We did a contest with Run Faster Mommy (http://www.runfastermommy.com/) – a blog documenting the “adventures of a mom on the run” – and asked the moms why they run. We received so many inspiring responses from moms of all ages and fitness levels. We run for ourselves. We run for our kids. We run for our husbands. We run for other mothers. We run for wine. We run because we love it! Whatever the reason, we are a force out there running around our neighborhoods all over the country.

Here are a few samples of the responses we received. When you’re done – let us know why you run U MOTHER!

Enjoy☺-

“Being a running mom makes me feel strong. After losing my father to lung cancer, a friend to breast cancer and seeing my mother in law fight cancer as well, this has been one of the hardest years of my life. One could just feel sad, but I chose to train for a marathon. Though motherhood clearly shows us how responsible we need to be, no longer having parents with me made me realize how much is in my hands with my own life and those of my children. I need to remind myself that I am strong, that hard work yields results and other people are out there supporting me. Wish me luck on Nov 1 and give me the strength to be a good person and a good mother. “

“I love being a running Mom because it makes me feel healthy and strong. These are ideals I hope to pass on to my children. I love the true happiness that exudes from my children, upon seeing me come home from a long run. I love that my children ask if they can “get sweaty”. I love that my sweet little 2 year old wakes up every morning and asks “Mommy…you go running?” I truly believe you must lead by example, and I feel I’m doing this by being a running Mom.

“I love being a running mom because I love hearing my son say GOOD JOB mom, you are so FAST! (even when I finish last in my age, he still looks at me as a winner…what can beat that)!”

“There are so many reasons that I love being a running mom!! I love the “me” time that allows me to de-stress, which in turn, helps me be a more patient mom when I come home :0) I also love to show my children that health and exercise are important at every age. I also like to teach them about setting goals and achieving them and about healthy competition!! I like that after 2 children, I have my body back and feel really great about myself! The self-confidence I have helps me to be a better mom and wife which keeps my family happy as a whole! Running mom’s rock!!!”

“i love being a running mom because it helps me to teach my kids by example. It is easy to tell them to do something but a lot more difficult to show them through your actions on a consistent basis. Last night my 6 year old asked me “mom, isn’t today the day you are doing your long run?” she keeps me accountable and I do not want to let her down :)”

“I am a running mom cause of what running does to me mentally, physically and spiritually. Running brings me back to the person I was meant to be instead of the depressed, overweight and misserable Mom i use to be. I am a running mom because its about being who i was created to be, about being a the Mom my kids deserve and the wife my husband deserves. I run to let other Moms who have given up know that if they just keep trying, eventually they will become the person the dream to be. I run because it makes me realize i am stronger than I ever thought I could be.”

“I love being a running mom because it resets the definition of normal to my boys. It teaches them that it is normal to be fit and workout and take care of your bodies. It also teaches them that women are not only beautiful and elegant, but smart and strong. “