another mother runner

A is for (gasp) anaerobic moms

Amber
Mother of: 1
As for running: I always dabbled in it, but I decided to run my first marathon on my 26th birthday–26.2 miles for 26 years of life. Since becoming a mom, I have been trying to find balance with wanting to spend every moment I can with my son, being a good wife, teaching, coaching, and being myself–a runner.

Amy
Mother of: 2
I love my running time because: it’s my time with no kids, no work, no phone, no distractions. It feels like a real luxury. It is like hitting my reset button.

Alice
Mother of: 2
At age 29: I had to have a hysterectomy. I quit smoking and really put my eye on living healthier. I gained weight, lost it through a “program” and gained a bit back. Then I joined an all girls gym where the owner encouraged me to run a half marathon (I had secretly wanted to become a runner all my life but every excuse out there kept me from it) and that started my wonderful running journey.

Andi
Mother of: 3
I started: using the Couch to 5K program to train for a local Turkey Trot that benefited a friend’s daughter who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. It was tough at first and I wasn’t sure when I started if I would continue after the 5K. Once it was done and I had actually set a PR, then went the Thanksgiving holiday not running, I realized I missed it!

Amanda
Mother of: 1 (plus one in the oven)
Running has given me: something for just me. When I’m running, I’m not just someone’s wife or someone’s mommy. I am strong. I am proud. I am Amanda, a runner.

Amy
Mother of: 2
Running: may have saved my life. I was always active but when my Dad died in college, then my Mom got ALS, it all brought me to my knees. I stopped running into my second pregnancy and I was down and sick after having my baby girl. I lost my mom 19 days later. It was a whirlwind of emotions. Thankfully, I was referred to an RN who was a grief therapist. She asked me what my passion was. I said running. She told me to go run that day. I did.

Amy
Mother of:2
I love: how victorious I feel when I finish a run — especially when pushing the double jogger! I find my best motivation is to enter races so I have a concrete goal to hit. I’m doing my first 1/2 marathon in December!

Amy
Mother of: 2
Running didn’t change my life: it saved it. I thank God every day for good running shoes, my BRF, good music in my ears and miles and miles of glorious roads to run.
Amy
Mother of: 3
I am: a soccer junkie turned running junkie after two knee surgeries left me searching for a new form of exercise. I run because it makes me feel good and I love the adventures it brings to my life.

Amanda
Mother of: 2
I run: to be a better mom. It rids me of my anxiety and depression. With running and fitness as part of my daily life I am happy, whole and healthy again!

Anna
Mother of: 2
Mostly I run: to stay sane. But it’s also to have that visible example to our kids, that we can do anything, even when it’s hard and hurts.

Angelica
Mother of: 3
I am: a more calm and patient mom because I take the time to run. I never ever say “Oh man, what wasted time, going for a run – I could’ve been doing something else.”  I always feel so much better after a run. Always.

Andrea
Mother of: 2
In my running experience: the first three miles are always the worst, even during a 5k. Maybe that’s why I like the longer distances…

Alexa
Mother of: 2
Running off and on: since 1996. I (recently) hit a wall, so I decided to give myself a kick in the butt. I’ve committed to the ING NYC Marathon running for the Boston’s Children’s Hospital; first marathon, home town, good cause.

Angela
Mother of: twins
Running changed my life: I’ve become a better wife, mother, daughter, and friend because it’s ME time! Even if I’m pushing the double stroller, it’s still time for me and my sanity (just at a LOT slower pace).

Amy
Mother of:2
About running: I love that you can mix it up every day. You can choose different distances and paths, go slow and chat with girlfriends, go fast and challenge yourself, kick booty up hills, or even glimpse wildlife out at 6am. I am by far a better mother on days when I’ve had a morning run, even if the run was interrupted by a bobcat scaring the pee out of me. Alisa
Mother of: 1 boy (who is 5 going on 40)
I run for: the community, both virtual and in real life. You just don’t get the same camaraderie from Zumba or Pilates or kickboxing or…

Angela
Mother of: 1
It all started when: I met a few moms who like to run. Before could really think about it, I signed up for the 2011 Triple Crown Half Marathon series in San Diego: the Carlsbad Half, La Jolla Half and America’s Finest City. I had never done anything like that before in my life ,and was determined to prove to myself that I could.

Ann
Mother of: 2
Last run: this morning with my running buddy. We ran 8-miles in the rain..it was refreshing!

Alicia
Mother of: 2
I run: to set a good example for my boys (and remain sane!)

Anne
Mother of: 2
Started running: to lose weight. I found myself somewhere along the way. Now I run for my health, my sanity, my family, and for fun. Most of all, I run for me!

Amanda
Mother of: 3
Running at 5 a.m.: just isn’t a reality for me yet with three kids 4 and under. I’m up at least twice a night.

Amy
Mother of: 2
Running is my: way to look in the mirror (most days) and view my “thunder thighs” as strong tools that allow me to power up hills, rather than just seeing the cellulite. And, it’s the only time in I can pull down my pants and pee along the trail and feel quite justified in doing so.

