Runners Lounge: A Salute to Running Moms

by Amy Hunold-VanGundy in Staying Motivated
May 5, 2008

With Mother's Day right around the corner, it seems only fitting to send warm wishes to all the running moms. After all, runners are special. Mothers are special. So running moms must be extra special, right?

A salute to running moms from the Runners' Lounge:

A salute to the running moms who make running a priority and have the discipline to plan and stick with their training even when real life doesn't cooperate. And also for the moms who don't. A salute to the running moms who opt to sleep in an extra 30 minutes after being up all night or skip their run to help with a last minute school project because they know right then something else is more important.

A salute to the running moms who have the strength to eat the right foods at the right times to make sure they have the fuel they need to power their running. And also the moms who rely on a PB & J sandwich as a prerun staple and left over mac n cheese for a little pick me up.

A salute to the moms who look great in spandex and sport tops - without a coverup - because they are runners. And also the moms who don't, but wear it anyway because running makes them feel good enough to wear running clothes in public.

A salute to the moms who dig down deep to run hard and competitively in their races and set the bar higher for all women. And also the moms who run their own race and race to finish just to show their kids it isn't always about winning - it is about finishing what you started.

A salute to the running moms that squeeze in a short run here and a long run there between errands, practices, work and kid crisises and don't miss a beat. And the moms who also squeeze them in and show up at work, at school, or at home red faced, sweaty, stinky but happy because they got their run in.

A salute to the moms who run so her favorite pair of $100+ designer heels match the priceless look of great running legs. And also the moms whose only pairs of $100+ shoes are her favorite running shoes.

A salute to all running moms who could just as easily stop running because it would make life a little easier, but don't, because they know it makes them a better person. It keeps them healthy when their kids aren't. It keeps them sane when life is crazy. It keeps them out of their fat clothes. And, it gives them personal challenges that are uniquely their own.

A salute to all running moms, regardless of age, speed, ability, or goals who are proud to tell their family and friends they are a runner. We salute them because they are a role model for their daughters, sisters, and the next generation of running mothers.

For these running moms, we say thank you for being a runner.

At the risk of missing some of my favorite mom runners, here are a few moms I would like to extend a Happy Mothers Day to:

Nancy - for being a great running partner and fitting it all in so well
Sandy - a fabulous runner and mom who excudes such quiet strength
CoffeeBetsy - the mom of the cutest little boy on earth and the confidence to single handedly rename the half marathon
Marcy - one of the coolest moms who also makes me smile with every post
Nat - who shows the realistic side of running and balancing but still makes me laugh
Zanne - an inspiration for my running, even when she isn't