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Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving--and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity

Dimity McDowell, Sarah Bowen Shea

5 stars
706 (29%)
4 stars
904 (38%)
3 stars
576 (24%)
2 stars
147 (6%)
1 star
45 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
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Valerie Roberts
76 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2010
This book was just OK. I got it for free as a kindle download, or I would have really been disappointed. I am not a diehard runner or all that experienced, so I was hoping to get some great tips about fitting more running time into my life, along with working full-time and having a family, etc. I didn't really find those tips in this book, although it does give some good music suggestions for your running playlist. Mainly what I got from the book is that the two authors love to run and they get up really early each morning to do so. Plus, they are freelance writers, so they don't have set work hours. So, really, this didn't help me at all, since I'm a normal mom with normal work hours and lots of other things going in my life. I'd like to be a better runner, but I'm not leaving my house at 5 a.m. each morning. I need my sleep, and I guess I'm just not that dedicated! That said, it's not a BAD read, it does have some humor and a few good anecdotes. It just wasn't all that helpful for a "self-help" type-book.
Amy
335 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2012
This book was written by 2 mom/runners. One is Sarah, the hardcore runner and the other is Dimitry, the go with the flow runner. As I was reading this I realized I related much more to Dimitry than Sarah. If you read Runner's World Magazine or really anything about running, the information in this book isn't really new to you. I wanted to get to the "good" part where they talk about running and being a mom/wife. I mean isn't that what this book is suppossed to be about? I've read all about tempo runs and what not before, show me the mom stuff. So finallly I get to the marriage part of this book, how marriage and running work (or doesn't) together. I start reading what Sarah wrote and I kept thinking God I know I read this. Yes, that's right I have, in fact she wrote this very chapter in a Runner's World Article and I remember it because I remember how much I HATED IT!!! In fact, I even wrote to RW telling them that. Really she talks about how it's ok to run and take time away from your husband/family because she wears running skirts which means she grooms her bikini area which means her husband likes it which means he's ok with her running. Really?? NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR CROTCH! Seriously. She made me so angry and I now realize I hate Sarah. I hate how passionate she is about running because running is her focus, not her family and it bugs me. Yes everyone could be a fabulous runner with all that training but you know what, I'm not ready to take that much time away from my family.
If anything this book made me realize it's ok to be just a mediocre runner because I know I rock as a mom.
I guess I should remove them from my facebook list now! LOL! Poor Dimitry, I liked her.
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JESSICA
285 reviews13 followers
July 7, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this inspirational book about two mothers and wives who make time for running in their lives. It was a great motivator for me. After finishing it it the wee hours of the morning - I got dressed and went out for a pre-6am 5K run - a thing I have NEVER done.

I'm not sure it's the greatest how to book. I am a recreational jogger, not a marathon trainer or even a race runner, and some of the terms and lingo went right by me. I think there are probably better, more dumbed down training plans for someone like me to follow and other than the basics, a lot of the equipment advice seems to be broad guidelines with a lot of trial and error recommendations (most likely fair, considering the comfort level of different types of running gear is probably very user specific).

What this book did exceptionally well was to motivate and help Moms justify the time they take away from other parts of their lives to run. I think I am like a lot of other mothers and wives of my acquaintance. I have a lot of responsibilities even though I don't work out of the home, and I've somehow appointment myself the loose end tie-er. Everything not previously assigned, accounted for or that falls through the cracks immediately becomes my responsibility, along with a long list of background responsibilities that no one thinks of or worries about. Walking away from those responsibilities and self imposed duties is sometimes really hard to do, especially in the beginning. The authors, Dimity and Sara do an excellent job of supporting would be, soon to be, emerging and full fledged mom runners by surrounding them with their experience, wisdom and a community of other moms finding peace and sanity and clarity and health in a pair of running shoes.
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Jessica
363 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2010
Full disclosure: I'm not a mother or a runner. But I would like to become both of these things, one sooner than the other. I figured that since I have a busy life and mothers have busy lives, maybe this will give me some tips on how to fit running into a life full of other obligations. Also, it was a free download from Amazon.com and I wanted to try out my new e-reader.

This is not a helpful book for a beginner runner. The authors are seasoned runners who have always been athletic and have marathons under their belts. They offer opinions on the best running gear and their favorite iPod tracks, but very little as far as how to begin the training. They don't give much advice on how to balance family life with exercise, other than suggesting that runs offer crucial alone time or opportunities to make friends outside of the family. I do think it's important for moms (and dads) to get "me" time, but ...duh.

