The First Time Mom Guilt Hit Me Hard
The first time I skipped a slow Saturday morning at home for a long run, I felt it—that little voice whispering, “Shouldn’t you be spending this time with your kids?” I could have been playing with them, watching cartoons, or just soaking up a lazy morning together. But instead, I was out running miles that, for some reason, felt like they were pulling me away from them.
The guilt settled in fast. Was I being selfish? Was this time for me taking something from them?
At first, every mile felt like a trade-off. But then something changed.
The Moment It Clicked
One day, while watching my boys at soccer practice, I had a realization:
💡 I don’t want to be the mom on the sidelines who can’t keep up.
💡 I don’t want to be the mom who sits out because of health issues.
💡 I don’t want to be the mom who tells her kids to chase their dreams but is too afraid to chase her own.
That’s when I knew—I wasn’t just running for myself. I was running for them, too.
Now, My Kids Embrace My Running
At this point, running is just part of who I am in their eyes. If someone asks, “Where’s Mom?” My boys don’t even hesitate:
🏃♀️ “Oh, she’s running.”
🏃♀️ “She did 10 miles this morning!”
🏃♀️ “Mom, why didn’t you do 11 miles?” (Tough crowd, I know.)
They don’t see my training as time away from them anymore. They see it as something that makes me stronger, happier, and better for them.
In fact, my son just asked to sign up for his first race. He’s running his first 1K in April. And that? That makes my heart explode.
The Guilt Never Fully Goes Away—And That’s Okay
I won’t lie—the guilt still sneaks in sometimes. That little voice still whispers, “Should you be home instead?” But here’s what gives me peace:
💛 I make the time away from them count.
💛 I know they’re proud of me, just like I’m proud of them.
💛 I’m setting an example—not just telling them to dream big, but showing them how.
Mom guilt will always be there in some form, but now, instead of feeling selfish, I remind myself:
✨ I’m not running away from them. I’m running for them. ✨
To the Moms Out There Who Feel Guilty About Taking Time for Themselves…
I see you. I feel you. But let me tell you this: taking care of yourself is taking care of your kids, too. You are teaching them to prioritize health, happiness, and chasing big goals.
So lace up your shoes. Run the miles. Come home sweaty, tired, and proud. Because one day, your kids might just ask to run beside you. 💛🏃♀️
