Lessons & Confessions from a {former} Marathon Runner

 There is something about me not many people know: I run marathons. O.K. I DID run marathons- about 7 of them. I also ran lots of 5k's, 10k's, and 1/2 marathons. Most of my running happened between the ages of 19-30. Let's just say I'm a lot older than 30 now....so... (Grandma, Dad, and all my other family runners- I know you are even older than that and are still running strong!!-- Yes, I ran with my grandma. You can now pick your jaw up off the ground. She has run  well over 100 marathons and is still going strong. )

Now.... I run 5K's and that is about it.
Today I ran a 5K.  While running I thought a few things like: "I'm going to die." "It is just too hot." "I need water NOW." "I really do not like running." and "Why was I doing this today?" 
I also thought things like "I can do this." "This is good for me." "This is fun."  "Believe you can." 

And when I got to that finish line, I saw the clock.
So I ran faster.
And I beat my last time.
And I felt good.

There are many many lessons I learned from running long distances. And while I currently am not in any shape to run a marathon, I draw on the lessons I learned from those experiences to get me through many things everyday. Like-
*Keep on Going
*One step at a time
*Stay positive
*What you think- you become
*Hydrate
*Wear good shoes
*Prepare
*Work hard
*You can do this
*With God nothing is impossible
*ENDURE to the end
*Keep on keepin' on
*Never give up
*Don't push things too hard or you will get sick!
*Do the best you can do
*Don't compare yourself to others or you will always fall short
*Everyone who tries can be a winner
*Be the best you that you can be
*Try and try again
*The race doesn't go to the swiftest, but to those that keep on trying
*Mental preparedness can change everything
*Eat right- a balanced diet
*fuel your muscles
*Be kind
*Rest
*Have courage
*Stretch
*Don't be too hard on yourself
*Listen to your body!
*Winning isn't everything
*Those who only care about winning--don't get it
*positive thoughts leads to positive actions

And the list could go on and on and on.

 For me running isn't just about exercise and  physical fitness. It is a spiritual experience too.

 As a mother of 3 young boys, I continue to run. Each day I pull from those lessons I learned when running long distance and apply them to my "marathon of motherhood" - the race I am currently running.
Some days I would like a break. I would like to quit running and go to a movie by myself! :)
Or I would like to sit and sew with no interruptions. But that doesn't happen most days. And it is O.K.

Being a marathon runner takes a lot of time and energy and dedication. So does being a mom-it takes even more! And that is the race I have chosen to run right now. And while it may not be perfect, and full of hard moments, I will keep going. I will keep learning. I will endure and at the end I will feel good, and I will do my best and finish strong. In my own way, I will run this marathon of motherhood. ☺

I've got lots of new posts in store...just need a little time to get them all posted :)

Happy Fall! Thanks for reading!