I just came back from the most surreal weekend! As you know, I was in Bethlehem, PA enjoying the first ever Runner’s World Half Marathon Festival. One of the many incredible things they had going on were seminars on running topics like fueling, course strategy, and the one that got me thinking: Women’s Running-Why It’s Different for Girls.

The panelists were superb. We had front row seats to listen to Dr. Laura Dunne (Sports Medicine Physician), Jen Van Allen (Runner’s World Special Projects editor and author), Shalane Flannigan (Olympian), and Tish Hamilton (Runner’s World Executive editor.)

What really struck a chord with me was when the conversation turned to pregnancy and running as a mom. All of these successful women make exercise a priority in their busy lives and have the belief that running is crucial to their emotional and physical well being (smart gals right?) They spoke about finding the time despite having children and how doing so improved their ability to be the best version of themselves for their loved ones.Taking the time to run provided sanity, a place to recollect, and the opportunity to restore that sense of peace within themselves.

Dr. Laure Dunne put it best when she said ” It’s like putting the gas mask on first in an airplane. We must take care of ourselves first before we can help others.” Shalane sat back and noted that she was learning a lot from how Kara Goucher and her fellow panelists handled motherhood and running. I too was taking mental notes for the future. I want to be a healthy role model for my kids by showing them that being fit is more important than being skinny. That going for a run is the best therapy money can’t buy.

This past weekend I was surrounded by women that inspired me to keep on this path towards health. Mothers that still made exercising a priority even with a host of responsibilities to take care of.

That’s Michelle from NYC Running Mama on the right with her baby being held by Larisa from Zero to Twenty Six Point Two. Michelle ran a 10k this weekend after only 5 weeks postpartum!! And with a pace I can only dream of may I add.

The beautiful Amanda from Miss Zippy (and fellow Oiselle team member)in the orange on the right. She’s done countless marathons, triathlons, and even an Ironman!! Her children regularly run and have even race with her on occasion due to her incredible example as a healthy role model.

And that’s Tina on the right from Best Body Fitness, a mother of two that knocked out a solid sub 2 half marathon like a pro this weekend.

These are real women with healthy attitudes towards their bodies and life. They are the ones I look up to and aspire to model someday. At this year’s LATISM 2012 conference, Johnson & Johnson will be showcasing some of their initiatives for mothers and babies under the theme “global motherhood.” You can inspire mothers like you to join them in helping other moms around the world by raising awareness about important issues and some of the solutions that can make a difference. Please stop by suite Arboretum II during the LATISM conference to talk with Johnson & Johnson and its partners about the work they do.

 

FitFluential crew with Altra (so many healthy hot mamas & women in this picture)

Are you active on social media but not attending LATISM? I invite you to get involved in raising awareness about global motherhood by using your social networks for social good. Visit Johnson & Johnson’s website   to learn how you can spread the word by doing something as simple as tweeting a hash tag. Together we can improve the lives of many of our fellow women by taking action. Even the smallest action can have an unimaginable ripple effect in the world.

 So tell me Any healthy mamas that inspire you?

What have they inspired you to do?

 

All the single fit ladies put your hands up! Remember that you’re making a difference every day you go out and get your sweat on. Someone out there is looking to you for inspiration and motivation. The empowerment from having a strong body is all we need sometimes to turn our lives around. Spread the word. Lead by example. Be fit.

-Road Jane

 

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