Running for a Reason

Before the race when I was still smiling.

I competed in a 5K recently, and I know you’re thinking that’s not that big of a deal since I coach my daughter in cross country. If you haven’t participated in a 5K for 10 years then it is a very BIG deal, especially since I have been utilizing my new walking pad, not running. There’s no way that little dinky walking pad is going to be able to handle me running on it. I felt I needed to show my runners that I needed to do what they do for me on a daily basis. If you’re willing to practice what you coach, it builds respect for your athletes. I have never considered myself a runner and I have told my team that, so they’re aware, but they also know that I will be running them down on my bike, so they have to at least try.  

What’s interesting about this 5K was that my daughter and one of her friends, who was also on the cross country team, were running it too. They finished WAY ahead of me, of course, but I wasn’t after a fast time. I was proving to myself that I could do it. I could get out there and jog, run, walk, whatever it took to finish the race, and that is exactly what I did. I was jogging the last stretch and decided to sprint with what little I had left with my daughter running and cheering beside me. I even passed a group of joggers who had been in front of me for much of the race at the finish. Man, it was a great feeling. Yes, I felt like I was going to die and couldn’t seem to catch my breath, but what I accomplished was worth all the pain. I had proven to myself that I could still run, even if it was just a little ways. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a wannabe coach, I felt like an actual coach because I was brave enough to do what my athletes do, even though my form was less than perfect and I wasn’t in name brand leggings and over-priced running shoes, showing off my toned body. That’s funny since I don’t have any of those things. What I accomplished was much more significant. Even later that day, I felt physically better. My muscles were relaxed and pliant, so now I know I have to continue. There are no more excuses. You can do anything you set your mind to. It’s about managing your mind and telling the lazy beast to sit down and shut up, so you can get to work.  

However, today is Mother’s Day, or YOUR DAY, so be lazy, be active, do whatever you want because you deserve it!

My very athletic daughter who beat her best cross country time and received a medal for second place in the women’s division. Great job, Jaylee!