Running has always been my favorite exercise to clear my mind. I swam competitively for almost 10 years, but staring at the bottom of a pool can be a form of torture in itself. I love the change of scenery that comes with running; the different routes I can take and the variations between running hills and trails.
It has been almost 7 years since I was in a running/workout routine. It’s easy to get distracted with life. Shortly after our wedding in 2017, I started a new job; I graduated from University with my degree in 2018 and we also bought a house. In 2019 I became pregnant with Jaiden and he was born in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Then in 2021 I became pregnant with Nova and she was born in 2022. 2023 was a blur in terms of juggling two kids. But now that I am out of the postpartum fog, I have been getting back into running. I started a couple weeks ago and it has already had a drastic effect on my energy level.
Despite not running for years, I was able to run 4KM in under 20 minutes – proving that chasing after two toddlers is exercise in and of itself. After a couple weeks, I am now running 5KM every other day. I may try and work my way up to around 8KM once the weather improves and the days get longer, but for now I am enjoying my bi-nightly runs; listening to music that isn’t chosen by one of my kids and being able to go any which direction I please without dealing with an unexpected tantrum because Nova dropped the rock she was holding on to.
Some days I can’t wait until I can crawl into bed, but running has revitalized me. I have deeper sleeps at night and feel more energized. Life has many ebbs and flows – the kids take a lot of my energy, but being able to enjoy one of my passions again, as well as get a good workout has also helped with my overall mental health. Don’t feel bad if life has gotten in the way of things, it’s never too late to pursue one of your passions; even if you are in the thick of raising little ones and feel as though you have no time, don’t forget to make time for yourself – whatever that may be.
