Photo taken for Max Muscle

Thirteen children call me “Mom” so your confusion is understandable when I tell you that, from the age of 15, I didn’t think I could have children. Short story… Seven infertility surgeries and LOTS of medication later I did have a child. It was enough of an experience that I knew if things didn’t happen on their own, I’d just adopt. I grew up surrounded by dysfunction, so adopting children within social services touched an empathetic chord within me. For nine years I was licensed as a foster parent and feel blessed my life was touched by the children that came through my home. Seven pregnancies and a hysterectomy later I felt contentedly done with that chapter in my life. In the end, the children I am Mommy to consist of 6 biological, 5 adopted, one foster that, lucky for me never left but couldn’t be adopted and one foreign exchange student from Germany who has never stopped being my daughter. From the scared 15 year old at my first OB/GYN appointment wondering what was going on inside me to a now nearly 41 year old woman with the equivalent of a football team living in my home, I have grown considerably.

Many things have kept me in physical (and mental) shape. Vanity and shallowness kick off the list in high gear. Wanting to age gracefully and stay active with my children is a close second in motivation. Staying active during and in between pregnancies allowed me to keep up, keep sane and never get discouraged. Having exercise equipment in my home when the children were small was a huge help as were using videos during naps, and a gym that would accommodate my volume of children while I snuck in some work outs. Fitness competitions motivated me for a few years as well as access to an amazing trainer who has gotten me through some nasty plateau’s, but the one thing that was always a part of my life to some extent or another was running. Inexpensive, portable and done in nearly any weather running not only keeps me in good physical shape, it gives me a chance for my head to clear. It’s time to think, problem solve and plan but mostly it’s time for me.

“But it’s the truth: For an overstressed, overtired, overextended mother, there are few other sensations that rival a delicious run. Once the sweat starts running down my temples, I daydream, analyze, smile, wonder, channel something cosmic. I feel alive and, perhaps most importantly, like myself again.” From the book: Run Like a Mother.

With my Garmin 305, map my run app on my phone, one of my current favorite running shoes, a supportive sports bra and shorts, running can be done anywhere at any time. Log the miles, log the miles, log the miles…. I’ll go with someone slower than I am to build endurance and have a partner. I’ll go with the kids to encourage them and distract myself. The comments from them while riding their bikes next to me like, “Dude, Mom. Your butt jiggles when you run.” Or “Mommy are you running to get your abs back?” keep me very, very motivated for myself and to be the best example to them as possible. I’ll go with my husband who is faster (but I still go further) to push myself and occasionally with a local group. I’ll walk the miles, run them, jog them. It’s a place where I can be the diva that I am while at the same time it’s perfectly natural to snot rocket, pee outside, sweat profusely and swear. I can run on bike paths, the road (which, when there’s no traffic, I’ll be the one running down the middle…) or trails. I allow my kids to map out routes driven by their buses to mix things up. I’m not afraid to get lost. I’m strong. I’m confident. I’m embracing being the woman that I am.

Now that my children have gotten older – five are out of the house and my youngest is nearly nine – many of them have started running. Eight of the thirteen have completed at least a 5K with the remaining younger ones running a mile or riding bikes while I’m running. My husband and children have tolerated my breaks to take a run, knowing I’m a better person for it. Chris (my husband) runs with me sometimes which I love. We eat healthier than many of our friends’ families and I’m thankful the kids are learning how important that is. We sign the kids up for at least one race a year and I’m there at the finish line with my camera cheering them on. For most of my 7 plus half marathons and assorted other races, they’ve done the same for me. It’s bound us more closely as a family and hopefully has instilled in my children the value of staying healthy and active.