As Moms we are always harping on our kids.  Call it what you want; harping, nagging, “encouraging”, our goal is universal, to motivate our offspring to get something done!    This time of year as we wean our kids away from summer and nudge them to wake up early, brush, floss and dive into the school routine; we are focused on getting them of the right foot for the year ahead. But what about us?

We often forget to look inward and see what we might need for ourselves.  Who has the time?  Now is the time!  Back to School, back to a regimen.  Take this opportunity to schedule in some time of your own to run.  The precious training moments may be squeezed in between work and kid’s activities but the routine will allow for running normalcy, even if the kids are over programmed, there is a consistency to the days.  Time for you to settle into a schedule and carry on, back to school preparedness graduates to our level; Back to Run Like a Mother!

New eco- friendly lunchboxes, endless school supplies, the “right” pair of shoes that are comfortable and yet possess some cool, class lists and “moving up” anxiety; the weeks before school are jammed packed with the newness of another school year.  For your children, but what about you?Even if you don’t have children, you certainly remember the excitement of finding “just the right” pencil case to set you apart from the mundane plastic supplies.

Run Like a Mother has taken some of our favorite Back to School rites for our children and applied them to our running lives.  Just as you motivate your children to begin their year, take this opportunity to get your Back to Running list accomplished to get yourself out on the road.

New School Shoes:            “Momma always says there’s an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they’re going. Where they’ve been. I’ve worn lots of shoes” ~ Forrest Gump

Invest in a new pair of running shoes.  Treat yourself to the attention of an independent running retailer, someone that can fit you properly.  Have them bring out a few pairs and choose the one’s that fit your flair. As your child has likely exhibited; You won’t wear them if you don’t like them. Visit lace Up Local to find a specialized running store near you. http://www.laceuplocal.com/find-a-local-retailer.html

First day of school clothes:          Oh, what to wear?

The Lunch Box:  If you are preparing for a longer distance race, it may be necessary to carry water and food on your run, or perhaps you just need to carry keys, a cell phone or  tissue (in case a jump into the woods is necessary).  There are many types of nutrition carrying options  from the technical Fuel-Belt brand to simple waist packs that are waterproof and lightweight.  Many waist packs come in fun colors and nearly all of them have a reflective component.

Book socks, binders and #2 pencils only get a student so far, just as the new running clothes won’t set the PR, or even get you out on the road, we must  think of non-material ways to get ourselves out the door.

The Class Schedule:           A few weeks before the start of school, the  “who’d you get” buzz happens with the kids as they receive their school schedule.  “The Schedule”. We all need it, something to tell you where to go and how to get there.  Without a schedule, you wander aimlessly and without purpose.  If you are serious about getting into a running groove, find a plan, a program, a method to the madness.  Even the most knowledgeable coaches and athletes follow schedules as it is a sure way to stay on task.  Even if you don’t have a goal race planned, the simple act of scheduling out a run increases adherence and leaves little room for excuses.

Plan your Holidays:   As soon as our children start school, they want to know when the first holiday happens.  The excitement of starting school lasts moments before the reality of homework spoils the fun.  It is always great to have a “carrot” dangling in front of you like a holiday.  As you plan your workout schedule, fit in a treat now and then.  It can be a pedicure or a walk with a non-running friend; choose something that is a little indulgent, leaves you refreshed and inspired to return to running.  You work hard and deserve to treat yourself! Recovery days are essential to your mind and body and will strengthen you as an  athlete.

The Progress Report:         Often times taking on a big project is daunting, hard to see the end when it looms so large.  Cramming at the last minute doesn’t work (at least that is what we tell our kids), so chipping away at small bits at a time is the tried and true way to accomplish the big task.  If you take a 12 week running goal and make three weeks mini-goals it will keep you fresh.  For example, in preparation for the a ½ marathon, celebrate your first 10K distance, and then 10 miler; mile markers that are milestones themselves.

So now that the kids routine is set, it is time to set yours. Make a habit happen now and reap the benefits when you need to slip on that cute little black number for your holiday party. Your routine will pay off!

If you are just beginning an exercise program, please consult a physician. An exercise stress test may be used to help plan an exercise program that is suitable for you.

Please always know your route, run against traffic and make sure you are visible!