My Fit Mama Friday today, Robin Gannon, has an ongoing date every day with her BFF – her treadmill. Robin has been married for six years to her husband Jordan. They have a son, Grier, aged 5; a daughter Brin, 20 months; and a “bonus son” (her stepson), Riley, aged 9. On top of her role as a fit mama, Robin also works full time outside of the home, working four days a week of 10 hour shifts as a Dental Assistant. So how does she fit her workouts in? Let’s find out:

Meet Robin.

I love featuring fellow runner mamas on Fit Mama Friday! Tell me how you got into running. 

I started running (at a snail’s pace) when I was in my early twenties. I never lasted very long because I had no idea of the concept of pacing myself, so I tired quickly. I played soccer in middle school and high school but was NEVER a runner (just genetically lucky in the weight department). Getting up to run my first 5k when I was 26 years old was a huge deal to me. It is funny to think about now, because 3 miles is what I consider a warm up now.

So you were running when you got pregnant with Grier, your eldest – did you continue running through your pregnancy?

I ran a little during my first pregnancy, then I switched to speed walking on the highest incline in my second trimester, which I continued all the way up until delivery. My husband and I would watch basketball games and movies together, him on the couch and me and my belly on the treadmill.

I love that! 🙂 How soon after giving birth did you start running again? 

I started running five weeks after my emergency c-section and never looked back. 5K. 10K. 15K. Half marathons. Then I started training for my first marathon and made it up to 17 mile long runs before tripping over my laundry basket (ironic, right?!!) and breaking my foot at the base of my big toe less than two months before the big day. Needless to say, I didn’t run my marathon, and although the race director was willing to refund me my money (which they NEVER DO!), I simply switched to the half marathon and busted it out on a broken foot. There MAY have been tears at mile 10, but my family waiting for me at the finish line made it all worth it!

Wow! That is unbelievable. That’s some dedication. Do you have plans to try a marathon in future, since your evil laundry basket foiled you the first time?

For now, I’m sticking with 15K’s and half marathons. I’m looking forward to setting a new PR (personal record). This weekend I’m actually running the Shamrock 15K. It has massive hills which are a killer, but as long as I get a finisher’s medal…I’ll be happy.

Good luck! 🙂 You were obviously back into shape before getting pregnant a second time with Brin – did you keep running during your second pregnancy?

I ran during pregnancy #2 all the way up until 28 weeks when I went into pre-term labor due to infection. I ended up on bed rest. Watching my husband run out the front door and down the street that spring for his runs was torture. More torturous than daytime TV! At five weeks post baby, though, I was up and at it again. (And by the way, I made it to 37+ weeks!)

Did you have a postpartum fitness goal for either pregnancy?

My goal with both babies was to just get back to my 5K time by three months postpartum. Mission accomplished.

What’s your workout routine like now and what is your motivation now you’re well back to pre-baby shape?

Running is still my cardio of choice. It helps keep my mommy anxiety in check and gives me much needed energy. I have an elliptical at home that I also dabble in when I get bored, but that contraption is like the devil in my house and my treadmill is my best friend…as weird as that sounds.

I continue to focus on my running and strength training for a laundry list of reasons. Family history of diabetes, cholesterol, heart issues. I love skinny jeans. I suffer from generalized anxiety which has only gotten worse after having my babies and it seems to burn that off. I love to eat….and…did I mention I love skinny jeans?

I am ALWAYS looking for new goals and inspiration to keep me going. Right now I’m doing a “100 days of Running” challenge. I wake up at 4:30am to run while my house still sleeps. My best friend (my treadmill and DVR) and I have an ongoing date.

4:30 am. Wow. 

I choose to run in the morning because there is literally no other time for it. Since I work four long days of 10 hour shifts, I only get to see my little ones for less than two hours a day when I’m working. I refuse to sacrifice that time with them. I also refuse to give up my “me time” with Ms. Treadmill. My husband is VERY supportive. Even though he admits that he thinks I’m nuts, he is constantly reassuring me and letting me know he admires my devotion.

Don’t get me wrong, running so early isn’t easy. My soft, warm bed WANTS me to stay in it for another hour, but I keep rolling out early because I know I’m doing my heart and my kids a favor. I feel like if they see me work so hard and enjoy the benefits of it, they’ll hopefully incorporate it in their lives on their own someday.

So only treadmill running for you? Do you get outside to run, aside from your races?

Three seasons out of the year I get away to my favorite outdoor running spot, a 7 mile route along Lacamas Lake in Vancouver, WA. Fresh air, fellow running junkies, water, bugs that end up in my eye and most importantly…public restrooms!

You mentioned you have good genetics in terms of keeping a healthy weight, but do you eat healthily, too?

I’ve always tried to eat as much organic and local food as possible. Since having kids, I’ve become more and more vegetarian-ish (as I like to call it). I only eat meat about once a week. I’d rather get my protein from other sources. I encourage my kids to do the same. Paying attention to eating that way forces us to pay more attention to how we fuel our bodies in general.

You mentioned your husband also runs – is the whole family a fit family? 🙂

Yes! After I became a running junkie, my husband, Jordan, started playing indoor and outdoor soccer. We take turns running (he is 6’3″ and I can’t keep up with him when re run together…plus…someone has to watch the kids!). When our son, Grier, was 2 years old we signed him up for his first “fun run”. Now he does two runs a year. Our daughter Brin just completed her first race this past fall at a mere 16 months. Granted, I carried her some of the way and she came in dead last, but it was super fun for all three kids!

My favorite “bonus son”, Riley, plays soccer and we are hoping to get Grier and Brin signed up this spring. Their next fun run is coming up in June at the Vancouver USA Marathon event.

Oh, I love that the little ones run races! That’s the cutest thing, watching toddlers in a race. What’s the greatest benefit to being a fit mama and why do you think it’s important?

Being a fit mom has benefitted me because I have the energy to chase my little taters (as I like to call them) day and night. It has also helped me be more aware of what healthy foods they should have to fuel their bodies.

It is so important to my husband and I to keep our kids active and aware of their bodies. It, in turn, keeps us all busy in a very healthy way.

Thank you so much for being my featured Fit Mama Friday today, Robin and good luck with your PR quest this year!

 

Fit Mama Friday – Fit Dad Friday

Every Friday on Fine Fit Day I feature a Fit Mama or a Fit Dad story of how and why a fit and healthy mama or dad ensures fitness is a priority in her or his life. You’ll read about all kinds of parents and their fitness stories. Some are stay-at-home parents, some are single parents, some juggle more than one job on top of parenthood, but they are all committed to a fit and healthy lifestyle. As you’re getting ready for your weekend, I hope you’re inspired to be active after reading about these kick-ass mamas and dads on Fit Mama Friday – Fit Dad Friday!

 

Do you want to be featured on Fit Mama Friday? Or do you know someone you’d like to see featured? Please contact me for details!