I will be the first to tell you that running doth not a skier make.
I learned this the hard way one autumn, when preferring running to biking and running to weights, I did nothing but run. Come winter, while my legs were in great shape for running, they were not ready for skiing.
Since then I’ve become smarter, incorporating other training and exercise into my year-round routine. But running is still my cornerstone.
And while it may not be good for skiing, it’s fantastic for all else that ails me.
Tales From Another Mother Runner
If you’re a runner, you already know that running is good for your body and your mind.
I don’t know if it’s the repetitive motion and breathing, or maybe it’s just the endorphins, but for achieving peace of mind and clarity, nothing works for me like running. As one of my friends says, “it’s totally Zen.”
So when asked to review Tales From Another Mother Runner, an anthology of “triumphs, trials, tips and tricks from the road,” edited by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, I was all in.
McDowell and Shea are competitive runners. They power through marathons and one of them even admits to peeing on the fly in order to keep on pace. Founders of the website anothermotherrunner.com, and contributors to Runner’s World, they’ve written two running guides for women, Run Like a Mother and Train Like a Mother.
They’ve even coined a name for themselves and their kind: Badass Mother Runners.
While I’ve never met either of them, based on that name alone, I know I’d like them.
Plus, since I’m always open to tricks and tips, I couldn’t wait to delve into this book. Before I even touched it’s cover, I was anticipating the connections I’d make with these like-minded women.
Unfortunately, by the time I received the book, I was no longer running.
Broken Arms and Busted Plans
It turns out to be pretty painful to read about someone doing something you love when you can’t do that something.
I broke my arm this spring and for eight weeks I was not allowed to run. Instead, I walked. I logged hours on elliptical machines and stair climbers at the gym. I lifted with one arm and did tons of squats and other exercises to keep my knees and hips strong.
Yet, none of these things replaced running or it’s endorphins.
And, every time I’d open Tales From Another Mother Runner, I feel both sad and annoyed.
The book is divided into topical sections, the first being Ownership: You are a Runner. This section includes three offerings from women sharing their insecurities about being athletes, mothers and runners, what with imperfect bodies, ability and lives.
Rereading these essays, I see that they speak to beating back the demons of insecurity that pursue us, no matter how fast we’re running or walking or trying to make it through each day.
But back in April, they were just annoying.
“You’re complaining about being called a jogger, instead of a runner?” I’d think to myself.
“Try eight weeks of riding the couch and watching Freaks and Geeks on Netflix. You’ve got no complaints!” (Apologies to Freaks and Geeks – watching it was one of the better parts of my spring).
Back on the Trail
On July 29th, I ran three miles without stopping for the first time since early June when I had cancer surgery.
My time was terrible, way off my regular pace. But, I had completed THREE.MILES.WITHOUT.STOPPING.
With this accomplishment, I was ready to start reading about running. And once I reopened Tales From Another Mother Runner, I’ve hardly put it down.
Universal Experiences
As you might guess, motherhood, with all of its joys, inconveniences, annoyances and manifest miracles, plays a role in each of the essays.
Like many of us, some of these women returned to, or began running, in response to becoming mothers. They wanted to lose weight and get in shape, and in running they found a time-efficient, sanity-saving escape and a way to recapture a sense of accomplishment.
Running has also helped many of these women cope with the hills and valleys of each day. It’s seen them through illness and divorce, disappointment and depression. It’s helped some of them get out of bed each morning.
Running has helped them forge friendships with other women and strengthen the bonds of matrimony and family.
And it helps them make sense of life.
While Kristin Armstrong astutely explores the difference between happiness and joy in one essay, Nicole Knepper wisely notes that while life is often unfair, running is where everything makes sense.
At it’s very best, running can be uplifting, confessional and addictive. And those same adjectives describe this book at it’s very best.
To be fair, competitive running undergirds many of the essays (remember, these are Runner’s World women). But you don’t have to know your PR to enjoy the read.
If you’re alive, and you run, and your life is not always perfect, you’ll discover some of your own experiences here, shared in another’s writing.
Tales From Another Mother Runner Giveaway
I’m excited to give away a copy of Tales From Another Mother Runner.
To enter, please leave a comment about
- what running means to you, or
- why you run, or
- if you don’t run, the activity that inspires you and keeps you sane.
One winner will be chosen randomly on August 31.
