I recently started my journey of running about 700 miles in 16 weeks. Final destination: White Rock Marathon in Dallas.

Before you think I've tied my running shoes a bit too tight, leaving my brain oxygen deprived, consider my options:  (A) Run with a very structured training plan OR (B) Chase my 5-year old all day long.

I love my son to death, but I'll take (A) in a heartbeat. If I don't run, consider the components of my job description these days: (1) Driver of Dylan to and fro (2) Regular reader of great children's literature (3) Master grocery shopper (4) Preparer of great meals  (5) Bather of a dirty little boy.

Now I can add runner who can complete 26.2 miles to that list, which sounds not only more glamorous, but far more healthy.

Not only physically healthy, but running leaves me mentally healthy, too. I adore my mom friends who will sympathize and empathize with the trials and tribulations of potty training, first days of school and my son's crazy eating habits. Without them, I'd probably be institutionalized as we deal with insanity daily. But I relish the running club I meet with on Saturdays in the wee hours (typically at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.) to run several miles and talk about life. They know me as Jennifer first, and Dylan's mom second.

So consider this a wake-up call to all moms to tap into their inner mojo and find some activity where people know you by your OWN first name, not that of your child. It's a great time to do it, school has just started, so if you stay at home, take a few hours a week to do something for yourself. It doesn't have to be a running club, it could be a book club, or a local volunteer opportunity. Find something so you don't lose yourself as we all muddle through motherhood.

Those considering running, even if you've never run a step in your life, here's why you could consider running your first mile or 5K.

1. If you're looking to shed a few pounds, running is one of the best ways to do it as you burn about 100 calories per mile. I about to turn 39, and I'm down to the same weight I was as a senior in high school (about 18 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight.)

2. Running keeps me sane with a flood of endorphins, much cheaper than therapy!

3. When I'm out alone running in the dark, it's almost a sacred time to me -- free of obligations and more importantly, it's the only quiet time of the day. It's a pure joy that there's nowhere to go other than the path I choose -- a rarity when you have a child. 

4. It's a guarantee that I get a shower on the days I run!

So without running, I'd be a dirty, frazzled mom. At least now I'm a clean, occasionally frazzled mom!