Running

If my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lottridge could see what an "athlete" I have become she would fall right out of her Barbie high heels! I was not as easy child and had lots of transitions issues in kindergarten....one of which was my ability, or lack there of, to skip. I was SOOOO shy and hated people looking at me, so I'd just pout and cry and refuse to do anything....which in reality causes more people to look at you. But I was 5 years old and had no idea how to blend into the wall besides pout. So my wonderful Dad was given the job of teaching me how to skip, and my younger brother loves to bring this up from time to time. (Thanks David! Remember I have secrets from your childhood, too!)

Anywho, about six years ago I joined a fitness class at Redeemer Lutheran Church thanks to my friend Sara and her parents. I fell in love with the class and working out with all shapes, sizes and ages of people. One thing that stemmed from the class was a newfound love of running. To this day, I don't think my Mom believes that I like to run since I also pouted at doing tumbling, cartwheels, or any form of physical activity in P.E. class. But, it's true I love to run!

I love how I don't need anything but my body to run. No special clothes, no expensive equipment, just me. Running is my stress relieve, my escape from responsibilities and sometimes whiney kids who refuse to nap. I love to be outside in all types of weather--warm, cold, rainy, humid and just run! I started running short distances and have worked my way up to a 5k and beyond! So far the longest I have run is 4 miles, but I hope to keep increasing my mileage and endurance.

One of the neatest things for a non-athlete is seeing that I am faster than other runners. I never thought I could achieve that! But, I have! Just last week I went out for an afternoon jog and came upon the Morningside College cross country team. I decided to jump in with them and see where I fit. Low and behold I was in the middle group of runners! Not the fastest by far, but also not the slowest! (Keep in mind I am at least 12-15 years older than most of those runners and I've had two babies and beat cancer!) I don't want to be the fastest runner, but I want to achieve my personal goals of running as many days as I can. I just love to run.

And, despite all my efforts my husband continues to beat me at races. Yep, that is the one person I want to smoke in a race! He never trains and can go run a 5k with no problem! Just last weekend we ran a 3-mile race around Crystal Cove Park and I made Matthew push Graham and loaded down his stroller with the diaper bag, my purse, water bottles, you name it. Then when he stopped to let Graham pee during the race I kept going with little Behrend in his jogging stroller. Just as I was about to cross the finish line Matthew zooms past me! Seriously!?! I am blaming my shorter legs on that....otherwise I'd totally smoke him! (Next time buddy!)