It’s the night before the 4th of July and I need a break already. We haven’t even started the holiday weekend festivities and my mind is screaming for a run…and I swam and ran already this morning! I remember the days when I ran just for FUN. I was competing in races and training for marathons but mostly when I left the house, it was for pure enjoyment. I now race and run for alone time. Some people meditate, others drink heavily, but I run (or bike or swim or drink heavily) until I’m exhausted or have a clear head – whichever comes first. It’s still fun but there’s a necessity involved. It’s called preserving my sanity.
I don’t even care if this car hits me…I’m alone!
The older my kids get, the more racing I want to do. Hmmm, let’s see, all I have to do is run a mere 3 miles with a few friends and then I get to go out for drinks afterward? And this is all done without any whiny, crying or needing anything from me? Ok, so a few of my friends were whining but it was nothing a few beers didn’t take care of. Ah, if only the same tactic worked on my boys!
Sometimes you even get cool bling like this handy MJ glove!
My husband is not what one would call “runner friendly.” He thinks running is pretty ridiculous and getting up early on weekends to race is absolutely insane. People often ask me if he comes to my races or brings the boys to watch me and I used to wish that he would…until he did. Immediately after crossing the finish line of a local TRI (that’s a ¼ mile swim, 13 mile bike and 3 mile run!) I was greeted with “Can you hold me mommy?” “Can we go home now, mommy?” “Can I have a drink?” “Miles is hitting me” “Can we go nowwwwwwww?” …and that was just my husband. Kidding! But I went from elated (and exhausted) TRI finisher to mommy faster than any of my transition times! WTF?
How did this happen?
I now ask that he and the boys only come to one race a year….and they leave before I finish. I love seeing my kids at the 10 mile mark of a local half-marathon. I actually see them twice if they get the right spot in the park. My husband smiling, boys with arms outstretched and yelling “go mommy go!” gives me just enough power to finish the race strong!…and alone, so I can get a beer and chat with my running friends before ultimately returning home to be mom again.
This is more like it. At least I have a snack!
One of the many, many, many lessons I’ve learned from being a twin mom is that it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and probably (hopefully!), will ever do. Parenting makes running 50 marathons in 50 days Dean Karnazes style look like a dream vacation. And yes, I know what you’re thinking – there are so many rewards to parenting. I agree, but I’m still very happy I have an entire triathlon’s worth of “rest” coming up!
Are you racing over the holiday weekend? Are you vacationing with your kids? Which would you rather do?
I’m working on being a better runner, but how you feel about running (and getting away) is how I feel about working out as a whole! Going to the gym is my happy, quiet time. To think and just sweat it all out! No interruptions from anyone…EXCEPT kids’ care when my 3 year old needs to be changed! *sigh*
Yep, it’s doesn’t have to be running but just the alone time (& endorphins!) give a needed mom boost!! I remember those calls to the day care…that too shall pass:-) Happy sweating!!
{Melinda} I’m in awe. I am so not a runner. But I can totally see how that can be a huge release for people more athletically inclined than me! Yes, having to deal with parenting issues 10 seconds after crossing the finish line in a marathon? Nope. Not my idea of fun. You are a wise woman to give your husband those instructions. 🙂
A friend of mine and I are going to start taking Pilates this month. I hope that can be for me what running is for you. Moms need an outlet!
I hope the Pilates class works for you!! It’s even better that you get to go with a friend! Enjoy that time:-)
thanks for stopping by. I totally understand what you are saying. While I need to get motivated to exercise, I do like to work and get away for a bit. You’re site is pretty motivational and I do need to just get up and go.
Yep! Whatever your alone time is, we all need it!! Thanks for your comment!! I’m glad you find my site motivating:-)))
I totally get it!! I’m so thankful that I run as a parent… I need that solo time to start my day (most mornings) and long runs with or without running buddies are the best. I definitely run for my sanity too!
Thanks for the reinforcement!! At least we have a healthy outlet!!
I’m not a runner, but this is just the most real post EVER!! It applies to balancing motherhood and so many things, really. It’s not always easy!!
It’s so great that your “alone time getaway and sanity saver” is something that is so good for you. I LOVE that.
And the whole “transition back to mommy so fast after the race” just had me nodding my head although I’ve never been in a race in my life. This is just mommy truth! You have the right set up now! Rooting you on midway when you need it, then you get home when you are ready.
LOVE this post!! –Lisa
Thanks Lisa! It really doesn’t matter what you’re “get away” time is – moms just need it & we shouldn’t feel badly about it:-)
Thanks for your comment!!
I would much rather go on a vacation than race, lol! I am not much of a racer. When I run/exercise, I do it for me, and that’s it! 🙂
I hear ya! I love a good vacation for sure…& it’s especially good when we have the kids AND the grandparents so we can out number them!
I’ve nominated you for an award! Come check it out.
http://www.momontherunx2.net/epically-awesome-award-of-epic-awesomeness/
Julia @ Mom on the Run x2
Thank you SO much! How exciting!! I checked it out and I will be linking up later today…
Thanks again!!