Review: "See Mom Run" by Ridgefield's Megan Searfoss

Have you ever wanted to run but had no idea where or how to start? The thought of running more than a minute or two left you breathless and thinking it was beyond your ability? Have you watched the women running down Main Street in Ridgefield on Mother’s Day, participating in Run Like a Mother and wondered if you could ever do that too? Megan Searfoss’ new book, "See Mom Run," is the book for you. Searfoss answers all of your running questions from “do I need special clothes?” to “I’ve put on my sneakers, now what?”

Searfoss gives four training plans in her book, which she calls creeping, crawling, cruising and climbing. Each training plan builds on the previous, and they range from a training plan for those whose goal is to walk a 5K to a training plan to those who want to set a personal record at their next 5K. There is a training plan for everyone, and as you complete one and desire to push yourself further, you can move on to the next one. In addition to the four training plans, she also includes a section on strength training. The exercises can all be done without special equipment, her instructions are easy to follow, and she includes ways to challenge yourself further as you master each exercise.

As a mom and a runner, Searfoss answers all the questions women runners want to ask. How do I find the right running bra? Why should I avoid cotton socks? Running and bodily functions—how I do handle these? I want to run with my child: do I really need a jogging stroller? She includes chapters on how to properly fuel your body and how to avoid injury (I wish I had read this chapter years ago when I first started running).

Once you start running and set a goal of your first 5K, you may be a bit nervous about race day. Searfoss includes a section on your first 5K. She includes what to expect the day of the race, how to handle nerves, how to set a realistic goal, and how to enjoy the day after you have worked so hard to get there. She answers your questions about picking up your bib and race swag to the timing chip on your bib.

There are many benefits to running both physically and mentally. As moms, we often have a running list of things we need to do for our family. Searfoss addresses the benefits of taking time for ourselves to run. It makes us healthier, clears the mind, builds confidence, and makes us more energetic.  It’s okay to take time for ourselves, and Searfoss’ training plans are manageable for the busy mom. Children who see mom run learn the value of physical fitness and being healthy.

Megan Searfoss’ "See Mom Run" should be the running bible for all moms who run or want to run. This is a book you will be referring back to often. As a mom and a runner, I highly recommend this book.