Being an athlete is important to me. Being a mom is the most important thing I’ve ever done.

I was a rower in college. Before that and basically as long as I can remember, I played soccer and ran track. Athletics have been part of my life since I first drew breath. When I became a mom in 2016, I thought that would have to change. I knew other moms kept up their fitness and athleticism, but it seemed really hard. I guess it was hard. But I started little by little and got back in shape. Then I had a big, terrible miscarriage in 2017, then a little, terrible miscarriage in 2018, then a second beautiful baby boy in 2019.

Getting back in shape after the ups and downs of pregnancy was tough, but with community and by drawing on my former experience, I got there. Now, my little one has cancer, and running has taken on a completely new meaning and value in my life. I need to write about all of this, and I’m hopeful that sharing about it will help you a little bit too.