Ashley
Mother of: 1.5
My last run was: short! Three miles on the treadmill yesterday during my son’s nap.  It actually was perfect though, since I haven’t been feeling well due to morning sickness.

Angie
Mother of: 2
My last run was: puke-inducing and exhilarating at the same time. In other words, a typical run.

Amanda
Mother of: 3
Running started: as a weight loss tool, but now seems to have become a release for me.

Alyson
Mother of: 1
My last run was: a lovely 10 miler in prep for a half marathon in March.

Alexa
Mother of: 2
My last run was: 4 miles with two of my closest friends and neighbors, Angie and Dawn. The three of us (and our two dogs) meet almost every morning at 5:50 am (rain or shine) and run around our neighborhood. It’s a great way to start the day!

Amanda
Mother of: 2
Running keeps me: on my toes. Whether it’s hot, hilly, cold, flat, long or short, it’s always a new experience. And the best runs of all are those shared with others.

Alexia
Mother of: 1 + 1, due April 6th.
This picture is when: I won first place in my age group last June 2009 (11th overall female). This year I’ll be nursing my baby while someone finishes in my place. But I’ve already planned my first post-prego, post-C-section race and I’m totally excited!

Amanda
Mother of: 1
I raced: every month for 10 months during my husband’s first deployment and haven’t stopped since. Sometimes the only way to handle the stress and anxiety as a military wife is to get out there and pound the pavement.

Anna
Mother of: 5 (ranging from 6 to 16)
Running is: my sanity and passion.  I’d smoke it if I could.  I have run fat and run thin, run slowly and run fast (ish) in different seasons of life. Three marathons so far.   Love trails, late-night runs, and singing during long runs.

Alanna
Mother of: 1
I run: to set a good example for my 2-year-old. You can never start teaching the value of being healthy too early.

Alicia
Mother of: 2
When I run: I feel like I have infinite patience and understanding and love. It’s like I have a well that only has so much reserve, and everyday life drains my well. Running regularly helps me refill the well–and therefore maintain my balance. (Although an occasional shopping spree or pedicure also does wonders for the well.)

Anne
Mother of: 4
I’ve been running: for 20 years, but only started racing last year. Last month, I had a PR of 39:49 in the 8k Crazylegs, and placed in the in the 50 for ages 40-44 (over 18,000 runners)!  Getting faster one of my biggest motivations– and so is keeping up with my husband, who beat me by only 11 seconds in the 8K.

Angie
Mother of: 4 boys
My running: completely changed when I started running barefoot in June 2009. I don’t have any more nagging injuries and I love to run again.(Early morning runs are still a b(*ch though!)

Atha
Mother of: 5
I run: to keep my sanity–or what’s left of it. Plus, it helped me shed 45 lbs and finally feel good about my body again!

Amy
Mother of: 2
The first time I ran: I slogged around through a trip around the block.  I waited until the kids and my husband were out so I could embarrass myself privately.  It’s amazing I ever tried again since my department-store, clearance-rack shoes gave me horrid blisters and my non-sports bra rubbed me raw under my arm. Now I would like to run a marathon by the time I am 40.

Amber
Mother of: 2 kiddos
I started running: when my son was diagnosed in July 2007 with stage-4 liver cancer that had spread to both of his lungs. His doctor recommended that I find something for me that would help me relieve stress and give me some time alone. I never looked back.  I love that time on the road with my tunes blaring.

Andrea
Mother of: 1 mamma-described chunky monkey
I always: strived to be fit. Well, before I got pregnant. After I acquired that 50+ lbs. of baby love I realized I needed to re-teach myself what being healthy was all about. Running has been my answer. I came up with a 200-day challenge to train and complete a half-marathon in honor of my son and myself.

Ann
Mother of: 2 boys*
My favorite runs: are my long weekend runs with my girlfriends. We leave the kids with our husbands and just go. Sometimes we talk and take it easy and sometimes we fly and enjoy the silence. LOVE IT!
*her boys were the costume designers for this outfit. (LOVE IT!)

Audrey
Mother of: 2*
My goal: is for for people to get out and start running with their dogs. It’s good for them, it’s good for their dogs, and also as a woman, running with a dog can improve her sense of safety. I’m fairly safe from harassment when I’m out with my big black kelpie.
*They both run too, and are better at it than I am!

Anna
Mother of: 2
I run: because it’s my addiction. I’ve slowed down over the years, but now I run longer. My favorite distance? The half-marathon.

Ann
Mother of: 2 “little ones”
Running through my pregnancy: gave me a much greater appreciation for the beauty and strength of the female body.

Alison
Mother of: 4
Started running: two years ago to earn a race shirt. Go Crazylegs! Now I’m hooked.

April*
Mother of: 2 daughters
It’s so cliché: but seriously, if I can do it, YOU can do it. Set your dreams high, Badass Mother Runners!
*picture is of April’s second marathon at mile 21 (notice awesome RLAM shirt!) feeling amazing and speeding up in the last 6 miles!

Ashley
Mother of: 2 boys
After a good run: I feel like I am capable of achieving anything.