"Hey mom! It's your favowite show, the big one wooser! Mom! Did you see? The big one wooser the big one wooser! Hey! There's the blue team! And the red team! Hey mom, look, there's the green team! Mom, the green team, the green team the gree-YELWOW! I like yelwow, oh and pourple, I mean pink, mom, mom, mommy, pink team! They're doin some pushups! Are they gonna run a race and win some medals? HEY! ORANGE!! Orange is drinkin water, can I have some water? Let's play trains!"
This 3 year old's energy levels are unreal. Frankly, I'm jealous.
In class yesterday, we briefly discussed the ethical debate of allowing children under the age of 18 enter full marathons. I say forget that, if they made toddler proof, toddler safe treadmills, I'd totally get one. Because I'm pretty sure Rowen ran at least 26.2 miles in the playroom last night. He's going to wear a goat path in the carpet.
As frustrating as it can be to try and study while I have a mini Dean Karnazes wanna-be trying to break some sort of toddler indoor distance record, all while screeching "I'm a rocket ship" at each turn, I can't help but smile. Running makes him happy, so happy that he squeals with an infectious giggle.
Remember when we all used to do that?
One of my goals for 2010 is to love running even more. To never feel like it is a chore or a job (lets face it, mama needs to run MUCH faster to have a paycheck involved, haha!), to not get overly caught up in finishing times, and to always appreciate what I did accomplish instead of dwelling on short comings. Now, as I sit here less than 4 weeks away from the Myrtle Beach half marathon, I am being tested more than ever on this goal. I was hoping to set a half marathon distance P.R. And I was more than set to do so. But my foot (you know, the one I won't shut up about) had other plans, and now I haven't done a run longer than 7 miles in over a month. And with my foot not being 100% yet, I doubt I will get in any double digit runs before race day. Basically, I can kiss that P.R. goodbye.
Yet still, I'm excited. I'm excited to get back out there and get some long mileage back in. I'm excited to be surrounded by thousands of other people who are equally as excited as I am to get up in the wee hours of the morning to do nothing more than simply run. So few of us show up because we might have a chance to win. Maybe a few more for other various motivations. But the rest of us? We show up because we simply love to run.
And while I'm pretty sure none of the 5,500 runners at the race will be out there giggling or screaming "I'm a rocket ship" (although I have seen stranger things at races), there is no doubt that their enthusiasm for this sport will be infectious. I simply can not wait.
Happy running, my friends. Find YOUR inner toddler today!
As frustrating as it can be to try and study while I have a mini Dean Karnazes wanna-be trying to break some sort of toddler indoor distance record, all while screeching "I'm a rocket ship" at each turn, I can't help but smile. Running makes him happy, so happy that he squeals with an infectious giggle.
Remember when we all used to do that?
One of my goals for 2010 is to love running even more. To never feel like it is a chore or a job (lets face it, mama needs to run MUCH faster to have a paycheck involved, haha!), to not get overly caught up in finishing times, and to always appreciate what I did accomplish instead of dwelling on short comings. Now, as I sit here less than 4 weeks away from the Myrtle Beach half marathon, I am being tested more than ever on this goal. I was hoping to set a half marathon distance P.R. And I was more than set to do so. But my foot (you know, the one I won't shut up about) had other plans, and now I haven't done a run longer than 7 miles in over a month. And with my foot not being 100% yet, I doubt I will get in any double digit runs before race day. Basically, I can kiss that P.R. goodbye.
Yet still, I'm excited. I'm excited to get back out there and get some long mileage back in. I'm excited to be surrounded by thousands of other people who are equally as excited as I am to get up in the wee hours of the morning to do nothing more than simply run. So few of us show up because we might have a chance to win. Maybe a few more for other various motivations. But the rest of us? We show up because we simply love to run.
And while I'm pretty sure none of the 5,500 runners at the race will be out there giggling or screaming "I'm a rocket ship" (although I have seen stranger things at races), there is no doubt that their enthusiasm for this sport will be infectious. I simply can not wait.
Happy running, my friends. Find YOUR inner toddler today!
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42 comments:
Great attitude! I try to draw on my past injuries for inspiration sometimes too. I remember when I would have given anything just to run and it can put the quest for PRs into perspective.
Heather,
I may have to try that "I am a rocket ship" next time I run.
It has been a long road back from this last injury and running isn't as joyful for me as it used to be.
I would love to get in touch with my inner toddler :)
Happy running!
Awesome! Great blog subject for the New Year. Many times when I'm running an ultra I have to remind myself I'm doing it of my own free will and refocus on what I love about it. I'm gonna take this run for the love of it theme and running with it!
I find injuries make me love running that much more. You know how you appreciate something more when it is taken away? I am just getting back to running with my almost 3-year-old after tendinitis--we chase dinosaurs!
Injuries make me appreciate running. There are days I complain that I have another run on the schedule, but the moment I can't run, I miss it terribly!
Heather - I promise to at least one time on Sunday yell "I am a rocket ship" in your honor at this Sundays 3M half here in Austin. It is amazing that for me who loved to run and play as a young boy took me until almost my 40's to "love" running again - it's a lesson that I wish I had never forgotten. Afterall, whose to say I'm not a rocket ship?
