In my life as a novice runner, with a full time family and work schedule many days it can be a challenge just to get myself out the door. There are so many reasons (excuses) not to run: the heat, it’s too early, it’s too late, the zillion other things I should be doing around the house, I’m too tired, homework, meals to cook, dishes to do — you know what I mean!! Initially the rewards of running seems to pale in comparison. When I first started to “run” I could hardly go 2 or 3 minutes at a stretch before I had to stop and walk, and the entire time I did run the only thing I could think was “Oh my God, I hate running!”
I was inspired by running accomplishments of my friends, co-workers and neighbors and motivated by the fact that I had to be naked in the same room as my husband, the ultra-runner, so I stuck with it and kept on working on my running. Slowly (and I do mean SLOWLY) I began to improve, finally I was able to go a whole mile without walking, then 2, then I started to think maybe a 5K was within the realm of possibility.
This past January I did my first 5K and the rewards were becoming apparent! I had lost a bit of weight, was feeling stronger and was even starting to look forward to my time running as a mental break from all my other responsibilities. The race was more fun than I could have imagined but the biggest reward was my 6 year old daughter at the finish line yelling “GO MOMMY GO!”.
You will still find me out there plugging along 3 or 4 times a week. I am now trying to increase my distances. I am still slow with almost unlimited room for improvement. All of the excuses are still there but most days they are overshadowed by the rewards — none sweeter than the chants of a 6 year old!
Hope to run with you soon,
bucketmamma
