Things Learned While Running

I have been training for a 1/2 marathon. I really don't know why. OK, I sort of know why but I hate running. Actually, I hate all forms of exercise, so since we purchased a treadmill, running seemed to make the most sense and since I am a goal oriented person, training for something also made sense. I have conquered the 5K and 10K distances, and so a 1/2 marathon seemed like the next logical step. I have no plans to do a full marathon and this might just be the only 1/2 marathon I run but then I can at least tell people I have run a 1/2 marathon. Anyway, since I have been regularly running for about a year now, I will tell you what I have learned.

--I am a much better housekeeper now that I am "a runner." Why? Because after I have forced myself to run when I didn't want to, often at distances that I really didn't want to, forcing myself to do house chores that I don't want to do is much easier. I have honestly thought, "Well, I really don't want to clean the bathrooms today, but I didn't want to run four miles either, and I did that, so I can clean the bathrooms." Maybe this is silly but silly or not, I have a much cleaner house and I make dinner much more often since I became "a runner".

--I am better mother now that I am "a runner." Why? Because when my kids tell me they don't want to practice the piano, read, make their beds, etc. I can say to them, "I didn't want to run today but it was good for me and I did it. I am not asking you to do anything I am not doing. Just because because 'you don't want to' is no excuse in this household.

--I am healthier because I eat better and drink more water since I became "a runner." This is obvious, so I won't elaborate.

There you have it. I really don't like doing it but I am better because of it. Thank you Gabriela for inspiring me and motivating me. I am better because of it. You and your mom might beat me about an hour (hopefully, not that much but maybe) but I will finish it regardless.