When Self-care Sends You Running

There are a lot of memes and jokes about moms, coffee, wine, and chocolate – – there is a very good reason. Small people and pets can drive us bonkers! So we need to practice a little self-care. Everything in moderation on the coffee, wine, and chocolate! My personal sanity-saving is running! What is yours? Join The Busy Llama community to share your self-care tips or learn some new ones.

My running journey

I don’t know how the crazy idea got in my head but one day I decided I was going to start running in 2011. Now I’ll have you know that up until that point I had not even run a full mile without stopping to walk. Ever.

So when you decide to do something like start running and signing up for 5k races, cause you know let’s pay to run, you need a little bit of a plan. I opted for the 8-Week Beginner’s Program from Runner’s World. Y’all, I never realized how long a minute was until that first “run.”

Running resources

Shoes

When I first started running I thought you could just pick up any old pair of running shoes from the discount shoe stores. I was very wrong. Picking the proper shoe goes a long way to your success as a runner. I quickly discovered that my shoes were part of why my hips and knees were not liking me. I tend to roll out or pronate while I run. I need a stability shoe, very sexy sounding, right?

Oh, and you need to buy them pretty often, too. So find a store you like, sign up for their rewards program, and just keep committing to buying new shoes when your body tells you to do it.

Other gear

Personally, I don’t buy a lot of specialized clothing for my runs since they are typically in the 2-mile range. The only exception to that statement is a sports bra, I am well-endowed and the gals need some good support. I like that are the Juno Sports Bra types, I am not loyal to any particular manufacturer and hunt for them when they are on sale. They are a bit pricey, that seems to be everything running related.

Sunscreen is a must though, you’ll still get a sexy runner’s tan even with it. I opt for Thinksport Sunscreen. It stays on well, doesn’t smell too much like sunscreen, and is safe for my daughter.

Speaking of my daughter, she comes with me for a lot of my runs so I needed a jogging stroller. I wanted something mid-range, above Baby Trend and Graco but not quite at the B.O.B level. I went with the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller and have been happy with that decision for over 18-months. It is easy to maneuver, has a water bottle holder, and is still great for my very tall 3-year-old to ride comfortably.

Just do it

I’ll be honest, some days are harder than others to make myself hit the pavement and run. Sometimes I motivate myself with a treat afterward, sometimes it is the knowledge that I will be more clear-headed and grounded after I am done, and sometimes the small child guilts me into doing it. Whatever motivates you, just do it! That catchphrase is just so appropriate, don’t you think?

Need more help? Check out my get your butt moving playlist for a song to inspire you!

So do you practice self-care? Come over to The Busy Llama community to be a part of our self-care, self-improvement, and just plain fun pack! <3 See you there! Or you can always drop me a line!