after my last baby was born, I had such bad postpartum depression.

I had never really had postpartum depression with my other three. I do believe a lot of it stemmed from knowing that she would be my last baby, and so every milestone she hit felt like a period of grieving because I knew that this was the last time that I would hold a newborn or see my baby take their first steps or potty train even... I dreaded her growing up and being more independent because I knew that that was the end of having babies.

Enter running.

Running has been there for me in so many ways other than just the physical benefits that you get from the sport. Mentally running helped me cope with the Covid pandemic as a nurse in the ER, running helped me heal from things that happened when I was younger and build confidence in myself, belief that I am capable of getting myself through hard situations. Running gave me a place to go when I needed a moment to myself. Running helped fill that void of what would I do when my babies were no longer babies..

I spent most of my 20s having babies, feeding babies, taking care of babies. I didn’t know who I was outside of that and running gave me a place. Now that my girls are older and more independent I’m glad I have running, and it’s something that I do get to share with them as they go for runs with me here and there and they support me. Running truly is a magical thing. #runtok #run #runner #motherrunner #runnergirl #running #ultrarunner #motherhood #mom

2025/7/11 Edited to

... Read moreAfter having my fourth child, I faced severe postpartum depression, an experience I hadn't dealt with after my previous pregnancies. The knowledge that this would be my last baby triggered a deep sense of loss and frustration. Each milestone my daughter reached felt bittersweet, reminding me of the fleeting nature of infancy and childhood. Running emerged as my sanctuary during this challenging period. Not only did it improve my physical health, but it also provided a mental outlet where I could process my emotions as a nurse working through the pandemic. Venturing out on runs became a form of therapy, allowing me to regain a sense of identity outside of motherhood. This new passion not only helped me heal but also became a delightful activity to share with my daughters as they grew older. They began to accompany me on runs, turning a solitary escape into a shared bonding experience. Seeing their enthusiasm as they cheered for me during races transformed the way I viewed both running and motherhood. I love this phase where they are independent enough to let me run a couple of miles, while still wanting to know how my run went when I return. Running, once a challenge to fit into my schedule, has now become a rewarding aspect of our family life, symbolizing resilience, growth, and connection. This journey from postpartum struggles to finding joy in exercise illustrates the power of nurturing our passions, even as our roles evolve.

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