When my kids were tiny, what did I do for my body? Nothing! I pushed their stroller, pushed them on the swings, but I did nothing to push myself.
My commitment to fitness, my commitment to myself, took an upward swing one spring morning at the end of my children’s music class. The teacher, Miss Brenda, approached me and asked if I would be interested in joining her running group.
Running wasn’t a new sport for me. I come from a family of runners. Once upon a time, friends called me Forrest. As in “Run, Forrest, Run.” Back in the day, running was my thing. Miss Brenda knew none of this. I was just a mom waiting in a hallway, waiting to take her kids home. It must be one of the magical things that connects moms. She knew I needed her. She knew I needed her group.
I felt like the kid picked first in gym class.
But it had been a long time since I laced up my running shoes. Did I even have any? And sports bras? Two kids later, I needed to make sure my Girls were well-supported.
With some running gear cobbled together, the next morning I set out to meet the Chatty Chicks. I ran three miles with one acquaintance and a few strangers. And I have never felt more welcomed.
Six years later, these women are family. We run all distances, all speeds. Weekdays we run about three miles. Saturday mornings are for long runs. And coffee. Runs are year round. Nothing stops us. Ok, full disclaimer: we don’t run if there’s lightning.
We run. And we talk and talk and talk. Hence our name: the Chatty Chicks.
Our motto, “No Chick left behind,” speaks volumes. You’re recovering from an injury and need to modify your pace, someone will run with you (or walk, if that’s what your body needs). You need speed work, someone will push you. You can’t run, someone is still by your side.
Because that’s what Chicks do. They cheer for you and love you.
The Chatty Chicks provide me with wellness, both physical and mental. They enrich my life with friendship. And the story could end there.
But it doesn’t.
When the Chatty Chicks ordered matching shirts, I ordered a tiny one for my daughter, my little chick. Secretly I hoped she would be inspired to become a runner, too. But I had to keep my eagerness in check (and remind myself she was only four).
Years passed. She did not become a runner. Naturally, she outgrew the shirt.
Last winter I casually asked if she wanted to participate in “Santas on the Run,” a local 5k race. Each entrant received a Santa costume to wear in the race. That alone was a selling point!
But her only question was, “Can I run with the Chicks?” She knows good people!
Then this past summer she asked ME if we could train for another race. Seriously, words to make my mom-heart swell.
She was determined, reminding me regularly of our training schedule. Pushing herself, allowing me to nudge her, too. I’ve run a lot of races: 26.2 miles, trail runs, an ascent up a mountain. I’m proud of those accomplishments. But nothing feels as amazing as running 3.1 miles with a child who asked to run with you!
The Chatty Chicks shaped me (no pun intended). Just as I needed like-minded women to embrace me, the Chicks are gently bringing my little runner into the flock. These women are her village, too. She couldn’t have better role models.
