A Few Thoughts on Running

I love this quote, “I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can’t run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.”

Lately I feel so different, awkward, weak… I’m not used to feeling this way, but I keep running. Why? Because I can. Sometimes I am left wondering why I do this. This morning my alarm went off at 5:00 and I drug my awkwardly large body out of bed and hit the gym. I lifted weights then ran for a lousy 30 minutes, that in itself felt like it’s own marathon. I have always had this love/hate relationship with running. Why do I hate it? The same reason anyone else hates it, because it’s hard. But thankfully I have been able to see the other side of running, the “love” side. Why do I love it? Because it’s so rewarding. Running has got me through some very trying times in my life. It just seems so much less rewarding when you are pregnant. No matter how hard I run it will only get harder for me. No matter how hard I run I will continue to get bigger and gain weight. No matter how hard I run I will only get slower. So, why do I do it? I was beginning to ask myself that same question and remembered, well, because I can. I am truly blessed to be able to run. Most women don’t/can’t run during pregnancy and I am very thankful that I can and that I have a Dr. who supports my running. The second I walked in the door my focus changes. My me time is over and my focus becomes my family. For instance, this morning when I walked in the door my husband was still in bed because his alarm didn’t go off. I was rushing to make his breakfast and lunch (trust me, he requires a lot of food) when Brinley came out “Mom, I peed in my bed, will you get me some clean clothes?” I realized then, this is why I run. Exercising gives me what I need so I can spend the rest of the day focusing on everyone else’s needs. I truly believe I am a better mom and wife because I run and I’m so thankful I have a body that can.

I loved the March/April issue of Rocky Mountain Running and Triathlon. I love that they recognized moms as being “super” I’m so glad someone finally sees this. It seems every magazine I pick up gives women the title of being “amazing” because of politics, the amount of money they make, their looks, their career or some other thing that is actually far less amazing than motherhood. I love that they recognized these mom’s as being amazing. I could relate to them, we all can because we are just ordinary people doing something amazing, raising children. It truly is the most important thing we can do.

"I wanted my boys to see me put myself out there in an environment where I am not super confident.  I wanted them to see my hard work, my sweat, and my moving body... I wanted them to learn that rewards only come after hard work." - Jill Murdock

I recently read a headline that broke my heart a little bit "NYC Mom Leaves her Husband and Two Kids for Fear of Being Swallowed up by Motherly Duties" Now I say it broke my heart a little bit because these kids are probably better off without her, but it's still sad.  Maybe this mom should have taken up running???

Got to love an honest answer

Brinley:  "Don't smile at me"
Me: "Why?"
Brinley:   "Because I don't like your teeth!"

Day 4

 We spent some time at Huntington Beach.  I love the ocean!  A part of me wants to move to the coast so I can be a beach bum.  I don't think I could ever get sick of it, ever!

 Brinley had so much fun playing in the water, collecting sea shells and getting buried in the sand.  It's so hard to say goodbye to the ocean when you know it's snowing at home.

After we left the beach we headed for Hollywood.

And when we got home I remembered why I live here, I can breathe in my own backyard.

Day 3 (Disneyland Again)

Our second day as Disneyland was as fun as the first.  Brinley was able to see several princesses so she was a happy girl.  We also headed over to California Adventures for part of the day.  That night we watched the World of Color show.  It was pretty amazing and Brinley just kept saying, "It's magic, it really is."  Such a great day!