Tagged: Mommy friendly

Photo Gallery: What a Mother Runner Looks Like

If you saw our previous post on the What a Mother Runner Looks Like, you know that it’s some powerful, inspiring stuff. The photo submissions for the project were such a success that their release was split into two parts. We chose to share with you the second edition as the copy is beautifully written and says a lot about the project. You can also see photos from Part 1 here, and the rest of Part 2, here. And again, please feel free to participate in the project by sending us your photos! We will happily share and deliver photos to AMR on your behalf. 

What does a mother runner look like? Strong. And smiley.

Up today: round two of What Another Mother Runner Looks Like. 75 or so mother runners who come in a range of shapes and sizes, but personify what mother runners stand for: confidence, strength, ambition, inspiration, vibrancy.

I hope the combined 132 pictures drove home the point that there is no such thing as a stereotypical runner. Sure, there are wisps who whip across the line seemingly effortlessly—and there are a few of them in this collection (and yes, we love you and your little bods!)—but the majority of the pack are runners who might have bulky quads; who might have a little extra bulge on their midsection; who might be far from the “ideal” runner physique.

But here’s the thing about the majority of us: we’re dominating the race fields. Some days, we’re running long. Some days, we’re running fast. Some days, we’re just running. We’re setting PR’s and killing the hills. We’re surprised by how running has become ingrained in our DNA, the reward of dedication and consistency. We’re inspiring others to try it.

In short, we are redefining what a runner looks like.

I wanted to share a few thoughts from Rebecca, who describes herself as overweight/obese since puberty (“and three pregnancies haven’t helped,” she adds). When she submitted her picture, she wrote,

Rebecca went outside her comfort zone to participate. That’s some serious strength.

 “I like your idea for a photo essay: real women, with real bodies. It’s outside my comfort zone, but I’ve decided to include my photo because I think there are plenty of other women out there whose bodies look more like mine than any of the 14 shown so far. And I think it would mean a lot to those other women to see someone more like themselves. Women who equally value the another mother runner community that the two of you promote.”

Rebecca: we so appreciate you—and the rest of you—who have put yourself out there. There is a reason why this community is so valuable: it’s as strong and supportive as the collective legs we run on.

Again, I ask you to please share this gallery: Facebook it, tweet it, send it to your pals. Thank you, thank you. And here’s the link to Part I in case you missed it. (And full disclosure: I am not in this. I meant to be, but it’s 9:15 p.m. and I have to run at 5:20 a.m. and I have no interest into changing into a sports bra and spandex right now. Raincheck. Promise.)

More

It’s Time for The Title 9K!

Our annual Title 9K’s are coming up in Chicago and the Bay Area and we can’t stop thinking about them!  So much that we thought we’d come up with a run plan for those of you who would like extra motivation or don’t know where to start. You may be wondering, how many miles is a 9K? Well, to be exact: 5.59234073 miles, but for the sake of sanity, let’s call it 5.6. But don’t worry, if you haven’t run at all in the last 5 years, or if you’ve been running for the last 5 years straight, we’ve got a training program for everyone, and we mean everyone – all ladies and their kids, moms, sisters and girlfriends. This race is all about having a good time!

Training Schedules:

Walkers/Joggers

Built for those who would like to walk with a little jog mixed in between, you only work out 4 days a week, 3 walking/running, and one doing cross training. The workouts are written as: 1/1 x 11. The first number is minutes to run followed by minutes to walk. So 1/1 is one minute of running followed by one minute of walking.

Start your workout by warming up for 5 minutes – a brisk march or light jog will do. Bored? Try some squats! Anything to amp up your heart rate! At the end do your heart a favor and cool down for 5 minutes. Finish with stretches holding each one for 15-30 seconds! You want to keep those worked muscles loose and limber!

You’ll need to mix cross-training sessions into your workout. These are extremely important; they balance your muscle groups reducing your chance of injury. Examples of cross-training include: swimming, water running, cycling or spinning, elliptical and rowing! Anything to pump your heart rate and work those muscles.

WALKING TRAINING : Bay Area Title 9K

WALKING TRAINING : Chicago Title 9K

For the Runners

Are you ready to run 5.6 miles!? We’re here to get you there. This plan is intended for those who are already able to run a couple of miles. If you don’t think you’re there, spend a week walking for one minute and jogging for 11. Do this for a few days before kicking into this plan – and once you get started, if you need to break in bouts of walking during your runs, that’s okay too!

If you need to switch days to accommodate your schedule, and swap a run for a rest day, that’s fine. Your EZ runs should be a comfortable pace to help loosen your muscles. The cross training (CT) sessions held once a week are extremely important; they balance your muscle groups reducing your chance of injury. You will also avoid getting bored with running and can continue to train if you inhibit certain injuries. Examples of cross-training include: swimming, water running, cycling or spinning, elliptical and rowing!

RUNNER TRAINING : Bay Area Title 9K

RUNNER TRAINING : Chicago Title 9K

We’ve laid the groundwork, now the hardest part is up to you – getting out there and training! But don’t worry, you’re not alone! If you have a question, are looking for help, or just need to vent about your last run, check out the group pages for both the Bay Area and Chicago Title 9Ks.

Are you ready? Keep us updated on your progress, share your goals, and post pictures below! We would love to hear from you!

Interested in volunteering in Chicago or the Bay Area? Drop us a line at t9k@titlenine.com

See ya’ll soon!

More