‘I Started a Running Company, But Walking Has Changed My Life’
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We hear a lot about the physical health benefits of walking, but much less is said about how it improves your mental health. I struggled after having my son, but walking brought me joy again.
I’m a running coach and I co-founded Charge Running, so I’m actually a bit new to walking! When my son was born, I immediately wanted to be back where I was pre-baby—but I wasn’t, and I lost the pleasure that running brought me. I needed to take a full step back and slow down a lot. So, I just started walking.
I soon discovered that walking is more than something I can do instead of running. First, it’s something I share it with my son. When I started walking, we were in the middle of the pandemic, so everyone had that feeling of being cooped up. In fact, my son had hardly been outside! I needed to get out and show him more things. He has loved it from the beginning—seeing the train, who’s on the train, dogs, anything—and it makes me so happy to see him discovering the world.
The truth is, postpartum, I struggled with anxiety and depression and went on medication. But making time for walking became easier when I found out how much I enjoyed doing it with this special person. I also felt really supported in the Charge app. It was a challenging time for me, but I can honestly say it’s the most positive community I’ve ever been a part of.
I started to go on longer walks on my own, not worrying about pace or distance. I was able to find the joy again, the joy I’d previously found in running. I was even able to get off my medication. Walking really got me through that time. Now, walking has become a whole family activity. I walk in the late afternoon, and I'm pushing my stroller every time. Sometimes my husband or my parents join.
Walking has helped my mental health immensely. Like so many people, I get cranky if I haven’t been outside for a while. My husband can tell! He’ll ask, “Hey, do you want to go on a walk?” And I do, because I know I’ll be in a good mood before I even get back.
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