Overall, this book was cute but useless to me.
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Sarah
375 reviews27 followers
May 15, 2022
Some good sections, but struggled to get past the general fatphobia, discussion of running for the purpose of burning calories, and weird flex about being the same weight as before having kids. Why isn't running for running's sake enough? In sum, it was fine, but not sure I would recommend to others looking for a body positive fitness message.
Jamee Zielke
190 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2013
I came back to edit this review as I am still thinking about this book the next day, and I realized I have to downgrade my rating. This book is actually very discouraging to the recreational/beginner athlete, as both women who wrote this book are ass-letes. They categorize people as "real" runners based on what they wear or don't wear, and talk about pretty fast speeds as "slow", "embarassingly slow". I am feeling very discouraged by what I read in the book, and that is the last thing that a beginner or mom just trying to get some runs in (maybe only 3 miles, the horror!) while keeping her family in balance needs. So, two stars.

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ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I am a super beginner runner (for nearly three years now, actually, but I digress), so I pick up books like this once in a while looking for tips. Tips on the running itself (this book it FULL of those), tips on avoiding injury (not much there), tips on staying motivated (almost nothing in that category), and tips on fitting running in my life (surprisingly huge lack of those kinds of tips given the title).

This book reads like a series of magazine articles, and that's probably what it is as both of these women do write for magazines. I dutifully read each and every single chapter, even those on running while pregnant. It's a compulsion on my part. The writing is nice and breezy though, so it went quickly and I was reasonably entertained. Decent quality of writing.

I think the most unsavory part of the book is their commentary on appearance and clothes. And their obsession with weight. Too appearance focused for what I was looking for in a book about running. Especially as an overweight runner who doesn't have a closet full of the cute clothes I guess "real runners" wear. :P to them on that. Especially since I have yet to read any fashion tips in books written by men. What to wear for comfort, for sure, but comments about how a "real runner" (male)would never wear <>.

Also, as a slow, fat runner, it's always disheartening to read/hear the comments about how slow someone is at speeds FAR faster than my top speed. They can bite me.

Ok, so for the touted main topic, is you go off the title, making running fit into a mom's lifestyle. Their advice, IMO, is pretty thin. Basically, it's 'fit it in, probably early in the morning, which of course you will have no problem doing because if you're like us you love running and can't survive without it.' Um, thanks?
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Janet
148 reviews
February 22, 2011
Oh to run like a mother, these mothers anyway. Inspired by my cousin’s success with marathons, having enjoyed the symbiotic Run Like a Mother Facebook site, I asked (my best friend) Amazon to send me a copy. Run Like a Mother, the book, is written by two feminine career athlete/authors who happen also to be wives and mothers. Active (in sports) throughout their lives (not me) they share their love for the nirvana culture of running. We’re talking true running here as in what motivates one to run 26.2 miles, not necessarily your happy, healthful 2 mile jog about the neighborhood for fitness. Girlish (you go!) tips are shared on running fashion, music (have the same classic rock on my IPod), and equipment. Interesting solutions to (underlying) running dilemmas are also revealed; I never, ever considered that the bodily waste discovered in discreet areas of the yard or parking lot may not come from the dog next door but rather the runner just passing through, as it were. There is an excellent section on (preventing and) diagnosing injury. I’ve long been restricted (by pain) from increasing my running (beyond 5K). I’ve seen Dallas sports medicine docs, had the MRI, tried this and that never knowing I’d been (overpronating---caught recently by the Run On folks---and) introduced to Piriformis Syndrome.

The most insightful sections of the book, as the authors poured forth the emotional/physical attachments to running along with the dynamics of family and impact on relationships, were also the most meaningful for me. There is a delicate balance between desire for the fountain of freedom, youth and vigor that is running and the wisdom to reject temptation to worship at the altar of the mortal body. As immortal human souls, running the race of our lifetimes, God is at the ultimate finish line.
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Angela
3 reviews
October 8, 2012
I'd like to start this review by saying that I am finally running again after over 20 years of avoiding it...so this is GOOD!

Now, here's the thing--this book will NOT make you a good runner. This book will NOT help you run a distance you've never run before. This book will NOT change fundamental shortcomings you may have (like being the most unathletic person ever = me). Good, that's out of the way.

