tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post8829021519679008911..comments2023-10-26T07:41:45.395-04:00Comments on RACING WITH BABES: is running selfish?TMB @ RACING WITH BABEShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670409852045798697noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-63079466529031235312010-11-01T21:05:06.861-04:002010-11-01T21:05:06.861-04:00Thin line, for sure. There are times when a run wo...Thin line, for sure. There are times when a run would be completely selfish. Like tomorrow I really wanted to go meet up with a local running group for the first time, at 6 PM. But my hubby has an important test he is taking on Wed. I could go to the group, but it would be selfish. He has a one time test that he has to study for. I can meet the group another time. I think it is give and take and consideration. At one point, my hubby was working out constantly. i never had a chance myself because I just couldn't get it in. That was selfish on his part (pretty sure annonymous mentioned this is his/her comment). It took serious time away from our family and caused some serious problems. Not to mention I sat aroudn with a baby and got bigger and bigger and more and more frustrated until I was able to work my way into a running routine that worked for our family.<br /><br />Excellent topic T! In the end, I think running makes us better moms, wives, lovers, you name it...yep, I said lovers. I know. Corny. =)5 Miles Past Emptyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16542419394717296576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-62125855895139874312010-11-01T18:21:12.722-04:002010-11-01T18:21:12.722-04:00Amen, sister! I feel like by running and making yo...Amen, sister! I feel like by running and making your fitness and health (both mental and physical) a priority is so important for kids to see. Selfish? Please. I think that what's selfish is allowing yourself to become sick because of a sedentary lifestyle sprinkled with an unhealthy diet. To quote: It is an act of love, to both you and your loved ones, to take of yourself so others aren't forced to. <br /><br />Also, you are setting a good example for your daughter who will grow up to see that it is ok to take "me" time as a mom. I never got to see that, and I still struggle with doing things for myself....DaphneBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05920378647208480244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-62476109077880144862010-11-01T15:39:20.417-04:002010-11-01T15:39:20.417-04:00I'm so tired of women acting like there is som...I'm so tired of women acting like there is some sort of contest going on to see who the most selfless person is. I get called selfish all the time because I don't have kids. I hear my sister being called selfish because she didn't quit working. It goes on and on and I just wish we'd stop judging each other and start supporting each other.<br /><br />I think it's great that you're a mom and you run. What better way to be a role model for your kids?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00512369678051380428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-12555408533568403662010-11-01T14:29:48.536-04:002010-11-01T14:29:48.536-04:00For the first time ever, our kids are predicted to...For the first time ever, our kids are predicted to have a SHORTER lifespan than us, due to obesity. There is nothing selfish about taking care of ourselves and setting a good example of an active lifestyle for our children. <br /><br />Due to a cold with wheezing, I missed my long run this morning. Instead I went to Kohls and spent way too much money. So much better for me to run in my limited free time! ha haJillCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-45435127462217591892010-11-01T13:33:55.902-04:002010-11-01T13:33:55.902-04:00Absolutely not! I think moms often aren't self...Absolutely not! I think moms often aren't selfish ENOUGH to take care of themselves and their families suffer. Running is the #1 way I take care of myself as a wife and working mom of 3 young kids. In fact when I'm really stressed or panicking, my husband TELLS ME to go running b/c he knows I'll come back in a much better mental space.Corrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04491213912278655711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-24767864569911376252010-11-01T12:43:36.139-04:002010-11-01T12:43:36.139-04:00As a mom of five, running has made a huge positive...As a mom of five, running has made a huge positive impact on my and my family. This month, I will have been running for an entire year. My kids have mentioned many times on how much happier and nicer I am ... even when I am disciplining them too.<br /><br />Currently, I am running four days a week. I'm considering running five days a week, because there's some extending family stress that I need to pound out on the pavement. Plus, I want to run the Marine Corps Marathon next October.OrangeBlossomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03108717325679994801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-67426353616122887612010-11-01T12:19:34.459-04:002010-11-01T12:19:34.459-04:00Honestly I think parents that maintain a healthy l...Honestly I think parents that maintain a healthy lifestyle teach their children to be active and healthy. So if a person does nothing and stays home all day that's only showing their kids that that is what a family does. Who wants to do that! You keep doing what you do :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10477732030588021519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-24879887404005578102010-11-01T11:47:21.898-04:002010-11-01T11:47:21.898-04:00There is no way that a mother that runs is being s...There is no way that a mother that runs is being selfish. It's something you enjoy. In order to be a good mom, you need to have your time and enjoy something of your own. NEVER think you're being selfish!Runners Fuelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12489147811054118908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-59699613867765410612010-11-01T10:49:07.907-04:002010-11-01T10:49:07.907-04:00I love the anonymous commenter. First comment har...I love the anonymous commenter. First comment harsh and then kissing your butt a little. Too funny. anyhooo<br /><br />I could right a book on the question, is running selfish?