Running Mom: Fitness and Bonding on the Go

We were surprised to meet Christina at the Running Club in San Diego, as most parents often say they don’t have time for physical activities. Yet, there she was, running with her toddler in a stroller, showing that with determination and a little creativity, it's possible to prioritize fitness and set a healthy example for her daughter. It was inspiring to see how she made bonding time with her child an opportunity to stay active and committed to her wellness goals.

Q.How do you maintain a consistent running routine while balancing motherhood?
A. I don’t! I’ve only run twice since pregnancy.  I do whatever activity makes sense given the weather and the development stage she’s in. That’s what allows me to keep doing what I love. I’m not rigid about it. When it was cooler and she wasnt crawling we’d do 12 mile hikes together. My husband and I own a sports performance facility. So once Quinn started crawling and getting fidgety in her carrier I started taking her there so she could explore and I could lift. She goes paddle boarding with me, we ride our horse together, we go for long walks around the bay. My goal is to be active and for her to have a good time, we get creative with the details. 

Q.What values or messages do you hope your child learns from seeing you prioritize health and fitness?
A. My husband was All-American at Stanford for track and had an elite professional career which was ended by an injury in the 2008 Olympic trials. I’d be lying to say we aren’t hoping she winds up with his Olympic potential. But more than anything I want her to have a rad childhood that allows her to become a healthy, happy adult with great memories. 

Q.What does your child’s presence during your runs inspire in you?
A. I love watching her throw her hands up when we’re going fast. She has so much fun, it’s adorable. I’m just happy to give her the same kind of childhood my mother gave me, in my own flavor. My mother took me on so many adventures and really encouraged me to explore the world, even when it terrified her. Having Quinn run, hike, paddle, ride, swim, workout with me all under one year old gets me excited for the rest of her childhood. 

Q.How do you stay motivated to keep up with your fitness goals, even on challenging days?
A.There are three things I rely on in those moments. I know that a little is better than nothing. I know that the first action is often the biggest barrier. And, I know that I’ll feel worse if I don’t do (the workout, the corrective exercise, etc). So when she’s had a tough night of sleep or when I’m feeling stressed about juggling the responsibilities of my doctoral program, our business, and family life I pull out a cloth band and start doing the correctives to help my postpartum recovery. If I can only get through a few sets before she puts up a big fuss then at least I’ve done the things to help me be pain free. If she’s good then I do whatever feels right to do next. 

Q.What does your typical day look like when it comes to balancing parenting, work, and personal fitness?
A. Oh lord. I used to think of an old-fashioned scale when people said the word balance. Now I think of the man in the circus with all the twirling plates on sticks. I have to live by time blocking. I’m in medical school, I have a one year old, we own a business with a dozen employees, we have interns from SDSU and PLNU each term, my husband and our relationship is in there somewhere too. I’m proud to say I got straight As last term. I have everything on a calendar, and I stick to it as closely as I can. I have Quinn solo two full days a week while my husband works (our nanny mostly covers my class time) and any parent knows those are the least predictable days. I know her pretty well by now so I’ve got a sense of what I can get done in her wake windows and what needs to wait for nap time. Those are also my most active days, we get out in the world, do fun stuff, then I work while she naps. 

Q.What advice would you give other moms about establishing and maintaining a healthy routine?
A.It’s honestly the same advice I give anyone. When you’re struggling with getting going you can find any excuse for why it’s not happening. Now, don’t get me wrong, children are demanding and unpredictable and you’re on their clock. BUT when you’re looking for solutions instead, you find them. What works for me is to keep a couple of things out in the open. I use a cloth band, a foam roller, a ToePro, and a Twist Disc for my postpartum pain. I keep those right in the living room so when Quinn is happy to play I can jump right into something that’s good for me. It’s a really low barrier. I do the things with the most impact first so if she gets fussy and I have to stop I’ve made maximum impact with the time. I save the things I can do while holding her for the end so if I wind up being able to get through it all she gets to have cuddle time and be involved. Every child is different and they change as they develop. So, the keys are: 

1. to think creatively 
2. look for solutions
3. start with one thing and let the rest build 

Q.What benefits do you see in maintaining discipline in both your personal and family life?
A. Every. Single. Possible. Benefit. There isn’t an area of life that isn’t positively impacted by discipline. Our success in business? Discipline. My success in school? Discipline. My happiness with life? Discipline. No garden you tend sometimes will ever be as productive as the one with diligent care.