Kranz Co. Life in Bloom

I’ve always been active—soccer was my sport of choice growing up. I loved the game, but honestly, it was more about the social aspects than anything else. It wasn’t until high school that I discovered how truly therapeutic running could be.

Throughout high school and much of college, I nannied for a family with two boys. Looking back, their home was my safe haven, full of warmth and joy. I really believe every teenager needs a place like that—a spot free from the drama of family life or school stress. For me, their home was that refuge. No 3-year-old cared about my teenage troubles, and that was exactly what I needed. It was the best distraction.

I’ve always been the “good girl,” the one who followed the rules. That wasn’t a bad thing, until I found myself pressured into a relationship that wasn’t healthy. I became trapped in the belief that I needed to “fix” him—he had his own struggles, and I thought I could save him. But before long, the weight of that relationship began to drag me down. I lost most of my friends, became isolated, and started struggling with anxiety and minor panic attacks.

During this time, I continued to nanny for the same family. The mom was a runner—she ran marathons and half marathons, and was very involved in the running community. I don’t remember the exact conversation, but somehow, she asked if I’d ever tried running. That simple question sparked the beginning of a long and slow journey into long-distance running.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how empowering running would be. I could control it. I could choose how fast, how far, and even the course. It gave me control over my body, my space, and—perhaps most importantly—my thoughts. It became my escape, my form of freedom.

Now, let me be clear: I’m not saying that if you’re in an abusive relationship or experiencing panic attacks, you should just lace up your sneakers and run it off. No. Please, if you’re in need of help or resources, I am more than happy to help you find them.

What I am saying is this: if life feels out of control—because, let’s face it, motherhood often feels like one giant, out-of-control, nonsense party—consider running. The beauty of running is that you can make it what you need it to be, whether that means a slow walk or a sprint. For me, right now it looks like a treadmill session at OrangeTheory and the occasional social race. There was a time when it meant sticking to a strict marathon training plan, but with little kids at home it is harder to carve out that much time.

If you’re feeling like life is a little too chaotic or overwhelming, or if you’re just looking for a way to reclaim some control, I encourage you to give running a shot. You don’t have to be fast, or even “good” at it. Just take that first step, whether it’s a slow jog, a brisk walk, or a light jog around the block. Running isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding your own pace and giving yourself the freedom to breathe.

So lace up those shoes, step outside, and let the road be your escape. You’ve got this.

With Love, Chloe