When I was young I remember many races, but it was the Columbus Marathon that he ran to qualify for the Boston Marathon, that stands out the most. I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, but my dad is a kick-booty runner.
I remember my dad encouraging me to try running. My response?
"I will only run if someone bad is chasing me."
A couple years ago, something funny happened: I started running. For exercise and, get this, for fun. Yes, me, the non-runner. The mom to a baby and a toddler...started running.
Why running? With a toddler and a baby, time to myself was, shall I say, limited? But I knew how good I felt (and how important it was to my sanity) when I got in some exercise, and running allowed me to fit in a quicker endorphin rush during my busy mommy days.
Last fall my dad and I ran a 5 mile race together. Afterwards, my dad challenged me:
"What will you do next?"
On a whim, over the winter, I began looking at half-marathon training schedules. Between the crazy mild weather that afforded lots of outdoor running and perhaps a little bit of naivete, I signed up for the Capital City Half Marathon.
Get this: On Saturday I ran 13.1 miles, and no one bad was chasing me.
 |
| SPH, R and G after I crossed the finish line. Tears of joy and relief were fast flowing. |
I share this story not to brag, but to encourage. When I began running, I could run for about 3-4 minutes straight. A mile was not even possible. I am no super-athlete.
But Saturday's race taught me a couple things:
1. Never, ever, ever say "never." Or "impossible."
2. Runner's high is real. I have hardly stopped smiling since crossing the finish line.
3. I love a good challenge.
4. As a mom to young children, *you* are important and you have to take care of yourself.
So I ask you: what have you wanted to do that you think you can't? Try. Just put one foot in front of the other and you might be surprised where you end up!
 | ||
| Enjoying a little post-race bubbly, a definite race bonus. |
And so it's a new week and I'm enjoying the training schedule demands for the week: rest, no running, just take it easy.
Peas and Love,
SPC
5 comments:
Congratulations!! I remember a few years ago when you referred to your daily exercise as some sort of "wog" or "jalk" (a combo walk-jog). Now it's all RUN!
I am so proud of you. Your picture made me cry! You did awesome. ENJOY your recovery time to the fullest.
The picture of you hugging your husband- LOVE it! I am so happy for you! What an accomplishment. In the words of your dad, "What will you do next?"
JB--I do remember Wogging and jalks! :) Good memory.
Mommy--I am proud of YOU. Your time on the race kicked my butt. You rock!!
Whit--The picture of us hugging is one of my favorites of all time. He was as much a part of this as me, often watching the boys for an hour or two each weekend so I could do long runs. When I had a bad run, he we give me huge pep talks. I think he was as excited as I was, it was far more emotional than I ever expected. But, I won't be putting a 13.1 sticker on my car. :)
How exciting! I'm really inspired by this!
Post a Comment