Life lessons learned from running...

I have been running most of my life. However, it has only been in the last six months or so that I have actually considered myself a runner.

As a kid, my dad took us to AAU all-comers track meets. He was a big-time track star growing up and I know he would have loved to have one of his kids follow in his footsteps. In a scrap book in my mom's attic there are a TON of "participant" ribbons, maybe a few second and third place ribbons and one or two blue, first place ones. Those times I placed, it is very possible I was the only one in my event. I was never very good.

In junior high, I did cross country and track. Once again, I was never very good. In fact, I hated it. I never won a race and never felt like I would improve enough to win a race (or come close to placing). I never worked hard enough to win a race. I quit. The high school track coach tried to talk me into joining because I could run hurdles. The state hurdling champ was graduating from our high school that year. I didn't want to run in her shadow because I knew I wouldn't be very good. I joined the speech team instead.

Twenty-seven years later it isn't about winning or losing. It is about getting out there and getting strong. It is about competing against myself. It is about having some "me" time. You know... I don't even know how slow I ran a mile when I ran cross country. I only know that it wasn't any fun- no one talked to me (and if you know me, you KNOW that is torture for me), I hurt by the end and I was often bringing up the rear. Now I often have fun, I talk to whomever I am running with (and sometimes perfect strangers) and it usually doesn't hurt.

Basically, here is what I have learned about running that I wish I knew at 13...

• It really can be fun
• Races aren't always about winning (actually, in my case they are never about winning)
• Slow runs can be some of the most enjoyable
• It actually takes work and commitment to improve at something

and....

• I wouldn't always have the metabolism of a hummingbird and exercise is my friend *wink* (had I known that one, I might have avoided some heartache after the "freshman 15" and the "30-something pudge")

This post was inspired by last week's Take It and Run Thursday on Runners Lounge.

Running Six Word Memoir

A few months back I did a simple six word memoir that was about more than just running. My memoir at that time was "doing the best that I can." It still applies. This week's Take it and Run Thursday topic is to use six words to describe my running. Here are a couple that I came up with (since Amy and Tom didn't pick one, I won't either *wink*):


*Settting an example for my kids.-- I am proud of this one. I love the fact that my children are growing up in a household where getting out and doing something is the norm. Dieting is not seen around here, just healthy eating and exercise. As a mother of a daughter, I hope that I am setting her up for healthy habits in the future (my son, too).


*Competing against myself for constant improvement-- One of the great things about running that I never really "got" when I was much younger is that the only person you really need to compete with is yourself. Of course, the elite athletes are always racing against someone else, but at my level, I can be happy if I improve on my own past performance. When I was in high school, I quit track because I never won a race (or even came close). Now I am running for myself. Would I be thrilled if I ever placed in my age group? Of course. But I doubt that will happen, so I focus on my own goals. Besides... in a race there is always someone who I can win against. LOL


*Getting out there and enjoying nature-- I have recently discovered the joys of trail running. It makes me feel good to really "get out there." I believe that someday I will actually be able to enjoy the scenery instead of watching my feet the entire time. Luckily, where I live, even the paved runs are usually pretty scenic. I am lucky enough to be able to run by several bays and the Pacific Ocean.


*Something that is just for me-- As a mother of two small children, I do a lot every day to keep them happy and healthy. When I run and workout, it is something that is MINE. This is something that I can do on my own and be proud of it. The great thing is that my husband values athletics just as much as I do. He gives me the time I need and supports me. In return, he gets his time for cycling, basketball etc.

Such a journey in a short time...

I thought I would jump on the Runner's Lounge Take It and Run bandwagon and post in response to this week's topic.

This time last year, I had just begun thinking about getting into this running thing. I ran my very first 10K on July 28, 2007 (Happy runniversary to me!!!) That was the furthest I had ever run. After that, I was excited to do another 10K and talking about doing a 1/2 marathon.

I half-heartedly said I would run the Silver Strand Half Marathon in November. For one reason or another, I never got any long runs in and postponed the idea of a half marathon until January's Carlsbad Half. I got sick in late November/early December and junked any ideas of training. My friend, Penny, had run her first half marathon in September and kept telling me how great it felt to accomplish something like that and that I should do it.

In January, I was at my Stroller Strides class and my future running partners Jen and Laura made an announcement that they would be training for the Rock-n-Roll Marathon on June 1 and would anyone want to join them. I had occasionally entertained a vague thought of running a marathon.....SOMEDAY. This was the perfect opportunity for me. When would I be able to train with other mothers (with unique scheduling issues such as childcare) where we were all doing our first marathon? With myself and the other Lisa joining, the "Rockin' Mamas" running group was formed.

Six months later, after completing my first marathon, I am completely hooked. Here are the answers to the questions on the Runner's Lounge post:

-Are your goals still right for you this year?
My goal in the beginning of the year was simply to run a half marathon. That was upgraded in late January to a marathon. I am finally doing that half marathon in a few weeks when I run the America's Finest City Half. I am really excited about it. No matter how I do, it will be a PR :-)

-Anything you would change?
I don't think so. Training with my friends was the BEST way to keep me motivated. I have been known to be a bit of a talker (NO, you, Lisa??) and I was afraid I would talk about doing a marathon without actually doing it. I am so proud that all four of our little group finished the marathon.

What have you accomplished?
I ran a marathon!! It wasn't close to the time I wanted to run it in, so another one is probably in my future so I can bury that demon.

What have you learned along the way?
Since June, I have become a better runner, I think. I think more about my form and breathing and less about just getting from point A to point B. The first half of the year was building my endurance and fitness, whereas the second half will be running more effeciently. I am reading Matt Fitzgerald's Brain Training for Runners, which seems to have some good info (but it is a little on the dry side).