See Mom Run! ~ Mindy

Meet Mindy. I imagine if you actually met Mindy in real life, she might smell like sugar cookies or chocolate. Mindy is a wife, mother, baker and runner!
For baking inspiration you can find Mindy blogging at Double Chocolate Thoughts.
For inspiration to run by, keep reading!

When and why did you start running?

I started running about 5 years ago right before we found out we were going to be having child #3. It took me about 3 years to get back into it, though.

"I feel like I have better health and strength in my later 30's than I did in my 20's." ~ Mindy

 How do you motivate yourself to go for a run?
Thankfully, I enjoy exercise and consider it my "me" time, so unless I'm exhausted or ill, I find it fairly easy to start. There are days, however, when an hour or so seems daunting, so I'll just tell myself to go 1 mile and then walk if I need to. I usually end up running more once I get started.

 How many times a week do you run?
I try to do at least 3 times a week of a "serious" run, and the other days I'll do some walking and/or strength training or sometimes short sprints to keep my endurance up and "running." (Sorry, I just couldn't help it!)

 Favorite route?
Any route I find on vacation! I LOVE to find new places to run.....I am very blessed to live in an area where most neighborhoods intersect at some point, so it's easy to keep up the variety for a short or long distance. Since it's getting dark earlier in the mornings I have been logging the miles on the treadmill. Not as exciting, but I am able to watch TV shows that I normally wouldn't have time for otherwise, so that is kind of a treat.

What do you think about when you run?
I think about what needs to be done when I get back home, I sometimes pray, I often let my mind wander or try to come up with a plan of action if somethings is weighing on my mind.

 What physical benefit do you enjoy most from running?
 I really love the fact that my body is so much stronger than it used to be. I feel like I have better strength and health in my later 30's than I did in my 20's (or probably even my teens.) I love that I can keep up physically with my kids and sleep well at night. Running has helped with weight loss and maintenance. And I would be lying if I said I didn't love the dessert benefit. Especially since I am a hard-core baker!




What are your running goals?
I met one of my goals this past September....running a 1/2 marathon! I would like to plan to run one at least one a year for a while, then maybe, just maybe.....a full 26.2??!?!?!?!

Mindy crosses the finish!

Do you mix it up and do anything else for fitness?
Yes, I just did the weights this morning and a few core exercises. I cannot stand it. But I try to do that at least twice a week. I sometimes will bike ride and I do really enjoy that:)


How has running helped you be a better wife and mom?
I feel like it clears my head, so mentally and emotionally I feel more able to calmly go through the day. Physically, it gives me more energy and stamina to keep up with the constant demands of busy days. I also feel it sets an example for my kids that it's important to take care of all aspects of one's health and make it a priority.


What is your #1 tip for a mom who wants to start running?
Start small. I was NEVER a runner until my 30's - hated it, as a matter of fact. I did love to walk, and I'm a pretty fast walker, so one day, I just ran the distance between 5 houses or so. Then I went back to walking, ran a few house lengths again, and just kept repeating that. Then, I would run for 1 or 2 minutes at a time. Before I knew it, I was up to 20 minutes of running, then 30, then about an hour at a time. But it all started with that first 1/10th of a mile.