Name: Sarah Riggs
Age: 34
Hometown: Stafford, Virginia
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Reason for Running: I initially got back into running as a way to lose weight, but it became more about making time for myself to de-stress and be a better mom.
I have always been a runner but stopped for more than 10 years. I ran cross-country and track and field in high school, and also ran on and off for two years in college around 2008.
I had a healthy pregnancy in 2020 with my second son, but gained some weight, which is inevitable when growing a little one. So my initial motivation to pick up running again was to lose some of the pregnancy weight I had gained.
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It was after Christmas of 2020, when I was 32 years old, and I finally said enough was enough. I felt uncomfortable in my own skin, my clothes, and I was out of breath going up the stairs.
I was four months postpartum. Yes, I had given myself grace after birth, but it was time to commit to myself again. So in January 2021, I did just that. Running has always been an exercise that inspired me to move my body to be my healthiest self. I decided to make time for myself even when I was tired or burned out. Motivation might fade, but having the discipline to commit would prove worthwhile.
I started by giving myself the goal of 20 minutes of exercise a day, whether that was walking, running, or a combination of both. I used my Apple Watch to help motivate me, as I worked to close my fitness rings. I successfully closed each one for a whole year. In the beginning, my training consisted more of jog/walks to be able to work myself up to running without stopping.
With consistency, I was able to work my way up to running seven miles. My initial mile pace was in the 11- to 12-minute range. But, I put in the work every day and was able to bring my pace down to the 8- to 9-minute range—something I’m very proud of! Consistency and hard work will always pay off.
Right now, raising two young boys, my running schedule varies, but I hope to start training for a half marathon in the fall of 2023.
During my weight loss, it helped me to count my calories, and I also ate lower carb options with high protein. As I’ve maintained my weight loss for over a year, I still follow a high-protein diet, but don’t count my calories as often.
Running became a passion of mine again because it helped me as an outlet with motherhood. Losing weight was a perk but I found myself again as a person, not just a mom. Motherhood can be extremely draining. It’s the most wonderful thing in the world, but you are constantly putting others’ needs before yourself. Children rely on you, but when I started running again, I became a better mother and wife. I needed that outlet and alone time to help decompress. Getting back into running is the best thing I could have done for myself!
These three tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Believe in yourself
Only you can get yourself through the hard days and the unmotivated days. Believe that you can accomplish it and you will.
2. Set small, attainable goals
Small things add up with consistency over time. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s working for someone else, but you have to focus on you. We are all different.
3. Just get out there
You don’t have to go out and run for long periods of time or distances to be a runner. Just getting out there—whether it be a mile or two—makes you a runner. Overtime, it makes a difference, and still makes you a runner.
Sarah’s Must-Have Gear
→ Hoka Clifton: Over the years I’ve tried many different brands, but Hoka’s are my number-one.
→ Goodr Sunglasses: These sunglasses do not slip while sweating.
→ Shefit Sports Bra: Starting out with a larger chest, I needed as much support as I could for running. Shefit has always been my go-to sports bra. With adjustable straps, you are able to customize it to fit your needs.
→ BOB Rambler Jogging Stroller: BOB strollers are the best in the game for jogging strollers. I have both a double and single. They have helped me tremendously, because as a stay-at-home mom, I don’t always have an option for someone to watch my kids. This is a great option for them to come along with me on my runs.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
