Today, just like on Sunday afternoon, I took my 6 year old on the bike path with me so I could run. I signed up for the O’Hartford race and have a month to get myself ready. She loves to ride her bike, with one of her beloved dolls in the doll bike seat, so I figured this would be a win-win situation. We’d get some mommy-daughter bonding time, the little kids could nap (hubby was home) and we could both get some exercise.
I was feeling all kinds of awesome about this, and we even had our dog, Tobey with us. Things went FABULOUSLY for about 10 yards. Little Busy girl was already ahead of me, and turned her head
“Mom? I thought you said you were going to run while I ride my bike!?”
“I am running. This is how I run!” (Still feeling great about starting this up again)
“Well, you aren’t very fast.”
“Nope, I’m not.”
But then….later on our journey (we did 2.8 miles both days, by the way) she was talking about racing me and I said that maybe sometime she can run a 5k with me when she is bigger. She wasn’t too sure about the racing part and said “but what if I run all the races and I never get to win?”
That’s when I said something profound to her (well, profound to me)
“Every single time you run the whole race, you are winning. Every race that you start and finish is a win.”
I kind of think I need to remember this.
I kind of think I won’t tell her that I jokingly refer to my jogging pace as a “perky walk” because I’m fairly certain that would be told to anyone she met.
Do you agree? Finishing a race you start is a win for yourself?
Jennifer Hall says
Great advice for all of us, I think.
Serena Michelle says
Absolutely. I just started exercising myself- I have the kids (8, 6, & 3) ride their bikes/scooters around the block while I walk/jog behind them. I would love to do a 5K or even 10K in the future. For me, it’s most definitely not about being the fastest – it’s about finishing what I start. At 264 pounds I’m sure I look pretty funny out there jogging at a snail’s pace but I’m winning every step I take!
Kristy says
Indeed! I need to get off my couch and go run my race now- 🙂
jen V says
Completely 100%. Since having major back surgery 12 years ago thinking I would never run or even be out of pain, anytime I am running, walking or doing anything I might not have done before is a “win”. Remember, you’re still running circles around everyone on the couch!
Gisele Phipps says
You are absolutely right! Getting out of your comfort zone to enter is winning. Getting out to train is winning and finishing the race is really winning. Also, finding a way to both train and bond with your daughter is ultimate winning. You are teaching her so much about life! You Go Momma!