Running For Fun

If you read my last post, then you remember that I wrote that I would run for fun and just enjoy it while putting together my marathon training plan.

Are you able to do that?  Just go out and run without any worries about time or distance.  "Maybe I will go 4 miles today, maybe 6?  Let's just go and see what happens."

I got a few miles in that were good and then on Sunday, George wanted to run with me. We went to church in the morning, then by the time we got home, it was lunch all the while, Mr. RWM was installing our new front door.

He mentioned that he needed to go to Home Depot, which I thought would be in the next half hour, so I moved on to other things and told George we would go later.  Mr. RWM and I were not communicating well, because 2 hours later, he was still here!  George and I so could of run!

A little after 4, George and I were finally on our way.  No real plan but I was hoping for at least 3 miles.  As we started up the hill, it was clear, George did not want to be running.  I decided to give him a chance and see what happens.  I mean, I have started plenty of runs wanting to quit just to go two extra miles in the end because it became such a good run.

Anyway, after just about 17 minutes and ONLY 1 mile, we were back at the house.  He went in and I was about to head up the hill and finish my run when Mr. RWM, called for some help.  The door would not fit!  I stood and held the door up for a few minutes while he figured out why. Then before he moved on, he went to our neighbor's house who is a carpenter for some professional advice.  I stayed with the kids.

When he got back, it was time to start dinner, give the kids a bath and make sure everything was ready for Monday morning.  I never got out of my running clothes as I had every intention of still going.  With just about 20 minutes of daylight left, Mr. RWM went to Home Depot.  Umm, ohh, ok.  Can someone please hand this girl a margarita!  I should of started my Cinco De Mayo celebration hours ago!!!

That night while I was thinking about running, I knew that this weekends 5k would just be me.  George is not going to be ready and, I am pretty sure he is not interested.   So, of course, now I have a PR on my mind.  Time to beat is 31:44.

Fast forward to Tuesday.  I really needed to run and I had Gracie with me.  My plan was four miles, shower, get Gracie lunch and off to school.

After 10 minutes of Gracie trying to decide which pillow pet would make a good companion on our run, we were off.

Gracie will be 5 in June.  Her weight plus the stroller is about 70 pounds.  I did not fair well going up the dreaded hill.  We made it to the top and she started in with, "I want to run, I want to run."  I told her she can run at the end.

When we hit a mile, she needed to stop because she was too hot and needed to take her coat off.  On our way again and she lost her drink.  We had to stop and find it.

At a mile and a half, I knew I would not have time to fit in four miles.  I turned around and headed home.  At this point, I was frustrated.  I wanted to run 4 miles and I have a PR on the brain.  What was I thinking running with Gracie?

And then it hit me...

What about those fun runs I was talking about?  I am out on a beautiful day with my baby and I am not having any fun.  This does not make sense.  Wake up Nicole!  Why does this run have to be so serious.  Three miles, four, who cares.  Stop and go, stop and go.  To help out my little one, well yeah, of course, just go with the flow.  She is getting big and will be in school full time in the fall and I won't have this extra time with her.  I can tell you already, I am going to miss it.

My attitude changed after that and the last mile was more pleasant.  We had to stop, of course, to put her jacket back on, get another drink and watch a squirrel run up a tree.

When we got back to the house, we parked the stroller and ran together and she was all smiles, until she fell and then cried all the way home.  The total was 3.27 miles.  It took us 40 minutes and I am OK with that.

We should have more runs because we are just happy to be running.  Training is good too, but I bet most of us did not start running to chase a PR.  We ran because we wanted to, because we needed to.  It changed us, made us happy and healthy.  It makes us strong, physically and mentally.  It clears our heads and sets a good example for our families.  It challenges us and all that, makes it fun.

True!

I will run again on Thursday, not sure how long but at least 3.  On Saturday,  I will run the  Narrow River 5k and maybe I will have a PR, maybe I won't.  Right now, I just want to be there with my fellow runners and just enjoy the ride.

Now on to some other news.  One of the very fun things about running, is the community that goes along with it.  I have been lucky to meet some wonderful friends and it excites me to follow along with their blogs and successes.

One of my friends, Darlena, of Run Find Your Happy Pace, is raising money for Breast Cancer Research.  This is a cause that is near and dear to her heart and she wants to help instead of sitting on the sidelines.  She has several family members who are dealing with this disease and she is asking for our help!

By donating just $3, $5 or $10 dollars, you will not only be helping but you will be eligible for some fabulous prizes.  Please take a moment to check out her blog and help if you can.

For my mommies out there, have a wonderful Mother's Day!  Take some time to have fun and enjoy a good run!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole