A Running Mom

I used to think it was impossible for me to drop time. I’m just not a fast runner. I’m not even a pace runner. I’m one of those dopes who thinks she’s flying while still plodding along at the same pace she was going 3 miles before.

But, I was wrong. I owe this epiphany to my friend, Patrice, who challenged me to run a little faster during a “better than nothing” workout in my home with our little babies crawling around our feet. She used weights while I ran on my treadmill. In-between sets she looked up at me, tilted her head to the side with a surprised look on her face, and she said, “You know, I think you can go faster.”  

I couldn’t believe my ears.  I already felt like I was pushing myself. But as pride dictated, I pushed harder. I ran faster. But not faster enough for Patrice.

She commented again, same surprised look on her face, “I think you can go faster. You look like you’re jogging.” Jogging?  C’mon!

So you know I tried to run faster yet again. And this fun continued until I reached a dizzying — for me — 6:30 pace.  I thought my feet were going to fly back behind me.  Finally, Patrice said, “Now you look like you’re running.”

I’ll never forget that day nor that moment.  

I couldn’t keep that pace for long.  I felt breathless. But it taught me something. I could run really fast. At least for a little while. I could!

And that’s how I started running intervals as part of my regular workouts. And then, I started achieving personal best times. I loved it. And I still do. Thank you Patrice!

Why don’t you take a chance and run a little faster next time you go out. Don’t pass out. But challenge yourself. Perhaps you’ll get stronger. You will feel better. And maybe you’ll finish your next run just a little… faster!

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Line Up!

Did you run today?  

I did.  And it was horrible.  I didn’t feel like it.  I ran on busy roads, which I hate.  I dressed for 50 degrees when it was 70 degrees.  But you know what?  I ran.  3 miles.  And tonight I’m happy.  Even though it wasn’t my best run, I feel like I met a little challenge by completing it.  I ran when I didn’t feel like it.  And even though it stunk.  It probably was my best run in weeks.  

Cheers!  May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Happy Obama Day!  I’m delighted to be making my blogging debut on this historical day.  Check it out:

My Favorite 10K

I registered to run this race in August to keep me running through the fall.  And now I cannot wait to run it again.  To have a US Marine put a medal around your neck and say, “Great run.  You’re amazing,” was incredible.  I have to do it again next year! See it all at www.marinemarathon.com.

I started this blog because I’ve been running since I was 11.  A lot has changed since then.  But no matter what’s going on with me, running is my sanity; my strength.  I am a running mom.  Why do you run?

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca