Helping Moms Cross the Finish Line: Train Like a Mother (With a Giveaway!)
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