The Comparison Trap for Moms Who Run

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, the hosts discuss their recent race experiences, the challenges of comparison in running, and the unique struggles of postpartum running. They share personal stories about their journeys, the importance of community, and how to navigate the pressures of performance while balancing motherhood.

Takeaways

• Running can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for mothers.
• Comparison to others can be detrimental to mental health and motivation.
• Finding joy in running is essential, especially after having children.
• Postpartum running requires patience and understanding of one's body.
• Community support can significantly impact a runner's journey.
• It's important to set personal goals rather than comparing to others' achievements.
• Taking breaks from competitive environments can help maintain mental well-being.
• Running should be fun and fulfilling, not just about performance.
• Every runner's journey is unique and should be celebrated.
• Embracing the process of running can lead to greater appreciation for the sport.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to the Hosts and Their Running Backgrounds

04:05

Race Experience: The Vegas Half Marathon

07:02

The Importance of Mental Toughness in Running

10:03

Balancing Family Life and Running

12:54

The Impact of Weather and Environmental Factors on Running

15:54

Comparison in Running: Past vs Present

18:52

Finding Joy in Running After Health Struggles

21:39

The Role of Community in Running

24:48

Postpartum Running: Challenges and Strategies

27:39

The Shift from Competitive to Enjoyable Running

30:27

Healthy vs Unhealthy Comparison in Running

33:35

The Journey of Returning to Running After Having Kids

36:21

Final Thoughts on Running and Motherhood

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]