Did you make any resolutions for the New Year? It is not too late! Isn’t it astounding that some people make resolutions and keep them? They set goals, remember what they are and actually follow through. Thankfully, I am married to someone like this! He has always wanted to run a marathon. After cheering our former babysitter Kara from the sidelines of the Marine Corps Marathon a few years ago, he started to train for his own. The first year he had to defer because of an injury. The next year, he ran injured but finished and he was on crutches for a week! Well, that was four years ago and he has run it each year since.
Running is a great recession proof sport. It has enabled Michael to think about numbers in a way completely unrelated to finances. Being able to set goals and actually meet them during this crazy time has been a gift. This year, his fourth marathon, he wondered why he was doing it again. He gets up VERY early many times a week to run before talking our son to school and going to work. He even runs really early on Sunday a.m. so that he can be home and ready for 8:30 mass. I know it has been beneficial for helping him de-stress and we have been a bit quiet on the praise front. One thing I realize is that you get plenty of acclamation for running your first marathon and then people think that you are a bit odd for doing it again. I am really proud of his commitment and follow through here. Way to go!
Nothing like a finish with Daddy
We are still trying to figure out the organized sports thing for our family. Each of the children have different talent and interests yet we are still part of a family so cannot be driving to something different for each of them. Our eldest and only son loves to play most sports and we encourage him to play. He gets all nudgy and restless with too much unused energy. One thing that has worked for us is running. Everyone can go at their own pace. Age and ability do not really matter. This past weekend, was the third of the winter series races in our area. . .even Little Miss Freckles (at age 4) competed in the 1 mile fun run. The middle three girls(ages 11, 9 and 6) all did the 5K, dragging along their BFF for the fun.
After the race, we bumped into the mother of a classmate of my son. I was surprised that she had run the race because I did not see her. She told us that she had just lost TWO HUNDRED AND TEN POUNDS in two years (they just moved into the area in the fall) and that one of her life goals was to run a 5k. I was very impressed and encouraged. Now, what is my excuse?
A few goodreads on running that we have found worthwhile (remember, Im not a runner and I still liked these books). Let me know if you have any others to add to the list. . .
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
I have heard positive things about the Couch to 5k program. Take a peek and see if it looks like a good fit. My friend did this each am. with her entire family. They just ran up and down their driveway! Love it.
If you are inclined to run, check out this website that lists running groups in your area which will lead you to local races. It is a great way to get everyone moving together.
The New Years Eve race was held at the beautiful Long Branch estate. The scenery was gorgeous, complete with horses that provided entertainment for the baby and I while we waited for our runners.
