Helping Moms Cross the Finish Line: Train Like a Mother (With a Giveaway!)
August 16, 2012 by Erin
As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve undertaken the challenge, Training For A 10K. And because I’m no running pro, I’ve had to go to some expert sources to get training advice. One book that has landed on my doorstep at just the right time? Train Like a Mother by the authors of Run Like a Mother and the website AnotherMotherRunner.com, Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea. Whether you’re a relative running newbie and just want to finish a race or you’re more experienced and want to step up your running game, this book has you covered.
The book is set up beautifully no matter what distance you want to tackle. It gives you training plans whether you want to simply “Finish It” or if you’re going for a personal record and want to “Own It,” whether “it” is a 5K, a 10K, half marathon or marathon. Their “Finish It” plan for a 10K is a little ambitious for me as the authors recommend being able to steadily run several miles before tackling it, so I’m taking cues from it as I build up my distance and referring to it frequently for tips and training advice.
If you’re new to the running world and a bit intimidated by the whole running culture, this book will ease you into it so you don’t feel like a phony. The running dictionary in back will hip you to running lingo so you can chat with even the most accomplished runner. And the TMI Tuesdays section had me laughing when talking about farting while running (stepping on a duck? barking spiders? Too, too funny.). I loved reading experiences of other mother runners who answer questions throughout the book sharing their thoughts regarding everything from what they carry on training runs to worst race experiences.
As running moms, both Sarah and Dimity have experience and know-how to help other moms cross the finish line. I found myself nodding and laughing out loud often as they relate their running stories. You can tell that they both have running chops but understand the woman who wants to be a more casual competitor. With chapters on nutrition, recovering, strength training and goals, this book would help anyone, even non-moms, meet their race goals.
This is a book I’ll certainly be turning to as I increase my own mileage—and if I ever do another race! If you’d like a copy, we’re giving a few away. Comment below with which running distance is your favorite and consider yourself entered to win. Winners will be chosen in about a week; U.S. residents only, please. —Erin
5K is my favorite because I can find the time to train (or wing it if something comes up). Hope to challenge myself with something longer next year.
Aww, have this on my wish list. Well 10k is a challenge for me now and was my favorite distance to race when I was younger. It is sometimes hard to find the time to train for that; 5k would be so much more doable!
I love the half-marathon! It’s challenging enough to feel like a real accomplish,ent when you’re done, but it’s doable with a good training program!
Half marathon!
I don’t have a favorite yet- I am currently training for a 5K with the Couch to 5K program. Once I conquer that- I’d love to go for longer distances!
Really like the half marathon. Its a push, but totally doable even with a house full of little ones.
I love the half marathon. It’s long enough to be a serious distance, but I don’t feel as awful afterward as I do after a marathon…and the training is workable with my babies and my preschooler (since I don’t have multiple training runs over 15 miles to work in).
I’m a total beginner and usually only do a mile or two on the treadmill, but I’ve been wanting to train for a 5 k this fall, and then maybe a 10k!
Half-mary — half the distance, twice the fun.
I would have to say 5 miles is my favorite to race
I’m a newbie so I’ve only ever done a 5k (and it was awesome!) but would love to try a half someday. Maybe next year?
I LOVE 10 mile races. They are just the perfect distance….you train hard, but long runs don’t take up an entire morning!
I’ve only run one 10k but I think it was my favorite race distance. My two half-marathons were a great accomplishment but left me thinking (half-jokingly) “why am I doing this?”. 5k’s are great too but I enjoy the challenge of a 10k without being over the top for me.
I love half marathons!!
I am tackleing my first full marathon this January in Disney World and I cannot wait. Here’s hoping I cross the finish line
Training for my 1st 5k, so I’d say that’s my fav right now.
My favorite distance is the marathon, but it kicks my butt every time. I’d love to read what these ladies have to say about training and momhood.
Well I have been wanting to train for a half marathon for the longest. I am excited about this book to see how to fit it all in with being a new mommy and fitness
Congrats to Debbie E., Kayla and Liz! Expect emails shortly!
-FBM Erin