Good luck!
To facilitate this review, I received a copy of Tales From Another Mother Runner. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
Getting in Shape for Ski Season?
- The Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting in Shape for Ski Season, November 19, 2014.
- Get In Shape for Skiing and Snowboarding, October 21, 2013.
- Get In Shape for Ski Season, October 24, 2012.
- Get Ready for Ski Season in 15 Minutes Per Day, October 13, 2011.
- Getting In Shape for Skiing, September 14, 2010.
- Getting in Shape for Telemark and Cross-Country Skiing, September 15, 2010.
- Getting in Shape for Snowboarding, September 16, 2010.
© 2015 – 2017, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
alyssa says
Running, hiking, getting out is one of my greatest muses. It inspires me for daily living. But being slow and not a “natural” running I have taught my own mind battles not to compare myself to others. But this is a worthy battle in all areas of life!
braveskimom says
I love how you call running your muse. It is so inspirational and a worthy battle. Plus you’re a superstar, no matter how slow you may feel, you cover the distance! Keep fighting on!
Thanks.
Carol Northrup says
I run because it is one of the very few things I can control … no matter what else happens in my day I know I ran … I also run b/c I REALLY like to eat!
braveskimom says
Oh my goodness, this is so true! Running is one of the few things we can control. And, yes, you are right…it certainly can burn those calories! Thanks so much for commenting!
Julie Bradley says
Running has been my form of “moving meditation” for 30+ years now (that sounds like a really long time now that I put in down in writing!). It has been my motivator, monkey-mind controller and easy-to-take-anywhere exercise routine.
braveskimom says
“Moving meditation” describes running even better than “totally Zen.” And with running, there’s never a flat tire! Thank you so much!
Cathy G says
Running, like no other exercise, allows you to dream, contemplate and clear the cobwebs. It is the perfect exercise for travelers – easy, portable… Running gives you a glimpse of an area without crowds at sunrise. I love watching a city wake up. Glad you are back to it Kristen. Sent this on to Carla Kohls and her crowd of running mothers.
braveskimom says
Thanks Cathy! I love how you describe the benefits of running. It’s good to be an early morning riser — to bad I fail at that! Hope to see you on the trail soon. Cheers, Kristen
Sarah says
I like running (esp as a mom) bc it’s cheap, quick, requires almost no gear and can be done from my front door at almost any time with a stroller!
braveskimom says
Totally agree. Cheap, just need shoes. Easy, no special gear or equipment (just shoes!), plus never a flat tire. Run on Sarah!
Kate says
I love running, particularly trail running, but just haven’t found my groove yet since having my daughter (she’s 8 months now)–hope it’ll pick up here late summer/fall. Hoping to build a routine where for school drop-off, I run/walk with my son riding his scooter or bike & my daughter in the stroller… I love the mother runners! I’ve read both of their previous books, and look forward to checking out their latest.
braveskimom says
Sounds like you’ve got a good plan! Good luck!
Jill W says
Running, walking, hiking….I find solace in being outside and allowing my head to clear, doesn’t matter if it’s a quick 10 minutes on a break from work or an all day excursion. My feet just wanna keep on going! I just bought run like a mother and am loving it, would love a copy of another mother runner!
braveskimom says
You are so right. Between the movement and the fresh air, it is such a head clearer! Good luck!
Brynn Moe says
Each season of life gives me another reason why I run, although currently I run to clear my head, to get back in shape and to enjoy the fresh air. Others seasons my reasoning has been the social aspect, the drive to get better, another race and new trails to explore. There is always the chance to get faster by pushing my twins and a toddler. 🙂 Some days there is simply just a love to run that gets me going.
Excited to read this book! 🙂 Thanks for your review.
braveskimom says
All great reasons! Good luck!
Ashley B. says
I have gone from hating to loving (or at least tolerating most of the time…) running! I have worked up to 6 miles and ran my first 10k. Definitely a great experience! I love running with my daughter in her jogging stroller and I am thankful for weekend mornings when I have the opportunity to run by myself. I’m slow and steady but its good for my body, heart and mind to get out there a run!
braveskimom says
I, too, was a running hater. But it’s just so easy with a baby — in a stroller. And then you are so right, running solo is good for the soul, as well. Thanks for sharing your feelings! I totally relate. Cheers!