I'm always happy to meet another mom who sets a goal and works hard to reach it. Meet Kim, of Recipes to Run On. Kim blogs about fitness and healthy eating, even including Weight Watchers points for many of her recipes. Recently Kim blogged about winning 3rd place in her age division (5k) last week. Go here to read about her impressive time! Yay, Kim!
When and why did you start running?
I began running in February of this year (2011). I have run for short periods through the years (maybe 3 or 4 times), but never longer than a few weeks. I began running because I had reached the heaviest weight I've ever been (with the exception of pregnancy) and I realized it was time to make a commitment to healthy eating and exercise. Running felt like a natural choice to me.
So, I started (and completed) the Couch~to~5K program (Here's a link: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml). I cannot recommend this plan enough to anyone who's just getting started.
I loved the idea of setting a goal and achieving it while getting fit.
So, I started (and completed) the Couch~to~5K program (Here's a link: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml). I cannot recommend this plan enough to anyone who's just getting started.
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| Kim ~ purple shorts |
How do you motivate yourself to go for a run?
I'm someone who has no problem starting something. If I get my head around something, I will make it happen. It's the follow~through that I struggle with. So getting started with running wasn't my problem. It's getting myself laced up and out on the trail 4 mornings a week that's my challenge. I motivate myself a few ways:
1) Blogging has actually helped to hold me accountable. I purposely changed the focus of my blog and redesigned it to center around healthy eating and exercise. That plus the comments I receive are great sources of accountability. There is a community forming from the folks who comment and visit the FB page and I love that.
2) I've got friends who know I'm running and who will check on me and help with accountability.
3) I keep a calendar of events in my area to run. It's great at this time of year when there's a race every weekend. I am sure to pre~register for events.
4) Honestly a big motivator is my new size. I've lost a lot of weight and I don't plan to put it back on. I am thrilled with the fact that not one thing in my closet fits. As an event or need arises, I go shopping for something in my new size. In fact, this week I'm cleaning out my closet and saying goodbye to the old size.
1) Blogging has actually helped to hold me accountable. I purposely changed the focus of my blog and redesigned it to center around healthy eating and exercise. That plus the comments I receive are great sources of accountability. There is a community forming from the folks who comment and visit the FB page and I love that.
2) I've got friends who know I'm running and who will check on me and help with accountability.
3) I keep a calendar of events in my area to run. It's great at this time of year when there's a race every weekend. I am sure to pre~register for events.
4) Honestly a big motivator is my new size. I've lost a lot of weight and I don't plan to put it back on. I am thrilled with the fact that not one thing in my closet fits. As an event or need arises, I go shopping for something in my new size. In fact, this week I'm cleaning out my closet and saying goodbye to the old size.
How many times a week do you run?
In a perfect world I would like to run 5 days a week. But I don't think my body {or my schedule} would do well with that. So my goal is to run 4 days each week {Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday}.
Favorite route?
When I first started running, I actually liked the treadmill. It was easy for me to follow the Couch~to~5K plan which has you run and walk alternating in short bursts. Plus, it was February in the MidWest. By the time Spring Break hit, I discovered a LOVE of running outside as I enjoyed scenic morning runs in Florida. Since then, I really prefer to run outside. My normal routine is through neighborhoods on the street. I love to do this especially with my family on bikes. But, I also really love to run with girlfriends on a great trail followed by breakfast.
What do you think about when you run?
I've tried running with music but it's not something I've done consistently. I really focus on my breathing. I have this weird thing where I take two steps and then breathe. It's weird, but it works for me. I wish I could say I spend this time praying. I run first thing in the morning so it would be a great addition to my Quiet Time. Right now though, I find myself distracted and not able to pray. Sometimes my thoughts turn to to~do lists, or what's going on that day. But a lot of my focus is on breathing and the run itself. I'm hopeful that with more experience and as I become a stronger runner that this will change.
What physical benefit do you enjoy most from running?
The main benefits I've enjoyed are 1) A sense of accomplishment ~ I set a goal to graduate the couch~to~the~5K and achieved it. I set additional mileage and event goals and have achieved them. It's a wonderful feeling to set out to do something and meet that goal. As a Stay~at~Home~ Mom (a term I don't particularly like, let's try "Family Manager" ~ ha!) this is something that I alone own.
2) Weight Loss ~ Running definitely sped up my weight loss.
3) Energy and Attitude ~ I actually notice a difference in my energy and my feeling in general when a few days have gone by without running. Running gives me an extra boost.
4) I find it helps me be more aware of healthy eating choices. Splurges are great, but when I eat something I'm sure it's worth the calories/fat.
2) Weight Loss ~ Running definitely sped up my weight loss.
3) Energy and Attitude ~ I actually notice a difference in my energy and my feeling in general when a few days have gone by without running. Running gives me an extra boost.
4) I find it helps me be more aware of healthy eating choices. Splurges are great, but when I eat something I'm sure it's worth the calories/fat.
What are your running goals?
I feel comfortable running 5Ks now. I'm currently running up to 6 miles at a time and am working on increasing my mileage weekly. My next goal is to take on a 1/2 marathon. There are a few on my list of possibilities: September, November, and May. I'd love to run all three.
I'm hopeful that may happen next June. I know it's easy to do too much too fast and get injured, so I'm trying to research the best training plans.
My ultimate goal is to run a marathon.
I'm hopeful that may happen next June. I know it's easy to do too much too fast and get injured, so I'm trying to research the best training plans.
Do you mix it up and do anything else for fitness?
Now that it's summer and I have both kiddos with me full~time, I'll honestly say that I'm pretty much only running. We bike as a family and take walks, play at the park and pool, etc. But my workouts consist only of running. When possible (and for sure once school gets started) I love working out with my trainer who pushes me on weights. My goal is to do weights and cross~training (biking, spinning, etc) two days a week. I'd also love to throw in some classes at the gym.
How has running helped you be a better wife and mom?
It's super important as a wife and mom to take care of ourselves. It's important that we secure time everyday to care for ourselves. I think it's the easiest thing to skip. But when I take time to devote to my health, I am literally a better wife and mom. My attitude is so much better. My outlook is so much more positive. I feel better physically, so I have more energy to devote to my family. We get out and do more fun things. I look better and feel more attractive. And finally, it's something that I feel success in that's mine and mine alone. Achieving different milestones and events is so much fun.
What is your #1 tip for a mom who wants to start running?
Do It! Seriously. Don't let yourself down. Find friends, seek your family, dive into an online community...surround yourself with encouragement and accountability. But, if running is something that you want to start, Go For It! There are lots of excuses. So you just have to decide that you want it and are willing to work for it. Be smart and don't do too much too fast. That's where the Couch~to~the~5K is a great start.
Thanks, Kim! I've added Kim's blog button to my sidebar. Be sure to visit and check out her great recipes to run on!
To read more "See Mom Run" interviews, click on the label (See Mom Run) at the bottom of this post.