This book WILL inspire you to get out there and try. This book WILL motivate you to figure out ways to balance being a working mom AND still taking care of yourself as well as the rest of the family. This book WILL give you the confidence that you need.

It's not a training book or and exercise advice book, but rather a long essay with some advice/tips peppered in. I personally didn't find all of the advice applicable because I think the authors are far more athletic and fit than I have ever been in my life. With that said, there is still some good stuff in here.

Although I understand the purpose of the quotes & quips from other Mother Runners, I'm not sure that they added much for me--I have sort of a 'take 'em or leave 'em' attitude about those.

Overall, this is a great read and I would recommend it to any mom out there who is trying to figure out how to get back on the road again
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Jenny Garone
275 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2012
Very disappointed that the "how to get moving and not lose your family, job, or sanity" portion of this book must have been edited out. I was really hoping for advice & examples of balancing it all. Instead, there's extensive info on workout clothes, and also advice on how to fart during races (I'm not kidding).

I'm not sure who this book was written for... I don't know anyone who could relate to these authors - both writers for fitness magazines, and runners who fly all over the country for races, even train with Olympic medalists. They both seemed a touch mean-girl-ish, too; judging people for their choice in workout clothes, less than perfect physiques... I don't understand the need to be bitchy about stuff like that.
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Jessietaylortanner
208 reviews10 followers
May 30, 2011
I'm really glad I only spent $6 on this.
Its mostly full of anecdotal stories, horribly forced and nonsensical analogies and boasts of PRs. (Personal records)
For a book written by 2 freelance fitness writers, I did not feel like it was particularly well-written. It is not helpful for a beginner runner, as it is written with the assumption that all of the terminology is understood. I don't feel like they ever really get down to the matter of balancing motherhood and running, they just tell their own stories of their running careers which at times are obnoxious and boastful.
Not all bad, as I finished it- at least it got me thinking about running again.
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Jacki
155 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2012
If you are a mother and a runner (or just thinking of becoming a runner) I say buy this book right now.

Run Like a Mother is like getting a cup of coffee with a great new pal who happens to be a long time lover of your favorite new past time. They have been there, still are there, and not afraid to tell you honestly what it is like to be a mother and runner.

I knew I had to read this book after following their blog and finding a post on potty breaks and running. If they were going to honestly address this issue, they will cover every concern I have. And they did.

Best of all, we hear from so many mother runners, not just the authors. The variety of voices and experiences truly creates a tribe like feeling, like we really belong. Don't we all just want to have that feeling.

Now if I could just find a blog or book by mother runners who don't consider a 10 minute mile slow, I will be super happy.
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Krystyn
386 reviews
March 14, 2012
While there were many parts throughout this book that really made me LOL, there were equal amounts that simply did not apply or were unreasonable for me. In my life, it is entirely impossible to run as frequently or for as long a distance as these two women, so in terms of the title "How to get moving & not lose your family, job or sanity" - there were really no "tips" on how one exactly does that...everyone's life is SO very different. I'm glad there were so many enjoyable parts throughout the book or I probably would have only given it 1 star. I also like reading about music choices, cross training and running hills..you know, in the event I ever decide to do a hilly race, as I typically avoid them.
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Kirstin
488 reviews
July 24, 2018
I was so disappointed with this book--I much preferred Train Like a Mother for its specific advice on accomplishing running goals. This book was a memoir of the two authors' running careers (and lives, eg. one author's marriage, divorce and remarriage story).

Finally, looming LARGE for me, in the clothing chapter there is NO information on running in REAL winter. The authors' advice? Never succumb to wearing full tights. Capris will suffice. Yeah right, at -20?!? Frost blisters are a real issue for female runners in wintertime--let's address that!
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Elise
56 reviews8 followers
August 20, 2012


It isn't often that you read a book that creates such a call to action that you'd leap from bed, exhausted from a long day of parenting toddlers and slip on your running shoes for a quick fix. These ladies are not only accomplished athletes they are moms with jobs and passions all fueled by a love and dedication to running. Their honesty and dedication for both is hilarious, completely true and incredibly inspiring.
Librariandee
7 reviews
April 4, 2011
I like being surprised by finding a good recipe in a book. But after reading this book I realize I like finding good song recommendations in books even better. This is a great book filled with lots of practical advice. It motivated me to finally start the couch to 5K app on my iPhone.
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Michele Costigan
169 reviews
March 2, 2013
I really wish I read this book 3 years ago when i first started running. It is marathon heavy, which is not my goal but also very motivating
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Elena
532 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2018
Why is it that running books by women can make me laugh aloud and tear up?
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Randi S
22 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2011
http://thesclub.blogspot.com/2010/04/...

