Hey there, fabulous marathon mama! Ready to rock those miles like a boss while juggling work, kids, and the occasional sneaky snack? Heck yes, you are! And fear not, because I've got some suggestions to help you crush your marathon goals with style, structure, and a sprinkle of sass. So let's hit the ground running (pun intended)!
1. Embrace Comfort and Style:
Gone are the days of sacrificing fashion for function. Treat yourself to some stylish yet supportive running gear that makes you feel like the queen of the pavement. Invest in moisture-wicking fabrics, supportive sports bras, and of course, a killer pair of running shoes that make you feel invincible. Nothing says "I'm a badass marathoner" like rocking the right gear that is going to stay where it should the whole race.
Worried about blisters? Don't be afraid to try toes socks. They literally have changed my running life and I haven't had a blister since my switch to them for any runs over 10 miles. For the record, I'm knocking on a very large piece of wood as I type that! Balega socks are another of my favorite go to option to stay blister free, and if you haven't tried them I highly recommend them. As a busy momma, you probably won't get to put your feet up after a run and keeping your feet blister free keeps you moving both at home and on the marathon road.
The basics only get you so far though. No running fashionista would be complete without accessories, and boy does the running hobby have them! Hydration vests, flip belts, no bounce sunglassess, headphones, cool towels and of course the must have apple or garmin watch to make sure you can monitor all your amazing stats! Just like any accessory collection, don't try to build it over night. You can always make little additions to your gear collection as rewards for meeting goals, if it helps you space out purchases a bit.
If you are a Disney or theme runner like me, add in some sparkly skirts and a themed visor to rock the marathon course in style. A word of caution, don't run with anything on race day you haven't trained in. My sister and I personally take a literal approach of fashion after comfort, meaning we have a layer of our trusty performance threads under whatever costume elements we include. Chaffing is the worst and should be avoided at all costs.
One other tip I can pass along, is looking for the gear with obvious real runner reviews. Definitely stay up to date with recommendations from the running community, but verify via site reviews before purchasing anything. Trust me, your wallet will thank me! If you are checking out a sweet pair of shorts and see that a lot of reviews are raving about how they don't move when weight lifting, consider that a red flag. Look for the reviews that say things like "ran a half marathon in these shorts and no chaffing or riding up!" THOSE are the shorts you want to explore more. Amazon and other sites now let you filter by body details too, highly recommend looking at reviews of people with similar body types.
Whatever you decide your running style is, whether over the top and sparkly, natural and modern, or minimal and aerodynamic, the most important thing is you feel confident when you step out the door and helps get you psyched about creating the new best version of you. Confidence supports a motivation and achievement mentality that you will definitely need to conquer the big 26.2.
2. Structure Your Training Plan:
As a working mom, time is your most precious commodity. Craft a training plan that fits seamlessly into your hectic schedule. Break down your weekly mileage, strength training sessions, and rest days. Put it in an app, on paper, on a calendar, or on a white board. Just make sure you lay it out and can visualize and commit the time to those miles!
I do totally get that between school drop-offs, meetings, and soccer practice, your schedule is tighter than your favorite yoga pants, and scheduling the time is easier said than done. My advice is embrace the art of flexibility in your training plan. Can’t squeeze in a long run on Saturday? No problem! Just shift it to Sunday and call it a “Sunday Runday.” See? Problem solved. Flexibility is the name of the game, baby.
I will add that I am historically guilty of sometimes "flexing" out my strength training sessions when schedules get very hectic. Sure, running is important, but let’s not forget about those muscles that keep us upright during those endless conference calls. Highly recommend incorporating some creative strength training into your routine to avoid injuries and unleash your inner Wonder Woman.
A few of my favorites are a quick arm routine while I sing to my toddler as she splashes in the tub before bed. Squats, lunges or oblique side bends while brushing my teeth. Lastly, calf raises while I fold laundry or do dishes. If I add up each little set of a few minutes, I can get close to 20 minutes strength training a day! That is some Mamma Math that works in your favor.
Lastly, lean on your support, but be grateful when doing so. I try to make sure if I have to go for a four hour long run, my hubby is ok keeping an eye on the littles and I don't just assume he is. I also try to have go to activities that he can use to help keep them entertained while I'm out, in an effort to support him while he supports me. One final thing I try to do, is to schedule in some time for him to have some "man time" to himself to decompress. Its important that we keep the balance and blocking off reciprocal time to corral the littles while he does something for himself helps achieve that. So for me, happy man, means happy running plan!
3. Find Your Accountability Partner:
Let's face it – marathon training can be a lonely endeavor. Recruit a fellow friend as your trusty sidekick and accountability partner or join a local run club. Whether it's virtual check-ins, early morning runs together, or post-workout coffee dates, having someone by your side to cheer you on and hold you accountable can make all the difference. Plus, it's way more fun to swap marathon horror stories over a post-run treat.
An added benefit is the safety component that a running buddy can have. Nobody wants to think worst case scenario, but it can be a dangerous world out there for females. I know it's not always possible to have someone run with you though, especially long run days. In those cases I would recommend letting your accountability partner know what route you plan on running, what time you step out the door and when you get back. For added safety I also carry pepper spray, which I have actually had to use once when approached by two rottweilers. They probably would't have hurt me, but I would rather be safe the sorry.
A running partner can also help you push your limits and reach new milestones. Whether it’s pushing the pace during speed workouts or tackling longer distances, having someone to run with can help you challenge yourself in ways you might not do on your own.
4. Fuel Your Body Like the Superwoman You Are:
Nutrition is key when it comes to marathon training. Stock up on nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and keep you energized for those long runs and endless diaper changes.
Think lean proteins, complex carbs, and plenty of fruits and veggies to keep your mom power at peak performance. And hey, don't forget to treat yourself to the occasional indulgence – because let's be real, you deserve it.
During training runs, keep the carb party going with energy gels, chews, or whatever floats your boat. Sip on sports drinks like it's a fancy cocktail party, and don't forget to hydrate like your plants on a hot day! I recommend you treat your training runs like a buffet—try different snacks and timings to find your perfect combo. It's all about finding what makes your body sing!
After you think you figured out what works best, make your long runs a dress rehearsal for race day. Practice your fueling routine so that come race day, it's like second nature.
Post-run, always refuel like it's a victory feast! Think smoothies, chocolate milk, or a sandwich so good it deserves its own medal. Your body will thank you with happy muscles and a content stomach!
Remember, consistency is key, both in training and fueling strategies. Stick to what works for you, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on how your body responds.
5. Don’t Forget to Hydrate:
Let’s be real – chasing after kids all day is basically a marathon in itself. Stay hydrated before a run like your life depends on it (because, let’s face it, it kinda does). Invest in a fancy water bottle, slap some motivational stickers on it, and sip your way to hydration greatness. Bonus points if it matches your running shoes.
During your training runs have a hydration plan. Whether that's a water bottle tucked in a belt, in your hand, or strapped to your back, make sure you at least have H2O. For longer runs, it is also a good idea to build into your intended route a rest stop that has a water fountain in case a refill is needed or a bathroom. With great hydration can come great bladder responsibility, make sure you plan accordingly.
After your run, immediately start drinking. It is normal to lose 1-2 pounds in water weight while running, but you do need to replenish to help your body recover. This typically falls in the range of 16-20 oz of water for me.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, ladies – marathon training as a working mama made easy breezy, stylish, and oh-so-fabulous. With the right gear, a structured training plan, and your trusty sidekick by your side, there's no distance you can't conquer. So go ahead, embrace the journey, the sweat, and the occasional mid-run dance party. You've got this, fellow marathon mama!
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