My oldest, who is just a few months shy of the big 1-0, asked me a question that has become my personal challenge.
He has had a rough time with school since pre-k. We were blessed to get him moved to a more supportive learning environment this year and have seen amazing things. In the fall he participated in mileage club. At recess the kids run a defined course around the playground and earn miles. He loved to brag about his accomplishments! During the winter it wasn't continued due to indoor recess. Now with a new principal it was decided to not resume mileage club. He was really upset as it was a good outlet for him and gave him a sense of belonging and goals to work toward.
Mid winter he asked me if he could run at home. We don't live somewhere that I feel comfortable giving him boundaries and letting him go out on his own. I expressed my concerns about this to him. His response: "Can you run with me?"
Yikes!!!! Me???? RUN?!?!?!?? I told him we could talk more about it once the weather warmed up. This child doesn't forget anything so I knew I had better develop a plan. I love that he looks at me with pure love, says I am beautiful and has no doubt that I can run with him. I had already contemplated changes in my life and routine. I desire to be healthy. I have set a personal goal to complete a sprint triathlon before 35 comes.
So I did some research, got professionally fit for shoes (a funny story i will share later) and downloaded a couch to 5 k program. Last week I let him know we would start slow and go 3 days a week in the morning together. After a week, i do more walking than running but i try, I am sore but energized and love the connection I have with my oldest son!
Thanks for the confidence and challenge buddy!
I will suggest a few pages for you to like on FB. There are a couple fun running clinic for kids. A 5 run series just ended, but there are more coming up. Many community runs have a children's 1k or fun run after.
ReplyDeleteWhat running app are you using?
I also added you to the Illinois valley striders (central illinois running club) group page. They will often post events. Check their Web page for the summer kids series. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth! I am using a couch to 5k app for windows phone but I am not ready for it yet. When the weather cooperates I sm going to the track down by shae stadium and walking straights and running curves. That was running central's suggestion.
ReplyDeleteThis post is great! Sometimes just seeing yourself through your child's eyes is all you need to realize your worth! You can do it!
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