Textual description of firstImageUrl

Huh? How did I get here?

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Even though I've been running since the birth of my fourth child, fifteen years ago, I still find it hard to think of myself as a real runner.

Aren't real runners lean and fast?

Because aren't runners those lean and mean people that run about in very small, wispy shorts with matching tops and a number pinned to their chest? And don't runners go really fast?

I don't match any of these criteria.

'I hate sports!' I tell friends who know me from way back when, and know my fondness for the couch. And to be sure I add: 'I think sports are stupid!'

And yet I run. For fifteen years, five days a week.

Being a runner is a lot like being a mom

It's a lot like being a mom. I've been a mom for twentyone years now, but I still often wonder:

'What lunatic left me in charge of five children and a whole household to run?!'

Because aren't mothers brisk competent women, full of confidence, who know what they're doing?

And yet I am a mother.

For twentyone years, at least twentyfour hours a day.


  1. Dear Mom, I love your post, I get it. You're better than you think. You have shown such resilience and stick-ability as a runner and a mom, that is how you got where you are. No need to compare with anyone else, they have their shortcoming and challenges like we all do.

    Bloggers Pit Stop

    1. Thanks Kathleen. Those are some wise words. I love it.

  2. I ask myself the same question everyday! I'm knackered and I just have the 1 child! I also do not match the criteria for 'runner' :)


  3. I also have 5 children. Mine are ages 2 years - 9 years, I feel like all I ever do is run. And chase my tail, I chase my tail a lot! #MMBH

  4. I love this comparison of runners and moms. Thanks so much for sharing with the Let's Get Real Party.

  5. Running for 15 years! That's impressive! Thanks for sharing with #overthemoon. This is my first time on your site. Can't wait to read more!

    1. The trick is to turn running into a habit. That way you don't have to rely on your will power of character.

  6. I was tired having two children but it's been nearly 6 weeks since having my third child and my god I've never been so tired in my life!
    Thank you for linking up to #justanotherlinky