<br /><br />By definition when one thinks about one's self that is being selfish. And I say, I am entitled to a hour of my time every day. Selfish. Sure. Just as selfish as it is for my hubbs to want a hour of my day for him and my kids, oh they want more than an hour of mommy. And they are not thinking of mommy, they are think of themselves and their needs. Selfish. Just because it is selfish does not make it a negative. It is a postive to think about one's self. <br />Just now (honestly!) my hubbs just called me at work and asked me to make him a pot of coffee because he "was out." That means is cup from home was empty. Does he go to a drive through, NO. He wants some of my time to save him some time. See. We all do it. Just in different ways.<br />It is NOT a negative to be selfish. If we never do anything for ourselves because we have our own desires and dreams how shallow of a person will we be when we are left with a empty house and our children have grown? <br />I am a runner and yes, many days I am selfish! And my family benefits from it.Shellyrm ~ just a country runnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03822262051285512641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-69121859439423220622010-10-31T23:53:30.951-04:002010-10-31T23:53:30.951-04:00I will NEVER subscribe to the school that requires...I will NEVER subscribe to the school that requires me to surrender my identity simply because I have kids. I am a better person, better mom because I love things other than my kids. Not more than them; aside from them. <br /><br />My friend Kristi wrote beautifully on the topic of mommy martyrdom ...<br />http://interruptedwanderlust.blogspot.com/2010/05/blue-dress-continued.html<br /><br />I just generally ignore that sort as a rule.Jesserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05013474410670354084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-91709675647094842452010-10-31T22:40:04.671-04:002010-10-31T22:40:04.671-04:00I so so so agree!! I am a much better wife and mot...I so so so agree!! I am a much better wife and mother when I run regularly. I have noticed if it isn't every other day, things can get ugly. I think women who do something for themselves are better people overall. I have seen too many women get lost in their families or their jobs and their lives are just sad.ihaverunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12353024020794141387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-79648045369348587842010-10-31T16:21:48.522-04:002010-10-31T16:21:48.522-04:00Yeah I totally don't agree with that statement...Yeah I totally don't agree with that statement (non-mom here). By taking care of yourself you provide for your family. <br /><br />If you were out of shape, overweight, health probs, etc.... how the heck would you care for your children?<br /><br />That's what I would say to someone who told me exercising moms are selfish.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-24965238791991743922010-10-31T15:55:52.827-04:002010-10-31T15:55:52.827-04:00Well said Lesley! Even as a stay-at-home mom, I c...Well said Lesley! Even as a stay-at-home mom, I can find myself just being selfish with being on the phone, computer, or letting other distractions push my kids aside and using the excuse that I'm home all day with them and need a break. I think that sometimes it is easier for me to take my kids for granted since I am at home all the time...sometimes I think my time with them when I was working was actually more quality than it can be now if I'm not careful. But running in itself is part of what keeps me focused on my kids during the day.Amanda@runninghoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16389034066639666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-79067554063235567852010-10-31T15:24:56.756-04:002010-10-31T15:24:56.756-04:00I am exactly like that. I snap at silly things on...I am exactly like that. I snap at silly things on days I haven't had my "release" (running). Not to mention that if you aren't keeping your body healthy, you might be shortening your time with your children anyhow...<br /><br />But on another end, I DO think there can be too much. I do know a set of parents who each have 3 or more large time and money-sucking interests outside of the home plus work full time. Their evenings and weekends are spent on these interests... and I'm sorry, but at that point, I do think it's selfish... they don't even see their children but a few hours a week. I know that's an extreme case, but it hits a little too close to home for me, unfortunately.<br /><br />I try my best to find a healthy balance... and since I'm blessed to be a stay at home mom, I feel a little less guilty taking weekend hours. I admire parents who can work, train, and still find a good balance for their children...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-7127771747092811902010-10-31T11:52:03.307-04:002010-10-31T11:52:03.307-04:00(did above post) I am taking a safe assumption tha...(did above post) I am taking a safe assumption that the original commentor is both unable to get thru to a significant other that is addicted to a hobby(in this case working out) AND does not know the positive outcomes of exercise. <br />There IS a difference between ocd athletes and the average athlete (who can balance their sport out with their family/lifestyle). Hopefully the original person who made that statement to you doesn't actually know you, because you seem to balance things out pretty. It is unfair for someone to blatently say someone is selfish for whatever reason without knowing that person very well. Perhaps we can all take from this topic a moment of gratitude and appreciation for our loving families who help us with staying sane and healthy, and also a moment (for those who are ocd athletes who cant go a day without it) to pause and perhaps give the significant other a little break this week and some time for them to do something for themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-84927785107009521462010-10-31T11:46:37.805-04:002010-10-31T11:46:37.805-04:00As a stress reliever, running is completely unself...As a stress reliever, running is completely unselfish. You know what works for you to make you better at being a mom. You'd be SMART for taking a run every day, not to mention being an amazing role model for your kids.