I have ran for many purposes which have changed throughout the years....the high school track and cross country teams, fitness, health, self-esteem and now the main reason for running now is for my sanity. It has become my release from everything. It's just me and my Ipod or just me and nature or me and my dog. I do so many things for so many other people and taking care of other people's needs, this is one thing I really do for myself. I am not spending money on haircuts, colors, mani and pedis, I would rather get new running shoes or register for a race.
I believe that the runner's high I used to get after completing the 400 yard run in track could be considered a drug because I now I get that same euphoric feeling after completing a great run and it is probably as addicting as any "real" drug. This just happens to be healthy. I have always enjoyed running but not always was I disciplined about it. If I would have put in as much effort in High School as I do now who knows where that would've taken me. I guess it started back in 4th grade when we had elementary track and field days. I would always compete in the hardest running races available...the 200 and 400 yard dash. Little did I know then, that is what I would run in High School as well. I had a coach who was very hard on me and pushed me because he knew I had more in me but I didn't listen to him all the time. I had success later in High School but it was kind of a little too late. I had the opportunity to also see for myself some amazing atheletic women on my team that inspired me as younger runner. One of them had even went onto compete in the Olympic Trials. If I would have dedicated myself then like I do now I would have been at those State track meets. I did not appreciate him at the time but now I do! When I am running a hard race or feel like giving up I hear Mr. Gilman's voice in my head cheering me on and telling me to pick it up from the sidelines of the track and to keep going. This was an eye opener now that I have kids myself involved in sports. I don't want them to look back on their sports experiences and say I wish I would've given more or cared just a little bit more...I also know what it is like to look up to those older atheletes and inspire to be like them. I am glad my boys have chosen positive role models as that is hard to find these days!
Now when I lace up its to become a better mom. Those minutes I spend thinking, sweating, and getting out my emotions help me to take on the pressures of being a good Christian, a wife, mommy, taxi cab driver, coach, housekeeper, lunch, team manager, a lady, referee, nurse, teacher, friend, dry cleaner, therapist, bargain shopper, landscaper, tutor, and secretary. All these jobs on one person is a kind of stressful. So my stress relief is found on a road or a trail! Some days if I have to choose between fitting in a run or a shower I choose run. A shower is a bonus! I am a mom on the run in more ways than one!
I have seen not only the health benefits of my running, except for the minor aches and pains that goes along with it but the way my children feel about running. They know when I have not had my run or maybe I need to head out for one. I look back on the fun times we had together and I will always remember taking them to the trails which started with Braedyn in the jogging stroller as each aged up to big boy bikes with training wheels and then no training wheels and then they were off and I had to pick up the pace! I remember bundling them up in the stroller if it was above 30 degrees we would still head out. They would be out there with winter jackets, hats, and gloves. But if you are a mom with boys you will understand the more energy they can burn off the better kids they are. They find enjoyment out of it and adventure. It was an emotional sad and happy year as I said goodbye to the age of the jogging stroller. My last one entering Kindergarten and pushing 50 pounds was getting more difficult to do! He proudly graduated to his big boy bike. It's kind of turned into their special time with mom and then we play at the park or may go grab an ice cream treat when we are done. I hope one day they can do it with their own families and remember the fun times with their mom.
They have such endurance because of this as well. It makes them strong. I see them out on the rink or basketball court and they are one of the last ones to tire out. My oldest is starting middle school on a different school calendar and he is actually excited to drop of the younger two and start hitting the trail with mom. I am looking forward to it to. Some quality time with my oldest with one on one I haven't had since I had a second then a third.
The other benefit of having a mom as a runner. They see what setting a goal for yourself means. They know if I sign up for a race, I now have to train for that race and I have certain goals I want to reach and they also see their mom achieve that goal. It shows them that if you set your mind to something that may seem a little out of reach, with hard work and dedication you can attain your goal.
I hope that inspires them to want to reach their own goals.
I have connected with so many women through running and have some great friendships. There is a lot you can talk about when you are out running for 1- 1 1/2 hours! They become are cheerleaders and get us through those tough long runs or make us accountable to meet in the morning when you really don't feel like it. We share each others trials and triumphs. Its seems as if it is a support group. You take turns talking and switching topics from your child's successes to disappointments, our gray hairs starting to creep up, recipes, and parenting. Being a stay home mom you become accustomed to being with babies and toddlers all day. This allowed me across the miles running to remember the pleasure of visiting with a friend. Long lasting friendships I have because of running.
I read a book actually given to me by one of my running partners and it is called "Sole Sisters". I loved it. If you are an avid runner, you would enjoy it as well.
As I sign off, its time for my daily run...
Get out there and move!
Running can transform your life. Because it doesn't matter how slow you ran 3 miles it is still better than 0!