Running Provides for 'Me' Time

Each week, we’ll give parents and caretakers a great idea for what to do when they finally get that much-needed break.

The kids may not be on the same baseball team, but blessedly, both their coaches have decided that on Wednesday nights, there will be practice. You know what that means: an opportunity for Mom to have some "me" time.

If you're Kimberly Smith, champion fundraiser for the PTA and a national sign language specialist, that means once the kids are out of the car, the car is on its way to the Silver Comet Trail. Then she begins to run.

"It just feels good to be able to exercise, just me and nature, alone on the trail," she said. "It clears my mind and gives me a little time to reconnect."

More moms seem to be hitting the trails these days, according to Craig Jones, who works at the .

"I see them out every day at , sometimes running, sometimes walking," he said. "They work it into their daily routine, depending on their job."

Wildhorse Trail runs a mile and a half along Wildhorse and Noses creeks, passing the largest red maple tree in Georgia.

Smith said she sees many mothers bringing kids with them on their runs, sometimes with the children on bikes, riding ahead on the path. But "me" time is her chance to focus on her and her route. 

For other moms, running is more cherished with a group. John Buice of Douglas County Rogue Runners said his group, which trains three times a week, has quite a few moms. 

"It's a great way to push yourself," he said.

Smith said she occasionally runs with friends, but her schedule doesn't permit for a running club.

"It could be fun, but my hours change so much," she said. "I grab my running time when I can." 

She and some of her friends are clearing their schedules for one event, though: the Publix Half-Marathon in March. 

Randy Pierce, manager of Hibbett Sports in Austell, said he sees moms coming in to his store looking for shoes that can handle running and a supplemental sport. 

"Cross training is more a big thing than running with the moms I see," he said. "It balances the muscle groups."

As for the type of shoes moms buy: "ASIC, Brooks and Mizuno are the big three," he explained. "When it comes to running clothes, moms tend to choose the Nike wear."

And with Valentine's Day approaching, perhaps those running items are something to keep in mind for that special someone who just so happens to be a special mom.