I love what I do because I get to talk about fitness—and the importance of staying active—all day long. Like many of you, I wear a lot of hats: I run two stores, coach both adults and high schoolers, and I’m a mom of two. Despite the packed schedule, I still find time to work out 3–4 times a week.

The truth? Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. I’ve learned to be flexible and creative. For example, when someone wants to meet for coffee or dinner, I often suggest going for a walk or a run instead. If I’m at an all-day sports tournament, I pack my running gear and squeeze in a jog between my kids’ events. On days when my calendar is completely full, I wake up early and fit in a quick 20–25 minute run to kick off the day.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that my kids are watching. When I ask them to work out, they often say no. But over time, just by seeing me prioritize my health, they’ve started choosing to go to the gym on their own. When you consistently take care of yourself, your children notice—and it can inspire them to do the same.

Let’s be real: you want to be able to keep up with your kids! So why wait until they’re grown or you retire to get active? As your child trains for their 5K in late May, consider starting your own walk/run routine—just 2–3 days a week. You can begin with walk/run intervals and gradually build up your endurance and run time. By race day, you’ll be ready to join them or cheer them on with energy and pride.

Make the time—for your health, your family, and your future. You’re worth it.