<br /><br />Neither of my parents never had a stress-relief activity when I was a kid and it's taken me years to get in the habit of fitting it into my daily schedule.<br /><br />Keep it up! Maybe some day your kids will want to join you on the runs.Kurt @ Becoming An Ironmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13865313303891773591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-15871154138130479542010-10-31T11:45:57.001-04:002010-10-31T11:45:57.001-04:00I know its important for both parents to get their...I know its important for both parents to get their 'personal time' and to be able to exercise. <br />I think i understand where that person maybe was coming from. For all those who exercise 4x or more weekly....are their spouses also able to work out that much? I know my triathlete DH works out like 15 hours a week, sometimes more. Which makes it damn near impossible for me to get my workouts in most weeks. I have to literally stop him...and make him watch the baby so i can go on my measily half hour workout. That sounds simply but it isn't. So i am curious to know just how much the other spouses are able to get their workouts in when they have a very intensely working out spouse. I guess what i am saying is i understand why it seems selfish. If a person is addicted (which is a good addiction if you got one) to working out...that is not good or healthy for the family unit. An addiction is an addiction. And it is one when you can't go a day without it or when your so into it that it takes away from your families ability to do their hobbies as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-38438552804401949362010-10-31T10:10:24.869-04:002010-10-31T10:10:24.869-04:00Even if you put aside the fact that it makes us ha...Even if you put aside the fact that it makes us happier, healthier, nicer....<br /><br />How about the role model we are for our kiddos? Whether we mean to or not, we are teaching our kids to make health and exercise a priority in their life by setting that example. How can that possibly be selfish? <br /><br />Yep, those other people can jump in a lake. I'm gonna keep on running =)suzy, http://countdownto13.blogspot.com/https://www.blogger.com/profile/15716266817640065414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-82280192084076507662010-10-31T09:56:09.982-04:002010-10-31T09:56:09.982-04:00I totally agree with you on this one!!! Running i...I totally agree with you on this one!!! Running is a great way to relieve stress and life can be very stressful sometimes!Karen Sealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-91649832981241152272010-10-31T08:30:56.453-04:002010-10-31T08:30:56.453-04:00Not selfish at all! I agree with you 100% T. I a...Not selfish at all! I agree with you 100% T. I am a better mom when I run. I leave my stress out on the road so I am happy when I get back to hang out with the family!Jodi Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18058133356857043809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-90394770220375108232010-10-31T07:43:14.791-04:002010-10-31T07:43:14.791-04:00I completely agree! Besides needing running for o...I completely agree! Besides needing running for our mental health, people seem to forget the importance of teaching our children how to take care of their bodies through exercise. We're going to be here for our kids for a long time because we're taking care of our hearts and bodies. <br /><br />And besides that, we're teaching our kids to be passionate about something they love doing.<br /><br />I think a lot of people who say that are jealous, truthfully. I know I wouldn't be able to run without the support of a great husband who stays home with my little man when he can't come along in the jogging stroller.<br /><br />Great post-- sorry... I seemed to have written a book back. :)Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17862326954843773534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-18226375100631878362010-10-31T07:40:24.326-04:002010-10-31T07:40:24.326-04:00"So, the next time someone tries to tell me t..."So, the next time someone tries to tell me that I am being selfish or that my children are suffering because I make running a priority, I am going to ask them to spend a rest day with me. That way they can see how UNSELFISH my running habit really is" .... Amen sister!<br /><br />If mama's not happy, ain't nobody happy, right?Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05693758596914862255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-18202421526038050352010-10-31T05:08:44.853-04:002010-10-31T05:08:44.853-04:00I agree. An unhappy and grumpy person isn't go...I agree. An unhappy and grumpy person isn't going to make anyone else in their life happy. <br />Whoever thinks that family and children are the only aspect of a women's life are sad folks. Everyone has a right to do something for themselves, life's too short not to. And anyways, running sets a fantastic example for the family to stay fit, healthy and happy.a runners' lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01705038825277213022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-75093339448344900032010-10-31T00:18:47.023-04:002010-10-31T00:18:47.023-04:00I definitely agree with you. I don't have kid...I definitely agree with you. I don't have kids but I still don't understand how some think because a mom wants to do something for herself/her well-being she is suddenly selfish. Your life can't be everyone else all the time!Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06757049962850570389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732829991335734426.post-20417924361559750352010-10-30T19:51:52.781-04:002010-10-30T19:51:52.781-04:00Amen, sister!Amen, sister!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com