Monday, May 7, 2012

Never, ever say "never"

Growing up my dad ran a lot.  He began in high school, running Cross Country.

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:

JerseyBaby said...

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!

Mommy on my boys turf said...

I am so proud of you. Your picture made me cry! You did awesome. ENJOY your recovery time to the fullest.

whitneyingram said...

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?"

Sweet Pea Chef said...

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. :)

Laura said...

How exciting! I'm really inspired by this!