Nici Holt Cline
I have been running with my two kids. Oofta it is hard but I enjoy this challenge that looks a lot like my overarching challenge as a mama of two: it’s all about a sliver of time, an alignment of stars and getting on it, putting one foot in front of another, before it passes. Sometimes the opportunity isn’t convenient but when the opportunity is there, it is only right then.
Get on it. And then soak up the subsequent empowerment that it, whatever it is, can be done.
Going for a run is not organic and whimsical like it used to be. It requires the skilled precision, practice and focus of, say, a sniper or an Olympic athlete.
I have a 9-11:30am window, after breakfast, during Ruby’s nap but before Margot’s nap. It can’t be too close to my toddler’s naptime because if she falls asleep, she won’t stay asleep. It can’t be too early because it’s cold, Ruby’s not tired and I haven’t had enough coffee.
I nurse Ruby, change her diaper and put her in the sling. I dress Margot in her warm layers and then undress her because she has to pee again and then redress her. I dress Ruby in her warm layers while Margot takes her hat off and throws it in the dog water bowl and hides her mittens under a couch cushion. I fetch the stroller from the garage, find Margot’s mittens and a dry hat. I BUCKLE MARGOT IN THE STROLLER. This is key as she is locked in place and cannot move. I grab some blankets.
I manage, just barely, to get myself dressed in the in between moments. Bra before Ruby goes in sling, socks and shoes while Margot is on the toilet. I frequently look dreadful. The other day I ran in brown spandex. Not cute running spandex that flare at the ankle, but faded cotton spandex that I have no business wearing on a run. But they were right there, on top of a pile and so I had to get on it, seize that opportunity and go.
I walk as long as it takes for Ruby to fall asleep and then I deftly remove the sling and baby, place her in the stroller and run. Once I am running I feel miraculous. I sing Ain’t Nothin’ Gonna Break My Stride as I pass a woman walking her dog and I want to shout Do you see this? How ‘bout a high five sister friend!?
I sing Oh Mister Moon and count squirrels with Margot and I make exaggerated faces at Ruby when she wakes. I zig zag through my neighborhood, careful to never be more than a 10-minute run from home (learned that lesson the hard way). I check any expectations right when we step out the door. Who knows how far we’ll make it or what it will look like. And, really, I couldn’t care less that I am wearing clingy, washed out spandex or what our journey looks like. We already made it.
Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride
Nobody’s gonna slow me down, oh-no
I got to keep on movin’
Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride
I’m running and I won’t touch ground
Oh-no, I got to keep on movin’
I am on a run and all that matters in the whole wide world are those minutes of my body moving forward with my kids. It’s not streamlined or efficient or pretty. It’s me reminding myself and showing my daughters that putting one foot in front of another, the best way I know how, is the only way to see new things and find home.
A fourth generation Montanan raising a fifth, Nici Holt Cline is a mama to Margot and Ruby, wife, gardener, crafter and runner who loves to write and take photos. She writes regularly on her popular blog dig this chick. You can read “Mama Digs” every Monday exclusively at www.mamalode.com. Read more of Nici’s mamalode articles here.
Similar Posts:
- mama digs: she fell, I fell harder
- mama digs: working from home while doing a backbend
- mama digs: rise and shine
- Why: Pebble in my shoe
- mama digs: hot pink headband
Love what you read? Share it!
Email This Post
You. go.girl!!! I’m so impressed! It’s warm here and ive only got one kiddo and im not out there pounding the pavement. What an inspiration you are!
Awesome inspiration! Thank you…I needed that kick in the keister (sp?…well you get the idea)!
I have such a big smile on my face!
xo, your mama
Hilarious! I feel you Sister Friend! I hope to see you out there next time I’m out with my kids in the stroller and my challenged spandex!
I remember those days (17 years ago) running with what had to of been one of the original “BabyJoggers”. It always felt so great to come home after a great romp but a couple memories: 1) that wrist leash is not just for show but very important when crossing streets and running downhill and tripping as I’ve been known to do! 2) One never realizes how much you use your arms when you run and when you have to hold onto the stroller it changes everything. You do get used to it, but when you are strollerless it feels so liberating! Happy Running!
Oh yah! I remember those days! I had a double stroller though, that would go sideways because the older child was bigger and heavier. Add the yellow lab on the leash and the baggy OLD sweatpant….well, you get the picture. It wasn’t pretty!
Good for you, and for what you are doing for your kids, who will develop a huge love of being outdoors no matter what our crazy MT weather!
Love it! Love it, love it, love it!
And taking photos the whole way… amazing.
I know only too well the neccessity of toddler restraints (strollers, carseats, what have you) in order to do things like dress and pee without some disaster (hat in dog water) happening! Go you!
I laughed when you were singing Aint Noting Gonna Break my Stride because I seem to remember seeing this video recently for some reason…and remembering that the guy who sings it slightly resembles a love-child between Balky from that 80s sitcom Perfect Strangers and Freddie Mercury. So I googled it. He does! (look like that, I mean.) and his name is Matthew Wilder. And he was born Mathew Weiner.
Yes. That woman SHOULD high five you!
I have seen a few different women out running with their babes in the running strollers and they get special recognition from me. Not just a head nod, OH NO, they get a “Right on!” and a big smile and a thumbs up.
It’s rare that I’m this much of a goober, but I swear these women – YOU, WOMAN – are incredible. It’s all I can do to get my own self on a run and maybe the dog, much less my own self and 1+ babes and a dog.
From me to you – Right on!
Nici, I remember some 30 years ago before baby jogger strollers- how I manage to get my run in. We lived up 9 Mile outside of Msla. and I would drive the kids down the road a ways to a neighbor who would watch them as I ran, and then I would watch her kids so she could do the same. It took a lot of TIME and effort, but I got the run in. Good for you Nickers, keep it up. I am proud of you. Aunt Deb
Hi Nici! So I’m reading this 2 years later, while I have my own 2 year old and 2 month old. Getting out. SHIT, it’s hard. ‘Twas so smooth with one chicken, but now…. I remember reading about your outings two years ago, and in my memory you made it look so easy. But I forgot. About getting dressed, then undressed, then dressed again…hat in the dog bowl, mittens under the couch. I love reading this now. SO, I’m not the only one. Sure wish I had more neighbors so I could DEMAND a high-five when I get our trio out the door!