Howdy, lil mama,

Welcome to another post brought to you in hopes of encouraging you to be the healthiest and happiest mom you can be! Now, exercise? Running? I know, meh. But listen, it’s time to get our booties in gear. Exercise is very important, not just for physical health, but mental and emotional health too.  So in order to keep our bodies and minds (aka our sanity)  in tip-top shape, it’s important to make exercise a part of our lives.  So let me tell you the reasons why running is a perfect choice!

Why Running Is The Best Exercise For Single Moms 

We all know that we need to try and exercise as often as possible in order to stay fit and healthy. Unfortunately, though, not all of us get on with working out all too well. Some people find it quite off-putting and feel that there is just no way they will be able to get into it and get to a point where they start to enjoy it.

Take running as an example. This should be one of the easiest sports to get into as you don’t need to buy any special equipment to do it – you just need your legs! Plus, you can start running at a slow pace that suits your current fitness level. One of the other benefits of running is that it can be easily squeezed into your own schedule. So, you might want to start going for a slow jog whenever the kids are at school or once they have been put to bed if they are old enough to be left alone for a short time. Work it into your schedule however you can!

Do you think that you’d like to try and start running regularly for fitness? Here are some fab tips for beginners that will help you stick with it for as long as possible!

Be Realistic

As you are only just starting out with this new sport, it is really important that you are realistic in the first few weeks. You won’t be able to run far or very fast to start with. That’s something that you need to build up to. So, don’t be put off if you struggle with running when you are starting out. Everyone had to start somewhere and everyone would have felt exactly the same as you – even Mo Farah! Stick with it and before you know it, you will feel a lot better once you are out pounding the streets.

Use A Couch To 5k App

It is crucial that beginner runners do not increase their mileage too soon when they are starting out. Doing so could result in a variety of injuries, such as pulled muscles and shin splints. It can be difficult knowing exactly how quickly you can increase your mileage to start with, so it is always highly recommended that you use a Couch to 5k app. This app will set a running schedule for you and will guide you through the run telling you when you should be jogging and when you need to walk a bit. Over the course of the sessions, your legs will get stronger and, eventually, you will be able to run a 5k non-stop!

Invest In Good Shoes

Any runner, whether a hobbyist or a professional, will tell you that you need to invest in good shoes. You can’t simply run in regular sneakers as they won’t provide your feet and ankles with the necessary support that they need. And you will find that this can quickly lead to running-related injuries. When you are looking for new shoes, it is a good idea to go to a proper running shop so that you can get your gait analyzed. Running shops like the ones mentioned on boston.racked.com offer this service. You will then know what kind of running shoes are best for your feet. To save a bit of money, it’s wise to buy last year’s models.

Buy Proper Socks

It’s not just shoes that you need to splurge on. Good running socks are also a necessity as well. You might want to shop sockwellsocks.com and get some of their compression socks. These are tight socks that come up to the knee. They promote the flow of blood through the calf which is good for runners as it prevents the calf muscles becoming so fatigued too quickly while they are running. All of the pressure on the leg also helps to reduce the risk of suffering from injuries like shin splints.

I know this stuff can be a bit expensive, but remember,  this is considered part of a healthy self-care routine and will improve your self confidence. So it is a good investment.

Always Warm Up And Cool Down

Once you are ready to go out for a run, it is always important that you spend enough time warming up. This helps to raise the heartbeat and get the body ready for some exercise. It also gets the muscles warm and minimizes the risk of injury while you are using your legs so much. The best way to warm up is to go for a short walk and then carry out some dynamic stretches. Generally speaking, warm-up sessions should last around fifteen minutes. Once you have finished your run, you will then need to cool down. This helps to lower the heartbeat and stretch out the muscles so that they can start to recover. To cool down, simply jog at a slower pace to what you were running at during your run for around ten minutes, do some breathing exercises and then stretch your legs well. 

Join A Club

If you find that your motivation starts to wane, you might like the idea of joining a running club. Once you are all signed up as a member, you will be able to join their regular training sessions. It’s a great way to meet like-minded friends, and many people find that running with others is a great way to stay motivated and give them the little push they sometimes need to go further and faster.

Not only that, though, but it gives you the chance to take part in some proper training sessions which can help to improve your runs. Before you know it, you might be entering races and training for a half marathon! So new friends + exercise = a happy mama! 

Stay Hydrated

As with any kind of exercise, it really is crucial that you drink plenty of water before and after each workout. If you aren’t well-hydrated before a run, you might find that your performance isn’t as good as you might have liked. Drinking enough afterward helps the body recover and get ready for its next run, whenever that may be. So, drink up – it’s good for you!

You will find that running is a great exercise that can be done at any time of the day. And it really is a sport for everyone, especially single moms! More reasons to start running are to have that much needed quiet time. As a busy and probably stressed single mom, taking a time-out to go on a little jog will definitely be just like hitting the refresh button. 

Getting those endorphins flowing and enjoying the fresh air doesn’t hurt either! Taking care of yourself is important for taking care of your kids, so keep up with healthy habits and always try to remember that you need attention too.

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A collaboration 🙂

Love, Jess XO