The journey of becoming a parent often entails setting aside personal ambitions, especially when there are six children and another on the way. Yet, Shanna Elaine Burchette has managed to weave her passion for running into the colorful tapestry of her family life. An inspiration to many, known on Instagram as motherhood_running, she exemplifies resilience and determination in pursuing personal goals while parenting.
Shanna's life story shines a spotlight on the strength it takes to balance marathon dreams with motherhood. She humorously refers to herself as a “glorified butt wiper,” highlighting her role as a stay-at-home mom. Despite the demands, Shanna remains a marathon enthusiast, a journey she traces back to her childhood when she was part of a competitive running club. "
Running has always kind of consisted of either being pregnant with a baby or having a baby next to me,
she notes, recalling the compromises and adjustments she has made over the years.
Finding Running Rhythm Amidst Family Chaos
Shanna's transition from a dedicated runner to a full-time mother and back to embracing the track involved innovative ways to incorporate training. When time and resources were scarce, she found solace in structured programs like Insanity. These workouts at home provided a stop-gap, keeping her active as she navigated each new addition to her family. "
I set three times a week, 20 to 30 minutes out of my house
she describes, illustrating how attainable goals kept her consistent even in the busiest seasons.
Her early morning routines became a staple, whether utilizing a treadmill or running with a stroller. Yet, it wasn’t just about physical fitness; running became a mental anchor through the challenges of motherhood, offering a space for self-reflection and rejuvenation. This newfound perspective allowed her to lean into her identity as both a mother and an athlete, nurturing each with dedication.
Connecting with other running mothers online, especially after discovering Instagram in 2022, provided not only motivation but a sense of community that welcomed her back to competitive pursuits. "Community is what got me back into the sport," she shares, crediting the support and camaraderie of her virtual network as crucial to re-engaging with her passion for running.
Trusting Intuition and Embracing New Goals
An undercurrent to Shanna’s story is her trust in intuition, a guiding force in significant life decisions. Despite offers to run collegiately, she felt a profound sense of dissonance and chose a different path. "I remember feeling this pit in my stomach, like this just doesn't feel right," she recalls, underscoring an alignment to personal truth over external expectations.
Breaking away from societal molds, Shanna embarked on a journey marked by inner contemplation and spiritual commitment, including serving a church mission. The years she dedicated to motherhood allowed for a reclamation of her identity, not as a runner defined by goals but as an individual inspired to run for the sheer joy of it and the personal growth it encouraged.
Now eyeing marathon achievements, Shanna strategically sets her sights on the olympic trial qualifier. Her approach involves embracing the process while nurturing each aspect of readiness. "Focus on controllables, what steps can I take right now," she advises, focusing on practical, attainable actions that sustain progress.
Community and Strategy: Pillars of Support
Achieving one's dreams in the realm of athletics and motherhood requires more than individual effort. For Shanna, a supportive network, coupled with strategic planning, forms the backbone of her journey. The running community she fosters both in local settings and across social platforms plays a vital role in encouraging personal and shared victories.
The emphasis on patience and gradual growth, rather than rushing recovery and performance, reflects wisdom gained over years of balancing these dual roles. The guidance from coaches and the solidarity of running peers offer a living testament to the powerful connectivity we can cultivate through shared interests and passions.
Shanna’s story is more than a narrative of running; it’s an inspiring account of aligning one’s passion with life’s demands. There is much to explore in the full episode of the podcast, where her methodical balancing of motherhood and marathon running promises to touch hearts and motivate others in similar quests.
