Guest Post: Three Reasons Running Makes Me a Better Wife and Mom

By: Lorraine Robertson, Run Wifey Run There’s something about running that’s changed my life. I’m not quite sure if it’s the rush I get after finishing a race; or the confidence it’s given me after completing a marathon; or simply the escape from my everyday world, but one thing is clear – running makes me a better wife and mother. I haven’t always been a runner. In fact, I used to hate to run. No really, hate is the appropriate word. As a former smoker and laziest person ever it still amazes me, and anyone who knows me, that I now choose to go out running and have made it such a huge part of my life. I made friends with fitness after my second child was born and decided I wanted to have the energy to play with my kids and possibly live long enough to play with their kids, too. After incorporating strength training into my daily routine I longed for a challenge and decided to take on a half marathon. Four months later I did it and decided I would never do that again. Fast forward to December 2009 when the urge to run took over again and I started training for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. Four half marathons, one full marathon and countless 5 & 10K’s later I now consider myself a runner – and I couldn’t be happier. That leads me to reason number one … It makes me HAPPY. Yes, you know the saying, “If mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy,” and it couldn’t be truer. Running is fun for me – and it keeps me sane. Ahem. Participating in races is exciting and has offered me the opportunity to challenge myself in ways I never dreamed possible. Running provides “me time” and also a sense of community. I’ve bonded with people online and in real life that I might have never connected with if it wasn’t for running. It gives me a rush, that runner’s high, and that spills over into my family life. [caption id="attachment_1824" align="alignright" width="126" caption="Peachtree Jr number"][/caption] It makes me a good ROLE MODEL. My children are watching me – especially my daughter – and how I choose to take care of myself sets the tone for what she’s going to choose. Taking care of my body, eating right and exercising are priorities for me and have naturally become important to her. Yes, she still loves cookies and candy (um, so do I – gasp!) but she’s learning about balance and recently completed her second race. My son is active, too, and Husband, a former college football player, recently talked me into doing the Warrior Dash with him. Running is contagious and addictive! It makes me SEXIER. Or at least I feel that way. Running has boosted my confidence, slimmed my waistline and gets my blood flowing. Do I really need to spell out what that can do for your sex life? Seriously, feeling strong, confident and sexy elevates even the best marriages and can have a positive impact in the bedroom. Sex is such an important part of marriage and my running has definitely enhanced it. So, what are you waiting for? Time to lace up and hit the road. Your family will thank you for it! [caption id="attachment_1823" align="alignleft" width="210" caption="Lorraine and Napoleon Sweetwater Run"][/caption] For more tips on health and fitness, check out Lorraine at Run Wifey Run.

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