Ahhh… the Olympics!  Besides the joy you get from seeing your own child reach developmental milestones, there is very little that compares to the inspiration and human interest generated by these games.  I feel inexplicable pride watching our country’s greatest athletes compete for our honor… especially when I consider the fact that some of them are mamas just like us! Take Kara Goucher for example: she has a son slightly older than Baby N which means she faces the same challenges that I do on a daily basis- a little one with sleepless nights, separation anxiety, stubborn molars, and titanic tantrums- and still manages to put up impressive times as an Olympic marathoner.  She is super-human… TWICE over!

In speaking with my mommy friends, I’ve realized that I’m not the only one feeling momspiration from fabulous women at the summer games but I have noticed a trend in my conversations- we all want to be more physically fit, but we have limited time and we can’t always pinpoint the best way to optimize it with our little ones in tow.  Luckily, BCB has a bevy of fitness gurus ready to weigh in to help us out!

Our experts have helped us put together five days worth of mom-friendly workouts- all of which are baby friendly, take less than 45 minutes, and can be achieved without any specialized equipment (expect a jog stroller of course- but by now you probably think of your jog stroller as a family member!).

To kick things off- and in honor of Goucher, my personal momspiration- Leah Soro Skinner, running coach from Enlightened Performance here in Austin, has created 3 running workouts for both beginning and intermediate fitness levels (Hey- if you consider yourself advanced, you probably already have your own successful routine).  Leah started running in third grade with a summer youth program and after discovering a love for distance running in high school went on to earn All SEC and All Region honors in cross country while running for the University of Tennessee.

She credits he father, also a life long runner, with giving her the confidence, motivation, and love for the sport.  As an adult, she has found a more laid back relationship with the sport and now enjoys sharing her love of running with others to help them accomplish their fitness goals.  She certainly walks the walk…. errr, runs the run (?).  As Leah puts it, “The way being fit makes me feel inspires me to stay active. I have always enjoyed seeing what my body was capable of and how far I could push myself. After I work out, I feel like I can accomplish anything.”

I’m a brave, brave woman for letting my husband snap some photos of me on his iPhone while I was doing one of Leah’s track workouts in the late afternoon Texas sun (My yucky, sweaty day is now broadcast to all the world… so no excuses from the rest of you)! But seriously… How stinkin’ cute is Baby N when we’re really moving in that jog stroller!?!                                                  Want my take on my jog stroller?  Check out my note below.

With an understanding for the time constraints moms face, Leah sees running as an ideal fitness option. “Running is the most efficient way to get fit when you are a mom because you can run with the stroller and get a great workout in in less than 45 minutes” says Leah.  “You do not have to drive anywhere or buy any fancy equipment other than good shoes and a jog stroller. There are no gym fees and you do not have to pay a baby sitter. Plus running with your kids inspires them when they get older to stay active and healthy. It really is a win all around. It keeps you happy and healthy so you can be a super mom!”

What are Leah’s top three tips for someone who is interested in starting a running routine? “Be patient – running can be grueling!  The first 3 weeks are usually fine, but that 4-6 weeks gets really rough. Stick to it and it will pay off big time. Start slow – this goes with the first tip. Don’t try to become Kara Goucher in the first month. You will burn yourself out and end up hurt. Be consistent – If you run on a regular schedule, staying committed to a sustainable long term running schedule is easy. It is the best investment in your health you can make (other than yoga!) so make it a consistent habit!”

Okay, so maybe we all can’t be Kara Goucher… but thankfully there are women out there like her and Leah to keep us inspired!  And maybe, just maybe, someday Kara will run across our blog and find inspiration in ME- because if there was an Olympic medal for healthy, sustainable meal planning or waxing poetically about life in the mommyhood I would totally win it!

Want to download a PDF copy to take with you on your workout?  Snag it here: BCB Busy Mama Running Workouts

Stay tuned next week for cross training with Meagan Listruth from Baby Boot Camp!

Gear note: It’s no secret that I’m a stroller junkie and, just like with every other type of stroller, I have a couple joggers in my stable.  For track workouts, I really love my Joovy Zoom360.  It’s nice and light weight for a jogger which is great when I’m moving at a faster pace than I would be on the bumpy Town Lake trails.  I love the swivel wheel because I don’t have to slow down to turn the stroller or bother with picking up the front wheel.  It comes with a tire pump strapped in the basket and the organizer attached… and anyone who has ever paid for a premium price for a stroller and then shelled out $50 for a cup holder can tell you why that’s awesome.  Plus, it just looks flashy! I may not be the fastest person on the track, but at least I look the part.  (PS… Texas Company Y’all!)

BCB and Leah remind you to always consult a physician before beginning a workout routine and,  most importantly, listen to your body!