Runnerversary

It all started with a two toned blue double jogger...and a big dream that one day I would run a marathon. 

Most days though, I just hoped that I would be rested enough and my two children under two would cooperate long enough for me to get my 3 miles in.

Things sure have changed in these last seven years!  My runnerversary is coming up...Spring is coming too.  It's always around this time of year that I fall in love with running all over again.  Maybe it's the anticipation of being able to get out there, lose the layers, and really give a run all I've got.  Maybe it's looking forward to not having to worry what's under my feet or what I may slip on.  You may be lucky enough to get a few of those days during the winter in the midwest...but when you know you will have a few months of them, it's a different kind of feeling.  Maybe it's purely the anticipation of being able to see what I am made of again...to push myself farther and reach new goals on the road.

As the years go by, it's reiterated after every run, just how much running mirrors life.  There are times in life where the "hills" or "mountains" just seem too steep...the "miles" seem too long...your "lungs" are burning too badly...and you don't think you can take another step.  Then there are those times where the "road" is flat, the "wind" is at your back, and the "weather" is just right...you take a deep breath and you push yourself to go harder, go longer, and it just feels right.  I think running has helped me appreciate different times in my life a little more.  In my mind, I have run 26.2 miles four times...I can do just about anything.

So, if you are thinking about taking up running, getting more serious about it, running your first race, signing up for your first marathon...step out of your comfort zone and take a risk.  You will discover what you are made of...and have a lot of fun doing it!

If you are a Momma that just hopes her kids will cooperate for the next three miles or the Momma who hopes to get out the door without one of your babies chasing you down, I've been there...and even though it doesn't seem like it now, you will miss this.  Some days I wish I still had a little one to push around in my two toned jogger...or a little cheerleader to yell, "faster, momma, faster".  Do your best...take time for yourself...and remember that they are watching you and you are setting a wonderful example and showing your kids that you know you are worth the time to take care of yourself.

So, as I approach my runnerversary I think I will lace up my hot pink Asics, invite my Zoey girl to come with me, buy a couple of new songs, and go for a long run...and just be thankful that I can still run...and enjoy the open road.