How do you feel?

My daughter says it best...

My children and I are running a 5k on April 23rd. This will be our daughter’s first 5K run so we are training.

My son took off ahead of us, he’s off to the races that one. He told me he’ll be running Boston someday. Delaney said she would rather watch and cheer. HA! Now you see where I’m coming from. 

Back to the trail…I hit my watch and off we go. She is cruising right along with me until just about a ½ mile she starts to squirm, whine and say her legs hurt. 

Relax, breathe and run Delaney let’s get to that tree then you can walk. 

I’ve noticed if I give her something to focus on other than running she cruises right along without a problem.  This is exactly the strategy I use for myself when I’m ready to stop or my brain is telling me I need to.  Just get to that tree, or that sign, and usually by the time I do I’ve forgotten about the discomfort and I keep right on running. 

She made it to the tree, we walked a bit then we were off again. We were almost to one mile when she yells, “my legs are burning!”

Okay, we can stop and walk a bit but we are almost at one mile. 

She turns her head, her eyes wide, “Really, when will it be a mile?” 

Run over the bridge to that orange fence and that will be a mile. You can do it Delaney! I believe in you! Your legs are strong and you can do hard things.

And she did! Instead of walking she ran to the fence and ran one mile!  

I was so proud of her. 

How did you feel Delaney? 

“I felt free!” 

I loved that she said that. I feel the same way when I run. 

Free in the wide-open air. Free in the movement. Free with no responsibility. 

How do you feel when you run? 

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Poem of the Day:

Rich on the trail 
Umbrella made of trees 
Navigate the roots, mud- Free