Becoming a mom impacts every aspect of your life—including your physical fitness. Motherhood helped me rediscover my passion for running. Hitting the trail, plus continuing to teach and practice yoga, has helped keep me fit, limber, and nimble, both physically and mentally. These acts of self-care help me find presence and connection with my body, breath, and emotions, even during the most difficult days.
But in order to thrive as a runner, I’ve had to overcome various physical and emotional obstacles that are unique to motherhood. Pregnancy and the postpartum period can wreak havoc on the body and mind. Diastasis recti—a separation of the rectus abdominis—pelvic floor dysfunction, and hyper flexibility, as well as postpartum depression and anxiety, are all common physical and mental changes that can affect mothers’ ability to get their bodies moving.