!)
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I am so thrilled to be part of this Sweat Pink Blog Swap! Thank you Jessica for having me!
Before I begin, let me tell you a little about myself. I was a non-runner who discovered a passion for running late in life. In 2007 (at the age of 36 after my second child), I attempted running with encouragement from a friend. She told me to start small. Run a few blocks, than walk a minute. Eventually, I built up my stamina and I could run a half mile without stopping which slowly transformed into a mile without stopping. Shortly after that, I ran my first 5K on Thanksgiving Day in 2007 and then I was hooked. The excitement of that first 5K kept me moving further and further through the miles and challenged me to set new goals. Now, instead of a few blocks, I’m running a few marathons.
So, how do I do it? How do I sustain that motivation? How do I find balance between raising three kids and training for races?
Honestly, I’m like a Nike. I just do it.
I could tell you about all the endorphins and post-runners high I feel after a run and how I have tons of energy to carry me through my day.
I could tell you that I’m a role model for my children with each step I take.
I could tell you that it’s a commitment I make to myself to stay fit.
Yes, all of those reasons motivate me to move, but honestly it’s the “no excuse” mentality that keeps me moving.
But, let’s be real. Carving out time in your day is what it’s all about. I wake up at 4:00 a.m. most mornings to blog, answer emails and then I’m out the door for a run around 5:00 a.m. Depending on how far I’m running will determine my start time. But no matter the start time, I need to be home by 7:00 before my family awakes. Then, at 7:00, I’m in mom mode for the rest of day.
Although I run most days alone, others need a partner or a group to keep them accountable. Studies show if you meet with a friend on your running days, then you will run. If you make excuses for why you can’t, then strangely enough you won’t run. Therefore, accountability is a crucial element when committing to running. For me, my blog, Run DMT, is how I keep myself accountable. It’s my journal and my readers are my virtual running partners.
Some people unlike me are night owls and choose to run once the kids are in bed. It doesn’t’ matter when you choose to run, just CHOOSE TO RUN.
Setting goals will also help maintain your commitment to running. I try to run one race a month, which keeps me in constant training mode.
Honestly, it’s just that simple. Next to the physical challenges of running, the hardest part is carving out the time and committing to it.
Obviously, no training plan is foolproof and life generally gets in the way. Kids get sick or moms get sick or worse, injured. I just try my best to fit in my runs and if I have to take a week off, I give myself permission to do so and not feel guilty about it. After all, we have enough mom-guilt. We don’t need runner’s guilt too.
So, if you decide to become a runner, start small but set a goal. Carve out a set time of day to run and maintain that commitment with some accountability. By doing so, you will transform into a mom on the run too.
Be sure to visit Denise at RunDMT!
Run DMT says
Jessica, you are ADORABLE!!! It was an absolute pleasure to be paired up with you. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and post. xox
Jessica says
My pleasure!! This was a lot of fun – so glad I got a chance to get to know one of my fellow SPA sisters 🙂
Kat says
Aw cool post by Denise! 🙂
Jessica says
My thoughts exactly 🙂
jenna says
such beautiful family photos you have shared!! you must be so proud!! gorgeous! have a very happy sunday! spa <3