Saturday, October 16, 2010

Run Like a Mother...

Way back in January I told y'all I'd bought a pair of running shoes. Told you I wanted to be a runner again: not to lose weight, not to look better, not even to run fast. I just wanted to be the person who had the shoes to lace up, who had the willpower to roll out of bed at 5.30 on a summer morning to run through the steamy silent sunrise.

I wasn't sure, when I posted that here, whether I'd keep my word. Whether I'd grant myself my wish. Because life is crazy - I am up late in the night attending to details, adult details of my life that get ignored all day. I have three busy kids, one hardworking husband, and a million little things that demand my attention.

Well I have big news.


Yesterday morning I ran like a seven year old. I ran with abandon - up the hills and down the hills and around the lake and around the potholes and... I ran with unfettered joy.

I ran in a marathon relay: I was the fourth leg, with a run of 7.2 miles. This was the first race I'd run in 20 years. The longest distance I've raced ever. I ran and ran and ran and smiled the biggest goofiest smile you've seen on a mom of 3. I had a blast.

And guess what. Turns out, running for joy - for the sheer fun of it? Makes for a smoking fast time. Well, smoking fast for a girl who was planted firmly on the couch watching CSI reruns last fall.

What I felt yesterday goes beyond proud. Beyond 'accomplished.' Beyond happy. What I felt yesterday was Joy.

5 comments:

Michelle said...

Congratulations! I love this part of running. You ran fast, great job!

Cheryl said...

SO proud of you! I gotta tell you, though, that I wish I could just decide to run one day and 8 or 9 months later run as fast as you! ;)

Lori-Anne said...

Your motivation and dedication really are inspiring. Not enough to lure me to run again, but maybe to head out for a good morning walk every day...

Anonymous said...

Still trying to find the right OOmpf to get off my couch and run... This post is making those running feet tickle...

Coach said...

Wow, that warms an "old" coach's heart. I am very proud of you! Napa Valley Marathon next year?

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