We runners are a tight group. We encourage each other to reach our goals. We share our training routines and tips for avoiding injury. We congratulate each other for crossing the finish line smiling. In many ways, we are like a close-knit mom’s group. That makes sense, because I can think of at least five ways racing is like having a baby.
- When you are training for your race, you want to read books about racing and talk to other runners about their race experiences.
- When you are with other runners, you have no qualms about discussing intimate bodily functions–chafing, toe nails, and even bowel habits may come up in conversation.
- As your race approaches, you begin nesting by laying out all your race gear. You get so excited about the big day that you can’t sleep.
- When you are near the end of your race, you have to push through the wall. This may involve cursing and vowing that you will never race again.
- Once you cross the finish line, you ride the high of endorphins. Before you realize what you’ve done, you’ve signed up for three more races.Â
Can you think of other ways racing is like having a baby?Â
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
This is so true! And very creative. Although I will have to add one way that running is *not* like having a baby is that you can do it until you are in your 90's!! :-0 Or maybe that the pull to keep running can get stronger as you get older and I can never be satisfied with the number of races I've run 😉 Kids – I'm good with 2 🙂
Ha! Great post. I haven't had a baby yet but I can see the comparisons.
So true! 🙂
Definitely! I've thought about a marathon being like childbirth, but never considered the before/after race factors like the whole baby experience, too. Fun post!!
I don't have children yet but I find a little bit of comfort knowing that people compare it to marathons and I survived a few of those!
Though I have no experience with having a baby, YES, I have been making this analogy for training for Ironman. It's my baby. I've ever considered having an Ironman shower for myself. 🙂
Now that\’s a brilliant idea!
Haha! So true. Though after my first marathon it took me about 3 days before I was ready to think about doing it again. Hmm, I guess that was the same with my first baby!
See! It\’s true!
The rewards of both running a race (whether it's a PR or just the fact that you set a goal and met it) and childbirth are unbeatable!!!
Welp, I know this is about running, but the "having a baby" reference has left me traumatized for 4 reasons I'm sure you are well aware…
Aw, you know you want another greedy one! Or you could just sign up for a 10K with your oldest. 😉
haha love this comparison 🙂 what a true yet funny post! thanks for sharing
Bahaha. I absolutely love this!! This is amazing!
haha. Love this and it's so true! Especially the race amnesia 🙂
I love this! haha Great post!
I have never had a baby but I do all five of these things and I can only imagine that I will do them if I ever decide to/am blessed enough to get pregnant! Haha!
OMG, this is so true, Coco! Wow, what a connection to make. I would never think to discuss the things you mentioned in number 2 — "chafing, toe nails, and even bowel habits," but you are absolutely right. I DO and HAVE discussed that stuff with my running companions and I would and do cringe whenever people in normal life feel its appropriate to talk about that stuff. I guess it's different with the running peeps. Thanks for the funny eye-opener! 🙂
I love this! I also suspect that once I'm in the middle of my first marathon I'm not going to care what I look and/or sound like, much like I felt in the middle of child birth 🙂
Running is a great sport. I like the way you spell it out. Most people do not realize what actually happens in an actual race, or the effort it requires to try to win. Great post
Hi Coco,
You have summed up the essence of running in this short article! Great job! To me, racing provides me with the motivation to challenge myself and reach greater heights in life. 🙂
Edmund
This is so very true. After my first marathon it took me a good 3 days before I was even able to think about doing another. Well, I guess that was just about the same when I had my baby.
Awesome and I totally agree. My sister never understood how my running friends and I could discuss such intimate details but then she become a runner and everything changed.