|
 Andrea Vincent is the founder of a national running group called See Mommy Run. Internet-based with more than 7,000 members in 28 states and growing, See Mommy Run helps moms find local running partners and stay fit- whether its regular walks together or training for a 10k. A longtime runner and athlete, Vincent completed her first marathon at the 2005 MCM.
Ways to Get Fit, Have Fun, and Still Have Plenty of Family Time
1. Family Fun after a Long Run.
You have now increased your mileage to 15+ miles and you feel like you've abandoned your family. How about inviting them to the park where you are training for a play session after you run? You can pre-pack a cooler with sports drinks, healthy carbs, etc. and let your family give you a post-race rub down while you picnic. The kids can chase each other around while you relax, stretch, and rehydrate.
2. Grab the whole family and head outside opposite training days.
Barter a little "me" time for training. Plan fun escapes for the whole family on the weekends opposite your long training day. A trip into the city for some sightseeing, a water park, or even making your own obstacle course in the backyard for a day full of racing and laughter will get everyone excited about the upcoming weekend. They won't even miss dear old mom or dad the next day.
3. Online training programs.
Yes, face-to-face training groups are sensational. However, sometimes they simply aren't feasible when you have young children at home. Many of us cannot drive across town to meet a training group weekday evenings or specific times on the weekends. We must squeeze in our workouts according to our incredibly busy schedules. Online training programs, like the MCM Virtual Trainer can give you the support and accountability you need - without the strict schedules.
4. Specialty Training groups.
There are training groups out there specific to your needs. Groups for dads, moms, stay-at-home moms, working parents, twenty-somethings, forty-somethings...you name it. Dig around on the Internet to see if there is a group appropriate to your needs.
5. Recruit your kids as cheerleaders.
On your long training run days why not pre-plan some activities for your kids while you're gone and schedule a time for them to come out to your training route to cheer you on. The car trip, plus the cheering will take up a good hour of time while you're sweating down the trail. This makes the time you're away seem much shorter.
6. Have friends join your for your last few miles to keep you pumped up.
Hitting the wall at mile 15 of your 20-mile training run? Have some of your running buddies who aren't training for a marathon meet you in a parking lot and run the last few miles with you. They will spark up some new conversations and help you tap into some fresh energy to keep your mind off your aching legs and feet.
7. Brag about it!
Let people in your life and at work know that you are training for a marathon. You'll be surprised at how much support you will get. They might offer to run some errands for you, allow you a more flexible schedule at work, or simply ask you how you're training is coming along.
8. Eat, drink, and be merry!
Celebrate all those miles by treating yourself and your family to some fun dinner parties. Just ran 12 miles for the first time ever? That calls for a celebration!! Also remember to keep chugging that water. Whether you're running that day or not, keep your body hydrated and fueled. And let's not forget those all-important carbohydrates. Chow down on whole grains to keep you from falling flat on your face.
| 
