I remember years ago walking on the treadmill alongside my then teenage daughter and she laughed at me as she was running. I now think it wasn't so much that my walking was what was humorous but perhaps it was more of her running that caused her to chuckle. Daughters often feel this competitive streak with their mothers. Its very subtle. It's an unconscious drive as well, which basically means we do or say something with little thought-its just our extinctive response. Its not even a "competition" per se between mother and daughter, its often daughter wanting to be different than mother- as daughter grows into who she is. The teen age years are rarely easy but then again anything worth something is going to be a challenge. I never really thought much about being a runner, I knew I was proud to see my daughter run both at the gym and during her track and field meets. As for me I was quite content running from the batters box one base at a time.
In 2010 I took part in the " Petaluma Foot Race". It was a 3 or 5 mile walk/run that benefitted the schools. The first year I "ran" with my son. He of course took off from the starting line and disappeared in the mass flow of people-- I was a little concerned but I knew I would eventually see him as long as we both stayed the course. I began running it, which didn't last long, as more ground was covered and I didn't spot Jake I became a little more worried and began running faster- I no longer was running the race I was a mother running to locate her young son. Around the last corner and probably about 100 yards from the finishing line I spotted Jake sitting down-- he got tired and scared not knowing where I was. A male runner was with him, (someone's caring dad!), he was kind enough to wait with Jake reassuring him I would turn up.--- This really wasn't a great experience but we made the best of it and together we crossed the finishing line.
The following year I participated in the Foot Race with both Jake and littlest sister Karma. I didn't run during this one at all, (due to recovering from a foot surgery)-I walked along side friends while our younger children walked with us and the "older" siblings ran off together. I didn't worry about Jake, we had a plan if we became separated which was almost inevitable. Karma was always in my line of sight. When Jake and I were separated the first year I felt awful. He was scared and I couldn't go any faster than I was. Then to make it even worse after that race I felt broken. My feet felt shattered, my legs ached and I basically couldn't move! It was during that point in time when I decided to plan and better train myself for the next footrace but then I suffered a foot injury and running was not an option, but I completed the Foot Race with both Jake and Karma and it was a fun family morning. -- (then we moved to So. Cal.)
The Carmel Valley 5k is a fundraiser for our school district. My goal was to run it-with my children. I prepared (aka trained) for the past 12 weeks in the hope of reaching said goal. I did not reach this goal-so I will keep trying until I do! ---
Race day morning was a beautiful day, great weather and lots of friendly, familiar faces in the starting line. Jake was ambivalent he wanted to stay with us or run on his own-he went off on his own joining some friends along the way. Karma and I remained in the 10min/mile group. The race starts, we run with the flow then Karma takes off in and out of bodies to advance her self-- leaving me behind! Oh god, I think. DAMN! so, Karma has taken off and how will I spot her, I feel a repeat of the first race Jake and I did together. I am not even out of the parking lot from the starting point and I'm scanning the crowd to spot Karma and there she is, walking against the flow with her hand over her chest, and a panic on her face. She didn't see me, fortunately vigilant mommy eyes spotted her, I called for her and we were reunited. Off to the side we went, I administered a couple shots of her inhaler, provided her with some mommy love and encouragement and on our way we went-walking. Little Karma was in tears, saying her chest hurt her and she couldn't run. This bewilders me since Karma is the healthiest looking athlete in the family. Karma and I walked and ran the 5k, with an emphasis on WALK, I guesstimate I ran 1 mile total. Even though my goal of running it was missed my priority of being there for my children was made-together Karma and I crossed the finished line. and with Jake waiting for us we had a great family fun morning!
There is a GIANTS RUN in Scottsdale on March 8, I would LOVE to do--but I know I wont since mommy responsibilities, (children's sports), will prevent me from doing so-however, there is a San Diego 5k on March 9 which is my new goal! --- I have 6 weeks to go...
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