There’s a term many mums throw around when talking about the physical and mental strength that comes with motherhood: mum strength. It might sound like a fun, light-hearted phrase, but any mother will tell you—it’s real! From lifting children (and what seems like endless laundry) to managing the whirlwind of daily life, mums often find themselves doing things they never thought they could. And in my case, as a mum of three, I’ve found that I’m actually running faster than ever before. So, what’s behind this "mum strength," and why does motherhood sometimes seem to unlock a whole new level of physical and mental endurance?
The science behind mum strength
During pregnancy, your body goes through incredible changes to support your growing baby. One major shift is the increase in blood volume—your body ramps up production to provide nutrients and oxygen to your baby. But this increased blood flow also improves your own circulation, which can lead to better oxygen delivery to your muscles. Over time, this can contribute to increased muscular endurance and strength, even after pregnancy.
Additionally, the hormone relaxin is produced to help your body’s ligaments and muscles adapt to the physical demands of carrying a baby. While it’s mainly for childbirth preparation, relaxin’s effects can linger, leading to greater flexibility and physical adaptability.
Mental strength is key
Beyond the physical changes, there’s another crucial component to mum strength: mental resilience. Since becoming a mother, I’ve had to juggle more tasks, manage more stress, and handle more emotional ups and downs than ever before. This mental strength has translated directly into my running. Managing three kids means I’ve learned how to push through discomfort, plan efficiently, and stay focused on the end goal—a skill set that directly applies to running faster and farther.
When you’re chasing after children, you learn how to pace yourself and save energy for when it’s needed most. This ability to stay mentally tough, even in the face of fatigue, has made me a better, stronger runner.
Planning, stress management, and the power of self-care
Motherhood is the ultimate exercise in time management. If I don’t plan out my day (and sometimes my week) with precision, things quickly fall apart. This skill has been crucial in my running journey. By setting aside specific times to train, I’ve made exercise a priority, and with every run, I feel like I’m not only taking care of my body, but also setting a good example for my children.
The stress of parenting can sometimes feel overwhelming, but in many ways, running has become my release valve. It’s my time to reconnect with myself, to push my limits, and to feel a sense of accomplishment. And after facing the challenges of motherhood, running a few kilometres feels like a breeze!
Making my children proud
Let’s not forget the motivation that comes from being a role model. My kids see me running, and I want them to know that staying active and healthy is important. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing your children cheer you on, or seeing them try to imitate your workouts. They inspire me to push harder, to show them what’s possible with hard work and dedication.
Why I’m running faster than ever
Since having my three children, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my running speed and endurance. I think a big part of this is down to a combination of physical and mental adaptations. My body has become more efficient at handling the demands of motherhood, and that efficiency translates into physical performance. Plus, mentally, I’m more resilient than ever. I know how to push through when things get tough because I’ve done it a thousand times in my daily life. The combination of increased endurance, efficient planning, mental toughness, and the desire to make my children proud has fuelled my running success.
Conclusion
Mum strength is not just a myth—it’s a real and powerful phenomenon. Whether it’s fuelled by physical changes during pregnancy, mental resilience, or the determination to set a strong example for our children, it’s clear that motherhood brings out a strength we never knew we had. For me, this strength has shown up in many ways, especially in my running. So to all the mums out there: embrace your strength, because it’s real—and it’s amazing! 💪
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