Community stories: Michelle Lee, Monroe

They say that having a child changes you. I’ve found that it changes your mind and body in ways that no one tells you but mostly, it changes your heart – positioning it outside of your body and firmly into the hands of a tiny human.

Many of the emotions that followed my pregnancy also came as a bit of a shock. Mom guilt hit me hard as I left my active lifestyle to focus on my son. It didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to do something for my health and not feel guilty about it. And when my in-laws got me a jogging stroller for my birthday, it changed everything. I could do something for myself AND spend time with my son.  I set a goal to make it around the path at the park by my house, which was about three-quarters of a mile.

Twelve years later, my son and I are still running together, except now we’re running longer distances. In fact, he’s currently training for his sixth 10K and I’m training for my sixth marathon. Run United specifically has been a way to show my kiddos that the everyday things you love and enjoy can make a difference. I love knowing that my passion for running can help children in our community and it’s a great way to share running with those who may not think it’s for them. I certainly didn’t think running was for me when I first hit the pavement with my newborn.

In 2019, I gave birth to my second child – a daughter. I have no idea if she will be a runner or what her interests will be, but I hope that she will set goals and know that she can crush them.  All it takes is a commitment to show up for yourself and take that first step. You never know who is watching or who will be inspired by what you are doing.

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