another mother runner

20 Responses to Why I Run

1. klassenmommy says:

   February 19, 2013 at 12:21 pm

   I run because I can.
   I run because I was told that I never would.
   In 2003, I was thrown from a horse, burst vertebra T6 and compressed vertebra T7. I was immobilized for 4 months, and wondered if I would ever walk normally again. I had a long recovery which included the advice to avoid all high impact movement. I gained 40lbs. I worked hard and followed orders. The bones healed, but the pain continued and I became a different, depressed, sedentary person. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2005 and got the best advice I would ever get. The more you move, the more you will be able to move. I started walking and stretching.

   I had my beautiful son in 2006, and suffered a very severe year of post-partum depression along with another 10lb weight gain. I had my beautiful daughter in 2008, which resulted in what turned out to be uterine and bladder prolapse (another reason not to do any impact exercise!). I tried diets and swimming. I discovered weight training. I got stronger and thinner and happier.

   Then I went back to school for my masters – life got away on me and the weight came back (social work studies involve a lot of food sharing!!). I finally had the major abdominal surgery I needed following my daughter’s birth in December of 2011 which put me on the couch for another 10 weeks.

   I switched to a vegetarian diet and started running in March of 2012 once I recovered from surgery. The pain levels went down, just like turning down the volume on a very very irritating radio alarm. I could only run for about 30 seconds with 2 minutes of walking in between. My knees, hips, ankles, and back hurt, but I know what to do with pain. I kept running. I did the couch to 5k, then the freeway to 10k, and my body got stronger, and smaller (about 4 sizes smaller, so far!). My joints stopped hurting, and my back started becoming straighter.

   I ran my first half marathon in October, finishing at 2:33, when I once wondered if I would walk again. I run with my son on his bike, and we’re happy. I chase my daughter, and it doesn’t hurt. I work full-time in my field, and I can release stress and control my cravings for comfort food. I carry a heavy pack to go canoeing with my husband, and my back and legs are strong enough from conquering the hills. I feel good, and am part of a community.
   I run because I can.

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