Moms on the run: How running can make you a stronger woman and happier mother

"Are my kids still chasing me?"

This slogan, emblazoned on a pink T-shirt, is available at anothermotherrunner.com.

Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, founders of the website and authors of several running books tailored to mothers, have tapped into a movement. Women over 40 are the fastest-growing demographic of new runners, according to "Culture, Bodies and the Sociology of Health," edited by Elizabeth Ettorre. And most of those women are mothers.

What is it that causes these women to make a run for it? And are you ready to join them?

RunEngland reports some reasons mothers say they run:

By line:Lindsay Chapman, left, Jessica Villar Rosati and Chelle Jannin. (Glenn Landberg)

* To relax and have some "me time"

* To keep an active lifestyle around child care challenges

* To connect with the outdoors

* To spend time with friends

* To feel good

* To fight mental health issues such as depression

Chelle Jannin, Jessica Villar Rosati and Lindsay Chapman lace up for a run. (Glenn Landberg)

Whether they lace up before the sun rises when their family is asleep, or they head out after dinner when dad can get the kids ready for bed, mothers reap the same benefits of running. Numerous studies have shown running can help prevent Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Moms trying to lose baby weight will appreciate that you not only burn lots of calories while running, but you keep burning them even when you stop.

"Pregnancy brain" (fuzziness caused by the preoccupation that comes with bringing a new human into the world) can turn into "Mommy Brain" (fuzziness caused by lack of sleep and stress). But a 2012 study in The Journal of Adolescent Health proved that just 30 minutes of running every day for three weeks boosted sleep quality, mood and concentration.

Mothers worried about injuries can get prepared with the right shoes and a training plan to ease into the activity. If people tell you running is bad for your knees, have them listen to the NPR interview with Boston University researcher David Felson, who found that running increases bone mass, and even helps prevent age-related bone loss.

By line:Lindsay Chapman (Glenn Landberg)

It's even OK to run while you are a mommy-to-be. Dr. Karen Nordahl, founder of the "Fit to Deliver" prenatal fitness program, says your distance, speed and intensity will depend on whether you were a beginner, intermediate or advanced exerciser before you became pregnant.

Physical, mental and social benefits are waiting for those ready to chase some pavement instead of their kiddos for a little while.

Chelle Jannin

Chelle Jannin (Glenn Landberg)

__Occupation:__ Junior high teacher

__Mother of:__ Jared, 12

__Typical running week:__

Usually 35 miles, or more if I am marathon training.

__How did you become a runner?__

I lost about 50 pounds and wanted to do something healthy to celebrate and maintain the weight loss. I saw a sign for the Perryville Mayfest 5K. I had to look up how long a 5k was and decided, "I can do that." I ran three miles on the treadmill just to make sure I could. The day of the 5K, I earned third place in my age group! I really noticed that running and preparing for the race gave my workouts a new goal.

__What is one of your goals now?__

I hope to Boston qualify (to get entry into the Boston Marathon, you must have completed a marathon in the qualifying time for your age group) at least once a year and hope to actually run Boston one year.

__How does running benefit your family?__

It helps me de-stress after work. I teach eighth grade, which can be a very tough job. Those miles on the road help me think, process and pray before I go home so I can leave work behind and be the wife and mom that I need to be.

__What motivates you on a tough run?__

Eventually, I would like to raise awareness for Rare Disease. [Chelle's son has TRAPS, a rare genetic disease that causes flares of fever or muscle pain.] Until then, I think about keeping one foot in front of the other and pushing through the pain for the kids who can't be out here due to their illness. I know some people want to be out there, but physically can't due to their limitations.

Jessica Villar Rosati

Jessica Villar Rosati (Glenn Landberg)

__Occupation:__ Registered nurse and technical reviewer

__Mother of:__ Anthony, 19; Cyrena, 16; and Justin, 14

__Typical running week:__

Three days per week -- six miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 to 20 miles on Saturday or Sunday.