After reading "Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity" by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, I feel like I know them personally. It's easy to understand why. They share their "soles" in this book (pardon the pun).
From Sarah just laying it out there from the get-go about her competitive streak (which in no way diminishes her likability but, more likely, enhances it as so many of us *cough* me *cough* have that same streak) to Dimity's almost nonchalance about PRs (personal records) and speed (although I guarantee her 6'4" frame runs much faster than my 5'3 3/4" frame).
As a very new runner, I more than appreciated the tips from the authors and moms they interviewed for this book. I now know why I need a running skirt with spankies (Sarah's claim to modesty whilst peeing on the side of the road) and why my son's potty would be a good thing for me to pack in the van on race day (no porta potty for this mom!). My Christmas wish list will include things like a Garmin Forerunner for tracking all of my running data and a hydration system to wear around my waist (despite Dimity's warning of its nerdiness, I want one).
Dimity's sharing about the close-knit relationship with her running partner, Katherine, had me jonesing for a friend to pound the pavement with. Sarah's tip on how to keep the hubby happy with a different kind of cross-training had me smiling (because of it's sheer truth).
The only time I disagreed with either author in this book was in the post-pregnancy chapter (3-6 month range). Dimity wrote tat you will possibly be "shimmying into your pre-preggo jeans. You're like to have dropped at least 25 pounds by now." I may have wanted to cry a bit there because I (at 9 months post-pregnancy) am just now fitting into those pre-baby #2 jeans. But perhaps if I had been a runner prior to having one or both of my kids, that would be the case.
Sarah's marathon chapter got me really revved for my own M-day! The reasons listed resonated in my heart: proving my toughness, showing my kids what I can do, showing myself what I can do, losing weight, and on a lark (among others).
I know 26.2 miles is not for everyone (and it's not for me today...but soon enough), but whether you are a newbie like me or a veteran like Dimity and Sarah; whether you are running at Boston today or just around the block, this book is for you.
We women try to conquer so much and know it's such a delicate balance between work, kids, marriage. Too often "me" is forgotten. After reading this, I am more confident now that my Saturday long runs (and weekday long-for-me runs) are not only a necessity for my training but a necessity for my well-being.

BUY IT:
You can buy "Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving and not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity" on Indie Bound, Borders, Barnes & Noble, & Amazon.

CONNECT:
Dimity & Sarah blog at Run Like a Mother.
You can also find them on Facebook & Twitter (Dimity, Sarah).

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the mentioned book to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and 100% honest. Different people may have different experiences with product. Thank you to to Dimity, Sarah, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this review opportunity!
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Tricia
885 reviews16 followers
April 6, 2012
I'm not entirely sure how to characterize this book. Part of the tagline - "how to get moving" - implies that it's for new runners. But much of the content is aimed more at hard-core serious runners. So perhaps it is more for lapsed runners who need motivation to get back on the road? If so, perhaps I would have felt differently if I'd read it 3 years ago.

At the same time, it seemed much more like personal anecdotes and chatty stories (memoir, perhaps?) than how-to or training advice. For example, the chapter on speed is Sarah's attempt to finish a marathon in under 4 hours. Even though I never intend to run a marathon (didn't even have that as a goal during my hard-core teenage distance running career) it might be nice to have some details on what those speed workouts consisted of. Each chapter contains one or more call-out sections with tidbits from their panelists -- but the one-line "favorite speed workouts" all seem aimed at longer distance runners.

And a personal note about those panelists: a long time ago, at least 14 years ago, I was one of those panelists for an author who wrote on parenting topics. The first time I read a newspaper article she had written that included a quote from me, I thought "did I really say that???" As a single line in an article, it felt very out-of-context and almost embarrassing. So I wonder how many of these panelists are startled by what they see in print next to their own names...

