Hi Runner Friends,
Well, I wrote this on Global Running Day (June 5th) but then got too sleepy to publish it. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to make a list of the top 10 reasons I love running (although it changes all the time).
1. Getting exercise with Kids– I’ve run with all three of my children in my BOB strollers. What better way to get a workout in while your kids get to have an adventure? Today I was able to run a fun little 5K with my son Jesse. I’ve had a single BOB, a double BOB, and then bought another single BOB because I thought I was done having babies after the first two. I still have the double BOB and use it at Disney or if I need to push two not so littles on a run. I’m blessed to love a sport that I can do with my children.
2. The Great Outdoors– I love being outside. I very rarely run on a treadmill, so almost all of my runs are outside. I like running before the sun comes up when no one is out, but I love running in the sunshine. I love running on the beach and on nature trails. In college I used to love running on the UNF nature trails. If you are local to the Jacksonville area you should check them out! Now in my late 30’s I’ve really started to use sunscreen and hats to protect my skin from sun damage- of course, I wish I had started caring about my skin sooner!
3. Overall Health Benefits– Running is good for you. Running can help with so many aspects of your health. One of the main things it can help is your cardiovascular health. I love tracking my heart rate and my VO2 max using my Garmin. I know the VO2 max is not accurate just from wearing a watch, but I still use the data as an indication of my overall health. Another health aspect I love about running is that it lowers my heart rate. Every time I start getting into better shape I notice my heart rate dipping. It’s just one simple way I can track my health.
4. Mental Health Benefits– Running and exercise are known to help people with their mental health. For me, running is a way to clear my mind. I find mental clarity when I’m out there running alone. I also do my best listening and learning when I’m exercising. I often listen to Podcasts while I’m running and find my ability to recall the information is greatly enhanced as opposed to just listening in my car. I do some of my best thinking while running. I can also take my frustrations out on the pavement and come back home feeling 100% better. As a mom, it’s a nice way to take a tiny break and return refreshed and ready for action. I love my kids and love spending time with them, but running can be a nice break away from all my mom duties (when I’m not running with them) and give me a reset when “moming” becomes tough. When I feel high levels of anxiety, if I get a good run or workout in I feel almost instant relief.
5. Sister Sarah– I was with my sister-in-law, Sarah when she ran her first 5K. From there we have completed so many different races together. She’s run several 5Ks, a couple 15Ks and a half marathon. She’s aiming for a marathon in the near future. I think it is amazing that she has taken on running as an adult (in her 30s). She is a motivation to me and should be to you too. We’ve even gone on girls trips centered around races. It’s a fun thing for us to share together, that I guarantee neither of us thought would be our thing back when we first met each other two decades ago.
6. Running is for EVERYONE– I’ll say it again: RUNNING IS FOR EVERYONE. I love that running is for every type of person, all body types, all ages, all abilities. I have had so many people tell me something along the lines of “I could never run” or “How do you do that?” It’s like they put running on a pedestal of impossibility. All it takes to become a runner is to go out for one run! Boom! Now you are a runner! Go for another run and, well now you are an avid runner.
7. Racing– I love all the local Jacksonville races put on by 1st Place Sports. They do a fantastic job! They have multiple races each month you can choose from. If you haven’t had a chance to run the Gate River Run 15K you really should put it on your running bucket list! Another race that blew my mind was the Chicago Marathon. I loved the atmosphere of the Chicago Marathon. It was the biggest block party I’ve ever been a part of. While my race didn’t go as planned, if you want a super energetic, spectator rich race you should sign up for one of the major marathons!
8. runDisney– I love participating in runDisney events. It’s so fun to get the whole family involved too! My family loves to go to Disney, and when I discovered runDisney it was a way to incorporate both my love for Disney and my love for running. When I first discovered runDisney they had kids races too. My girls both participated in the 100 meter dash! It was adorable and Mickey and Minnie were at the finish line cheering them on. They have races all year long that range from 5Ks all the way up to a marathon. Also, there is no time limit for the 5K so you can literally walk and still have a fun! The races have Disney characters on the course and many athletes dress up in costumes for the actual race.
9. Husband– My husband Alex still says he isn’t a runner even though he’s run a handful of 5Ks with me and recently a 10K. I love it when he runs with me! We recently did a kid-free weekend away at Disney and ran the Springtime Surprise 10K together. He absolutely killed his 10K and I can’t wait for our next race together!
10. Role Model for my Kids and Nieces and Nephews– My kids know I run and work out. I know they see me doing my Beachbody workouts and they know I’ve run two marathons. My oldest daughter, Summer, likes to run with me sometimes too. I know this is a good influence for them. My nieces and nephews also know that I run. I try to teach them that they can do hard things too. They saw my demise at the Chicago Marathon, and then saw me train my butt off for my next marathon and accordingly shared in my triumph at my 25 minute faster PR.
As Global Running Day closed out, I was able to convince not only Sarah to sign up for a 5K in October, but also Alex, and my brother-in-law, Marion. We all ran a virtual 5K together during covid in 2020, but this will be the first in person 5K that we are all going to run together. I love that all four of us have something healthy to work towards and do together!
Now, it’s time to take these wild kiddos to the pool before they tear the house down!
Happy Running!
-Kelly
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