Why Exercise Isn’t Selfish: How Running Helps Moms Be More Present
The Myth of “Selfish” Self-Care
If you’re a mom, you’ve probably felt it, that tug of guilt when you take time for yourself. Whether it’s a solo run, a yoga class, or just a quiet walk without your phone, there’s a whisper in your mind: “I should be home… they need me.”
But what if the most selfless thing you could do for your family is to step outside and move your body?
When I sat down with Keira D’Amato, U.S. marathon record holder, mom of two, and author of Don’t Call It a Comeback, she said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“Running is like brushing my teeth now. If I don’t do it, I just don’t feel like myself. It makes me a more present mom.”
Keira didn’t start running again after kids to break records. She did it to survive the chaos, the sleepless nights, the overstimulation, the weight of being “on” all the time. Movement became her form of emotional regulation. And honestly? That’s what most of us are craving, too.
Movement as Medicine for the Mind
There’s a misconception that exercise is about aesthetics, bouncing back, losing weight, or “earning” food. But Keira’s story reframes it entirely: exercise is maintenance for your mental health.
She shared how running after motherhood wasn’t about chasing PRs; it was about chasing clarity. “I’d come home from a run,” she told me, “and even if it wasn’t a good run, I was a better mom. I could listen, laugh, and actually be there.”
Movement helps release stored stress, clear intrusive thoughts, and regulate cortisol, the stress hormone that spikes when you’re in “mom mode” 24/7. The result isn’t just a healthier body, it’s a calmer nervous system and a more connected home.
Rewriting the Narrative: Exercise as Presence, Not Escape
It’s easy to label your run as “me time,” but Keira reframes it as “our time.” Because when she fills her own tank, her kids get a mom who’s patient, engaged, and not running on fumes.
You don’t need to log 20 miles to get there. A brisk 10-minute walk, a short jog, or even stretching while your kids scooter next to you counts. The point isn’t the pace, it’s the presence.
When you move, you return to your body. When you return to your body, you return to your life.
Your 7-Day “Run/Walk for Presence” Challenge
You don’t need fancy gear or hours of free time. Just intention. Here’s a one-week mini challenge inspired by Keira’s mindful running routine:
Day 1: Go for a 10-minute walk without music. Notice your breath and surroundings.
Day 2: Reflect: What emotion shows up most often during your day? Move with it, not against it.
Day 3: Run or walk while repeating this mantra: “This is where the magic happens.”
Day 4: Take your kids outside and move together, bike, chase, or stroll. Be playful.
Day 5: Journal: How does my body feel after movement? How does my mind feel?
Day 6: Go on your run or walk at sunrise or sunset, practice gratitude for the moment.
Day 7: Celebrate with a family “presence” ritual, maybe a board game, picnic, or shared meal.
Final Thoughts
Exercise isn’t selfish. It’s an act of love, for yourself, your sanity, and your family. When moms move, the whole household benefits.
So the next time that guilt creeps in, remember Keira’s wisdom:
“When I run, I come home a better version of me.”
And that version of you? She’s the one your family needs most.
💫 Join the “Run/Walk for Presence” challenge this week! Share your reflections using #RunningWineMomChallenge and tag me @therunningwinemom, I’ll feature your favorite journal moments and wins on my stories.