Running away with a tradition

I was running last Saturday, and it occurred to me that I really dislike running (trying to avoid the word "hate" here) and that it is funny what becomes a tradition. I remember joining Cross Country in the 6th grade, riding my bike to Kahler before I was actually a student there, to endure the early morning practices that ended my summer vacation a little early. Gosh, (again avoiding the word "hate") STRONGLY disliked those practices where the "warm-up" was intense and included a 1-mile run (that was the WARM-UP). I remember Dad telling someone who asked that I "took the weekends off from running." (In my mind, 5 days a week was plenty!) My parents were both avid runners. Dad was in the midst of his many marathons. Mom had started after Dad but before Donald was born. On the other side of this "strong dislike" though, are some great memories. Dad would go for his run and then walk/run with me for a couple miles to help me get ready for the season. When Mom started running, she had to wait until Dad got home from work, which was often after dark. They would have Sara and me lay down in the back of the station wagon with our blankets and pillows while Dad followed Mom around the subdivision 3 times (it was a circle that was exactly 1 mile). I am still amazed at the fact that they did that. Any other time, Mom was more than a little obsessive about seat belts (thank you, Mom!). I guess moving at 6 miles an hour probably limited the danger :).

So if I so strongly dislike running, why am I still doing it, you might ask yourself? Well, it all started a couple years ago. I ran a few times after Katie was born. Then one Sunday after Mary was born, my mom said she saw that there was a Hub Run, a 5K race in Crown Point, that day, would I run with her? Now, Mary was 6 months old, and I hadn't run since before I was pregnant with her, but I wanted to support my mom. We went out and ran it with the kids cheering us on at the finish line. It was TERRIBLE while we were running :), but WOW it felt good crossing that finish line! So, we decided we would "train" for it for the next year. The next year came, and I had run a few times and the kids walked it. That cinched it - it's a tradition. Mom and I have run in the Hub Run three years in a row. I try to get out and run at least once a week. I still dread it before I go. I still feel terrible at times in the during. But on the other hand, it clears my mind in a way nothing else does. I feel like I can truly listen to God speaking to my heart when I'm running. The clarity is spiritual. And, honestly, I love that my body can move like it does. I'm not fast and don't have aspirations to win any races (except against myself), but it is amazing to me and I am so thankful that I am able to run.Getting ready to run 2008
2009 - a bit colder

Hub Run 2010
Jack had a game, so we were "on our own" but needed to capture the moment before we headed on to Jack's game! MUCH warmer because they moved it to May and onto the streets of downtown!

(and in a neat second-generation-style, Bryan and Jack also go running together now! I am so proud of my boys!) Grace says she'll start "soon." I totally understand, Gracie!