After the second childbirth, I had to make an effort again to get back in shape for running. Just like with my first child, I gained 23 kg again, and the second child was also born by C-section. I felt like I was starting running from scratch. From April 2023 until now, I have been able to maintain a monthly goal of around 200 km. I participated in a total of 11 races, including road races and trail races. I prefer shorter distances, with the longest race being a 13 km race as part of the Běhej lesy Karlštejn running series. I finished the racing season in October, where I completed a 10 km road running race in 43:16 (my personal record is 42:24 from 2021) and ran a 5 km race in a personal record time of 20:37. My training usually involves parking at the running track while my older child (4 years old) is in kindergarten and the second child is asleep in the stroller, allowing me to run laps. The length of the running track is 340 m, so I always have a good view of the stroller and my child. On weekends, my husband and I take turns running. I run with the stroller when there is no other option. In the next season, I want to focus on improving my speed in the 5 km and 10 km distances, as I enjoy these shorter distances.
And of course, for us parents with young children, maintaining a consistent training routine is very challenging. Taking care of the children, lack of sleep, especially when they are little, and trying to dedicate time to regular exercise is a demanding task. And when both children are sick and you don’t have any help from grandparents or relatives, you feel completely helpless. In such situations, you often become dependent on the presence of your spouse, who comes back from work. You look forward to the moment when you can hand over the children to him and go for a run.
Running with a stroller can be a real challenge, especially if your child doesn’t want to cooperate and wants to be constantly on the move. When I decide to go for a running trip with the stroller, it often happens that my son won’t fall asleep and instead becomes very fussy and refuses to sit in the stroller. Usually, I let him run around and tire himself out so that he will eventually fall asleep in the stroller. This, of course, requires a lot of time, and sometimes running with the stroller can take up the whole afternoon.
And why do I run?
It is important to realize that for us parents with young children, running can be a way to cope with everyday worries and tensions that accumulate during the day. It is a means that helps me gain the necessary energy and it is a moment when I can focus solely on myself and my feelings. Running is also a great way to stay in shape and maintain overall fitness.
