Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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.

5 comments:

Gabriela said...

:) Running is good.

And finishing a half makes you feel a great sense of accomplishment.

And some pain.

I don't want my mom to beat me again. It was quite embarrassing.

ash said...

Way to go with the running. Do you think you will keep up with the running after the half is over? Like 2 miles a day or something? I have found that fitting in some form of running makes the day much better (as evidenced by your post). Nice job with the running. Makes me want to do a half. I am looking forward to hearing about yours.

Britt said...

I'm so proud of you. You rock!

kel said...

so after you do your half-marathon do you think you'll still run? i'd like to think we all would. just curious about how much change.

Janice said...

Kel, I will still run because I love what it has done with my body. It has completely reshaped it.