As I cruise past her, I can’t help but notice the way her ponytail sways with each determined stride. Her hand rests firmly on the jogging stroller, her pace methodical as she pushes through the uphill challenge with not just herself but also her little one—around 50 pounds of a cranky child. I see the toddler wrapped snugly in a blanket, clutching a sippy cup that will undoubtedly be tossed from the stroller at least 15 times during their outing. There’s a fierce look of determination on her face, mixed with fatigue and sweat; it’s a look that speaks to the monumental effort she exerted just to carve out 30 minutes for her own well-being. I recognize her because I once stood in her shoes.
In the early days of motherhood, I often felt overwhelmed by the monotony of nap schedules, endless laundry, and toddler tantrums. As a stay-at-home parent, I absorbed the bulk of daily responsibilities. My partner did his best to help in the evenings, but many nights, I would collapse on the couch, utterly spent, with a pounding headache. My evenings were consumed by mindless TV until my partner gently nudged me to head to bed. I would get a few hours of sleep and then start the cycle anew.
There was little time for self-care. I couldn’t find the opportunity to attend a yoga class to clear my mind, and running after a toddler offered little in the way of physical fitness. I was in my late 20s, yet I felt significantly older and tired. Climbing stairs to change a diaper left me breathless, and playing at the park often felt more taxing than invigorating.
But I was a mother. I thought I had signed up for putting myself last. A friend, however, had other ideas. One warm summer evening, she encouraged me to join her for a run in our peaceful suburban neighborhood. Hesitant but intrigued by the promise of post-run wine, I reluctantly agreed.
That first run was nothing short of a disaster. I huffed and puffed, cursing under my breath as I lagged behind my far more fit friend. When we finally finished, she beamed at me, cheeks flushed, and exclaimed, “Wasn’t that incredible?” I rolled my eyes, limped through the door, and found my partner had managed bedtime without me. Perhaps there was something to this running business after all.
For the remainder of that summer, I committed to prioritizing my own health. I transformed into that mom with the ponytail, diligently jogging behind a stroller. I became the one packing snacks and sippy cups alongside water bottles and energy gels. I learned to navigate tantrums, dropped toys, and missing sippy cups while also managing to stop at busy intersections, contemplating the lack of consideration from drivers for a mother seeking safety.
I quickly grew familiar with the challenges of pushing a stroller full of essentials—diapers, board books, security blankets—uphill. Yet, I also embraced the thrill of downhill slopes, feeling the relief of gravity assist me as my toddler yelled for home.
Most importantly, I evolved into a mom who understood that taking time for myself wouldn’t cause the world to collapse around me. And so, as I drive past the mother in her vibrant running attire, cap snugly on her head, I want her to know that I recognize her struggle.
I see the effort it took to dress her toddler and locate his shoes while he protested against missing his favorite show. I understand how she wrestled with a squirming child to strap him into the jogging stroller, all while he vocally expressed his desire for independence. I am aware of that first mile where the stroller feels like a heavy burden, and I empathize with her fleeting thoughts of abandoning the run for the comfort of the couch.
I can visualize her grip on the stroller handle, feeling the vibrations as she navigates potholes and rocky paths. A downhill stretch becomes a brief respite, making the journey more manageable, even as she pushes through the challenges.
But most of all, I see the fierce determination etched on her face, and I smile as I pass by. When I glance in the rearview mirror, I catch a glimpse of her satisfaction—a look that clearly says she knows she’s a badass because she truly is.
For those interested in exploring the topic of home insemination, you might find valuable insights in this post about the CryoBaby At-Home Insemination Kit, along with guidance on additional resources such as the IVF information from Mayo Clinic, which offers a comprehensive overview of fertility options.
In summary, it’s essential to recognize the extraordinary efforts of mothers striving to care for themselves while raising their little ones. Whether through jogging or other forms of self-care, it’s important to take that time for oneself—because each mom is indeed a badass in her own right.
Keyphrase: “jogging stroller mom”
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]