I just finished Born To Run which all about loving running and it just got my juices so high! I really do love it and I want to make sure that I don't let my focus on any race take it away.
kids amaze me and I agree they could probably beat us all in a marathon...if they could focus that long
Biggest Loser is my favorite show! My family has a night dedicated to it where we eat a healthy dinner and then watch the show!
I hope you fall in love with running all over again and I know you will totally rock the race!
That is a fabulous post! I love it!!! My girl and I are going to run her first half in a few weeks. She's 12 and many people can't believe I'm letting her do this. I think it's great that she WANTS to do this! I just hate that most half marathons use 14 as a cut off... but I do see the point.
I love the idea of the toddler treadmill! My kids are the same way... always on the go :-)
Great post! It is so cute when the kids run, isn't it? My three year old will run around the house yelling marathon! He usually asks that I stand on the sideline to cheer him on.
I can relate to realizing how much you love running when you have an injury. I have a stress fracture right now and miss running so much! But, it is a blessing. I realize each day that I cannot do it how much I truly love it.
Hope your foot heals soon.
I think when you are feeling tired during a run or race you should shout out "I'm a rocket ship," bet you'll start to move faster!!
I agree;-) and it's so fun to watch my kids *heart* running b/c they see how happy it makes mommy/daddy.
Thx for the inspiration! I'm off to the treadmill (it's thunderstorms out here in Nor Cal)!
It's funny you mention toddler treadmills. My 2.5 year old asked if we could get her "a little Kaylee treadmill to put next to mama's treadmill." Toddlers are such a hoot!
Great post! I laughed at your description of your toddler. He sounds so adorable.
You have a great point. When we get so dedicated to something, sometimes it can be difficult to remember to focus on the excitement that racing brings or to enjoy the training.
my wife and i treated ourselves to chips and dip while watching biggest loser last night. our 12 year old walks through the room and says, "what, are you trying to become contestants WHILE watching the show"?? without missing a crunch, we both said, "yep"!
our 3 year old rocket ship had crashed already.........
It is amazing how much energy they have. Even after an hour long gymnastics class my little guy is bouncing from couch to couch. They are non-stop!
I hear ya! MY 5 and 7 year olds love the show too, until it becomes a WWF match on the couch. I hope your foot feels better soon!
This makes me think back to when I was home from college one summer and was finishing up my run. As I passed a house, there was a little 4-year-old boy out in the front yard, studying me as I came closer. Finally as I drew even with him, he asked in all seriousness, "Why are you running?" I think of that nearly every day and realize I run for the sheer joy of it, that it feels so good to do something that simple. Great writing!
Haha I love the toddler play by play! Hilarious!
You have a great attitude about the whole injury/running/not running thing. We run for the sheer joy of it!
IF we could harness a toddler's energy, we could power the world.
Totally love the idea of yelling out "I am a rocketship" at my next race. LOL
MCM mama
My 2 year old runs around screaming "i'm running a race" - she gets so excited, it is infectious!
Love it!! So true too!!
Your little ones are too cute.
oh, I just sent you a random email :)
Funny, this is one of my goals this year, too! I just wanna stop and smell the running roses and enjoy the time I give myself. Yes, PR's are important, but enjoying the race and run are, too!
If only we could somehow squeeze the energy out of a toddler and bottle it. That would be an excellent energy drink!
Great post, and ah yes, the energy of a young child boy... amazing isn't it? I might have to remember that what I visualized reading about the infectious giggle and rocket ship during my next race, or tough runs!! :)
Nicely said Heather!!
I just received my "Save the ta tas" socks in the mail yesterday:) Thanks!!
What a good post! I am also completely jealous of my daughters energy levels. What I would give for just a second of that burst of energy and happiness.
I'm wondering if you live near Myrtle Beach. We live near Wilmington, NC so that's not too far from us :)
i LOVED this :) too cute with the biggest loser commentary and all too true about kids and their energy levels!
oh yeah, they totally sell treadmills for kids...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00139YBQQ/ref=asc_df_B00139YBQQ994674?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B00139YBQQ
lol :)
SOOOO true!! I only wish I could have half the energy my toddler has! I would get so much more accomplished! Ha Ha!
Hmmm... a toddler-proof treadmill. Now, that would sell like crazy!!
I like your goal to enjoy running more!
Our little guy likes to run laps across the basketball court and loves my grandma's treadmill. I'm all for the toddler proof version!
You should so run while screaming "I'm a rocket ship!" at Myrtle Beach. Just make sure some get that on video!
This was a great post! by the way, I posted my marathon blog yesterday.
We thanks, I needed that reminder today. I'll be biking but I need to remember to love it just the same : )
I know exactly what you're talking about. I have a high energy 3yr-old
I might try the "I'm a rocket ship" technique on tonight's run.
Great post. I hope you can run just to find the joy in the journey for your half!
This made my heart smile. :) So cute! I think I have seen little kiddo treadmills somewhere... now I'll have to go google...
Great post! I have been channeling my inner toddler every time I run lately, guess its still new and exciting since I'm getting back into it after having the baby!
Loved your post!
Here's to returning back. :0)
Hahaha, I love your child's energy. Can I have a bit of that also? Maybe if I scream I'm a rocket ship over and over :). You'll be racing PR's in no time. Have a great weekend, run strong!!
try smiling through your next run. It will make you feel like smiling. Ironic, eh?
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