Nearly a graduate...Special shout out to fellow running mums - you can do it!

[turnerbird]

I’m on my graduation week and felt really emotional on today’s run thinking about how far I’d come.

A bit of context: I’m 42 and have 2 kids. My second labour was pretty intense and, like an estimated 40% of women, I suffered some minor pelvic floor damage.

Despite being fit and healthy my whole life, after my second baby I literally couldn’t walk to the shops. It was awful and I think it led to post natal depression. As we all know, exercise isn’t just about physical health but that all important headspace.

Anyway, I just wanted to send a virtual high five to any new/recent/veteran mums who might be struggling on this journey. I am living proof that you can come back from a very dark place to be running 30 minutes and feeling AMAZING!

My youngest is now 3 so it’s taken a while to get here. But here I am. Basically I saw a physio and started regular Pilates - which is not only amazing for your core but a fantastic complement to running and that all important me time. By taking it slow with this programme I’ve managed something I never thought possible after having kids. To say I’m elated is an understatement.

So - to all the mums - get some support, believe in the programme and get that time for yourself. I either run at 6am or 9pm when my husband’s home - sometimes I think I’m too knackered but I always feel BRILLIANT afterwards. Don’t let kids stop you reaching your full potential! Running is for YOU!

[Cazzajambo]

Love your post. As a fellow mum ( single parent to 5 year old twins) I know how hard it is with post natal depression. I usually run when kids r at school or their dads but this week i ran round the garden while they played. Was great showing them I'm more than just mum I'm mum who can run!

[turnerbird Graduate in reply to Cazzajambo]

A mum who can run - I love that! I love a run straight after the super stressful school run too 😂👍

[Dalati]

Loved reading this, well done you! I'm a 45 year old mum of 3, youngest 3 too. I'm taking it very slowly, not rushing through the weeks, running as slowly as I need to-I've just finished w3 tonight-but am really enjoying making progress, growing self belief, and actually getting out and doing something just for me. Mums that run-we can do this!

[turnerbird Graduate in reply to Dalati]

So lovely to hear! And well done to us!

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Of course we can do this, we are mums! It's just making sure that we prioritise time for us and not everyone else that's not so easy.

Good luck!

[turnerbird Graduate in reply to Goforitmama]

I hear you!