Is Running a Hobby?

I never thought I would be faced with the option of running… for enjoyment. The other day I was asked “is running a hobby?” and from my non-active or at least very little active body, the idea of running for fun kinda seemed crazy. But, just because I don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean everybody hates it. In fact, there are plenty of people – and moms – that love running. So, yes, running is indeed a hobby.

Okay, there are plenty of days when I should put down my book or computer and get my butt outside. It’s those moments that I truly wish I enjoyed running as much as some people. Running is a great way to boost your energy, keep your body healthy, and even spend time with your kids – all while starting a new hobby outside.

Since I have a bit of free time, let’s break down the question “is running a hobby?” a little bit further.

Why You Might Want to Start Running as a Hobby…

Benefits of choosing running as your hobby – you can literally run anywhere. Whether you live in the city, in a rural area, or you’re on vacation, you can run anywhere! You can run on beaches, trails, tracks, and treadmills. You name it, you can probably run it.

Let’s face it, as moms we need a hobby that is adaptable. And, with all the energy we spend chasing our littles around getting some back by exercising is not a bad idea. It will definitely feel counterproductive, but I promise you’ll start to feel the difference after a while. Plus, when you’re running – depending on where you are of course – you can include your kids. Whether they’re in a stroller or they’re running right next to you.

There are even entire websites devoted to encouraging and teaching moms to run, like The Mother Runners.

How Does Running Help Moms?

Let’s kick it off with less stress and better sleep. Key ingredients to a happy and healthy mama right there!

Sleep as a mom is hard to come by, especially QUALITY sleep. As a mom of a newborn (8 weeks old at the moment), sleep is precious to me. Here’s a fun fact about sleep and running – running drastically increases the quality of your sleep. You’ll even fall asleep quicker. All it takes is about 30 minutes of exercise and you’ll could see an improvement in your sleep that same night!

What about experiencing less stress? Did you know that even if you HATE running it still produces those feel-good chemicals in your brain? When you run your brain releases endorphins, the chemical that helps you feel happy. Plus, endorphins are like natural painkillers. When you exercise – aka run – you get to experience a “high” which is literally your body making you feel great.

When you run, your body produces less cortisol, the stress hormone. Which essentially reduces how stressed your body can even feel! Lowered cortisol levels have HUGE health benefits and can help with recovery after stressful events. It can even help improve your stress-coping skills over time!

Why Do Moms Like to Run?

In addition to the way running makes you feel (all healthy and good), running can be a great opportunity for moms to get out of the house and build a community – along with having a little kid-free time. While some moms can’t get away from their kids just yet and bring them along on their running adventures, many moms take running as their “me time” which is one of the goals of having a hobby.

As for building a community, many towns and cities have groups for moms who want to start running. Either it’s a general running and/or walking group for women or a group specifically for moms! These groups are welcoming of strollers, stroller wagons, dogs, and pretty much everything in between… and they’re free!

For example, in Columbia, South Carolina, there is a group of women called Columbia Girls Who Walk!

How Do Moms Get Started With Running?

How Do You Start Running as a Mom? | The Hobby Mom

Now that we’ve answered the big question “is running a hobby?” it’s time to focus on other things – like how to get started with running as a mom.

Not all moms can start running right away. You can’t just hop up and run a mile with no prep! Well, technically you can try but it won’t feel great. Instead, you have to work up to it and ensure that your body is in the right place.

For example, if your six-twelve weeks postpartum you may feel a little wonky running if you’re having pelvic floor issues. And if it’s before six weeks, you really shouldn’t be running without being cleared by your doctor, you need to heal from birth!

Taking walks while running on/off is a great way to start preparing for running longer distances. You’ll also want to start stretching regularly to ensure you don’t pull any muscles or hurt yourself. There’s no specific science that works perfectly for everyone who wants to start running, so overall you should get in tune with your body and listen to its cues on when you can keep going and when you need to have a rest.

If you’re a mama that needs a bit more guidance and doesn’t enjoy starting things all willy-nilly, there are a ton of free resources (and some paid) that you can utilize to start running as a hobby. I recommend checking out:

If you’re not sure WHERE to run, you can just run around your neighborhood or find a local walking track! Other options include local parks, zoos, and gyms if you want to run on a treadmill rather than running outside.

Let’s Recap: Is Running a Hobby?

Yep! Running is definitely a hobby. But, like all activities and potential hobbies, you should actually enjoy what you’re doing – so if you try it and don’t like it, don’t feel bad for stopping. We only have so much free time as moms and I thoroughly believe that we shouldn’t spend it doing something we don’t want to do. Particularly when we’re aiming to find something we LOVE to do.

Are you interested in trying running as a hobby? Let us know it the comments below!