Winter has felt long and cold this year. Although we didn't get a repeat of the blizzards of 2010 I was ready for spring to arrive.
Sunday was a great break from the cold. It was one of the first days in awhile that the snow had all melted off the sidewalk, the sun was shinning, and you could be outside without a coat.
I have been a huge slacker in the running department lately. Since I ran my 10K race at the end of November I have run less than 10 times. The thing about running is I love it so much! It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel great. I just can't get enough of it but when the sidewalks I run on are covered with snow and temperature outside makes you shiver just to think about it, it zaps my motivation. Add in the busyness of a family of five and you have a recipe for minimal winter running.
The kids have been begging me to take them on a run. Ever since they ran the kids race at my 10K they can't wait to start training for an run a 5K themselves. The only problem with running with 3 kids is you have to find a low traffic area to run. Near our house there is a great trail through the woods but that means it is shady and the snow is slow to melt.
On Sunday, even though I honestly did not feel like running, I laced up my running shoes and took all 3 kids with me to go check out the trail and see if they snow had melted enough for us to run. We were all pleasantly surprised when we got to the trail it was snow-free, mostly dry, and full of other runners, bikers, and families.
Once I started running my attitude changed. Instead of feeling unmotivated and lazy, I was quickly reminded why I love running so much. The wind in my hair, the sunshine on my face, breathing in the fresh air. Needless to say, it was just what the doctor ordered!
I thought the kids would whine the entire time and not make it very far but I am proud to say they ran 2 miles and walked the last mile with little to no whining. They could've made it further if I pushed them but I was happy with our accomplishment for the day.
I think I may have found myself some new running buddies. Makes finding a babysitter while I run a non-issue if the kids come with me.
My next race is in less than 2 weeks. It is a 5K, a distance I am very comfortable running. I am running it with one of my friends and it will be her first race. We have yet to run together to train, which makes me sad. I hope we can squeeze in 1 or 2 training runs in before the race. I am not running the race to win, only to have fun with my friend so my plan is just to keep her pace and have fun. Oh and drink some green beer at the end since it is a St. Patrick's Day race!
So happy spring has made an appearance here in Maryland and I hope it sticks around. Here's to lots more running in the coming months!
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