All in all, it's not a bad book, it's just not what I was expecting. Not good, just okay.
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Shana
41 reviews
March 8, 2013
These are 2 hardcore marathon runners & the book is about their experiences training for all 150 of them. They are writers in the industry. It's their passion & a wonderful passion at that. Motivated after reading it? Nope. In fact while I'm in the beginning stage of training for my first Ragnar Relay they made me feel like a slow, fat, newbie who ought to call it a day. "Lose the head phones in a race." Ummm no. One of them says your not a runner if you wear specific clothing or if you wear sunglasses the size of plates. Ugh. When I started running 3 years ago this sort of snobbish runner behavior' is exactly why I use to say I don't want to be a runner. I don't care about speed, or winning the race. I do however care about challenging myself & feeling good. If I can continue to maintain a regular running routine no matter how fast or how far I'm happy with that. This book doesn't encourage the less passionate or the Capri wearing moms sporting the dinner plate sunglasses. What did I get out of this book? Music suggestions? Energy bar suggestions? I liked what the survey takers had to say. If this book had the correct description I wouldn't have paid over $7 for the thing. I got suckered & that was $7 I could have put towards a new pair of running shoes for my non-runner feet.
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Kimberly
202 reviews
August 1, 2011
I started off loving this book. The first few chapters are really inspirational and I continue to draw on them to pull my ass out of bed at 5:30 am to run. The middle was a bit bleh - it became a little bit of a "my history with running" for both authors, which I found a bit boring. I also got annoyed hearing how 9-minute miles were "slow" to them (being very much slower than that). I get that it's all perspective and there are people out there who think my pace is fast, but still . . . it became irritating. I skipped right over entire chapters about pregancy and post-partum (not me, not ever again, thankyouverymuch!)

The last couple of chapters reverted to that inspirational tone and I found myself enjoying the book again.

Overall, this is a good book for someone who has been running for a while and is feeling in a rut (definitely read the first few chapters to pull yourself out). But by no means is this a must read for every woman runner and I question how helpful it would be for someone new since it's steeped in running terms that aren't really well defined.

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SallyHP
125 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2010
I loved this book! I've been following their blog and facebook pages for some time, but hadn't read the book. I've been reading it at night for a couple of weeks and have really enjoyed it. I found that I related most to Dimity, but also appreciate that having two very difference 'voices' as authors means that it will reach a large audience. I've already purchased five copies of this book because I have so many girlfriends and sisters with whom I think the messages of this book will really resonate. It is possible to be an active runner and still be a present mother, but the key is in finding a balance that will work for your family's unique situation.

With a ton of nutrition, gear and training advice mixed with their personal stories of trial and triumph and quotes from other moms this book really runs that gamut. It's a book that I know I'll refer back to over and over.
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Kati Atwood
590 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2011
Well, this was the equivalent of a bathroom reader for me. I picked it up if I had just a few minutes - written like a bunch of articles on running thrown into book form, this was easy. Parts of this book were great for the oh-so-beginner runner that is me. But, by the end I was done. There is only so much I can take of people saying how cool they are, especially when what they are so cool at is something that is HARD for me. I guess when I run 10 marathons and have killer gluts and amazing legs and exercise every single day for 6 years and have kids and still can't handle a day when I don't exercise I can probably write a book like this, too. However, if you are looking for some runner buddy that can tell you about everything from sports bras to peeing behind cars - here you go.
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Maria Said
52 reviews
September 21, 2022
I listened to this book every time I ran, and it has taken me over a year. That says nothing about the book and everything about my running. That being said, I would highly recommend this book to moms who want to run -- solely on the fact that it goes everywhere without unflinching. Any issue you might have hesitated to bring up on postpartum running, this book has it covered. The two writers (and narrators in the audio version) do a good job representing the range of types of runners too.
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Amy Murray
134 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2011
This book is like the runner's bible for moms. Absolutely loved it! It will probably stay on my nightstand so I can re-read chapters when I need to. Full of practical advice, like how to select the right pair of running shoes, and inspiration to keep getting out there, whether you are a marathon runner or simply jog a few miles here and there each week.
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Camille
86 reviews17 followers
November 8, 2012
I'm a beginning runner so this book was chosen for that reason. There were dome hints and tips that I will certainly be able yo implement soon. Also, I enjoyed the humor of both women. They were candid about many aspects of running and motherhood. I would recommend this to women new to the sport of running. A seasoned veteran would probably not find anything useful here. Good read overall.
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Sarah
613 reviews
April 14, 2010
This book is fantastic. Written by a super competitive runner and a slow and steady runner which makes for a balanced, approachable read. I enjoyed their candid thoughts on all things running. A must read for any mom who runs or who is considering running.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews

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