By line:Chelle Jannin, left, Jessica Villar Rosati and Lindsay Chapman. (Glenn Landberg)

__What are the biggest challenges in making time to run as a mother?__

The biggest problem I have been encountering lately is being too tired after a long run to take my daughter shopping. Other than that, I just need to watch the scheduling of races around kids' events. It's generally frowned upon to miss your child's graduation to run a marathon.

__What do you love about running?__

I feel so blessed to have landed in Cape Girardeau. We have a wonderfully supportive running group made up of good people with good hearts. Most of the friends I have made during my five years here were met while running. We used to try and arrange group runs via text message, but I created the "Run Cape Girardeau" Facebook page to make planning easier. It amazes me that we started with just 20 members who wanted to run together locally, and now we have more than 600, with many groups of friends traveling to run races around the country. I also love how running brings together people from diverse backgrounds who might otherwise never have met. All the differences and divisions seem to fall away when we run together. We are no longer conservatives or liberals, rich or poor, old or young. We are just runners.

Lindsay Chapman

Lindsay Chapman. (Glenn Landberg)

__Occupation:__ Social worker

__Mother of:__ Elliot, 3 months

__Typical running week:__

I am finding a new routine with a newborn, but typically I run distance in the evenings and sprint/hill work over my noon lunch hour.

__How does running benefit you?__

About the eighth month of pregnancy, I simply could not force my body into motion. Running was far down my list of desires. Not having those natural endorphins flowing through my body actually led to depression after giving birth. So running truly benefits my mental health just as much as my physical health. In order to take the best care of my son, I understand the importance of "me time." Running gives me the space to focus solely on myself and sort of "check in" on my wellness.

__What's one of your biggest challenges as a mother runner?__

I started running almost two years ago. However, I just became a "mother runner" two months ago. Since Elliot is still so new, his schedule can get interrupted fairly easily. So, just when I decide to lace up, he can wake up from his nap and be ready for a meal. When the weather gets warmer, I fully plan on putting the jogging stroller to use. I see my hobby as a unique way to bond with him.

__What are your running goals?__

I am on a mission to run in all 50 states, currently seeking state 12! I'm also looking forward to seeing my husband, Lonnie, and baby Elliot's welcoming faces at the finish line!

Ready, set, go!

One of the great things about running is that you don't need to join a gym or buy a lot of equipment to be able to do it. Here are a few of the things you do need:

* Good running shoes: Visit a running store where you can be specially fitted and where employees can take your running style into consideration. The best shoes for your feet might not be in your favorite color combination, but they will protect you from injury so you can go the distance. Your shoes are the biggest investment you will make.

* Sports bra: You will be much more comfortable if you support "the girls." You can be fitted for the right bra at a running store, too, though less expensive models at Kohl's or Old Navy might work equally well for you.

* Moisture-wicking socks: Cotton might be "the fabric of our lives," but it is not the fabric of choice for running! Running socks are made of synthetic fibers that pull sweat away from your feet and protect you from blisters.

* A training plan: Whether you want to aim for a 5K race or just to enjoy going around the block, a little professional help is needed.

-- In person: Sasha Grojean, ACE-certified trainer who conducts running workshops: sashatg73@yahoo.com

-- In a book: "Train Like A Mother" by McDowell and Bowen Shea

-- In an app: Couch to 5K by Active.com

Get a head start

WHAT: Catch Me If You Can Skirt 5K Run

WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape Girardeau

HOW IT WORKS: Wear a skirt and get a three-minute head start on this race! Can those who are not wearing a skirt catch you? If you don't have a skirt, don't worry -- upgrade your registration by $20 and get a $30 gift certificate for running skirt apparel at Missouri Running Co. Proceeds from the race will be donated to GRACES Women's Council. For more information, contact Kim Kelpe at 573-803-1193.

WHERE TO SIGN UP: Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/CapeGirardeau/CatchMeIfYouCan5KSkirtRun. You can find other local races at www.caperoadrunners.org -- click on the 2015 race calendar.