Wednesday, May 29, 2013

My Running Inspirations

Why I Run

I saw this the other day and it really got me thinking about why I run and why I'd like to continue to run....



I know I started my first post by saying it was because I was unhappy with my middle age rolls and muffin top but that is superficial and vain.  Not that there's anything wrong with that! I mean I am a girl after all and of course I want to look good and I am loving seeing the results and feeling stronger - I am getting abs again- whee!

How I look on the outside is a great motivator and it got me thinking about how to be healthier but it goes much deeper than that.

Let's be honest, running is damn hard work! Sometimes it downright sucks and sometimes it is such a high. It can be painful, frustrating and tiring but when you finish that long run the amazing accomplishment you feel outweighs all the bad and you just want to do it all over again. I can't say yet that I LOVE running but I love the sense of accomplishment it gives me. I am growing to love it.

So that brings me to the heart of the matter. I run because I can and my inspirations come from my heart. And in my heart is my family.


My Daughter Mikayla

My gorgeous teenager makes me proud every day and I want her to be proud of me. We push her to always do her best in Basketball and Field Hockey. We stress how important it is to have a healthy body so I want to be a good example. How can I tell her to get out there and do her best at sports if I just sit on the couch. My running is an example that you can do anything you set your mind to. If you put in the work, it will pay off. I like being that example! I also want to be fit and healthy enough to be around for a long time for her.



My Husband Jeff

I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is my running partner, my partner in crime and my partner in life. I am so happy that he wants to be on this journey with me. I am not surprised though as he is so easy going. Easy to be around, easy to like and easy on the eyes ; ) He really does everything he can to make me happy and him wanting to be there for every step of this running goal means a lot to me. He is my pacing coach, my strength training coach, my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader, and my sounding board. I really do vent a lot to him about being slow and he is always positive. He is a LOT faster than me but he is just happy to run my pace by my side. I truly couldn't do this without him. I mean I probably could but I wouldn't want to. All the sappy stuff aside, who wouldn't  want to look hot for the man in their life!






My Siblings

I am constantly proud of my brother and sister. They are super accomplished, amazing individuals and I look up to them. I always wished I could be more like them in terms of taking risks and going after their dreams and their goals. Training and running for a 1/2 Marathon is a huge risk and a huge goal and I think it will be one of the hardest things I will ever do.  I would like to inspire them as they have always inspired me. I know they will be proud of me.






My Parents

I run because I can. This doesn't have more meaning than it does now. How lucky am I that I can put one foot in front of the other and run for miles and push my lungs, heart and body to their capacity. My parents can't do that anymore so I need to run while I can. My Dad has had Parkinson's Disease for the past several years and his body doesn't do what his mind wants it to anymore. It's hard to see him become less active than I know he wants to be. It sucks but he is dealing with it. My mom has had heart problems for a long time due to Mitral Valve Prolapse. It got worse this last year so she finally had open heart surgery to replace her valve. It was a scary time but the surgery was successful and she is on the long road to recovery. It's hard to see her constantly out of breath from a simple walk up the stairs. When I am huffing and puffing away and my legs are screaming in pain from a run , I think of my parents and think that I am lucky to be feeling this way. My mom and dad can't run so I am running for them.








5 comments:

  1. Aaargh, you just made me tear up, I can't tear up I'm at work!! Lol. Very proud of the perspective you have on everything and I wouldn't want to be anywhere but by your side every step of the way <3

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  2. You are seriously an inspiring team! Thanks for sharing your blog Mel, I think a lot of people can get something great out of it!

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  3. Awww thanks Loida! That makes my day!

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  4. Wow, that's so AWESOME! You have inspired me, big sis, and I am very proud. I will be routing for you at the finish line and maybe even side-by-side one of these days :)

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  5. Thanks little bro! That means a lot! xo

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