I was running... and not really thinking about anything at all. About a half mile later I realized my heart rate was moderate, my legs felt great, and I was running in the snow! Running in the snow is not that unique; however, this was on Monday, March 5, 2012 in Provo, Utah. I should have been wearing gloves, hat, running pants, the whole winter garb. Nevertheless, weather is often like friends - it changes on you when you least expect it! The run was amazing that day, almost 72 hours earlier this week. I must admit the motivation to run has increased since reading the book, "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall.
http://www.chrismcdougall.com
It is not that I am some sponge that sucks in all that he reads. It is the opposite, and with this book I listened to several segments, and re-read pages often to fully grasp an author's perspective. The content, the stories, research, and the simplicity of running fascinates me each year. It all began back in 1990 when I decided to try out for the high school cross-country team... and made it! Not only did the coach decide to take a chance on an 'old runner', but also upgraded me to the Varsity Team part-way through the season. I was not the fastest on the team; however, being it my first all running sport I quickly climbed to the top five.
Through college I continued to run through the streets of Utah, Michigan, and Oregon. An occasional 5K or triathlon kept my interests in running, and becoming a better athlete was still a goal. Over the last twelve years my drive to run more miles, swim more laps, eat better, run along new streets, and run up more mountain trails augmented. The need, want, and desire to become an athlete again was primarily motivated by one individual reason... my children. I need to live longer to see them grow up, to watch them learn, and to be there as their father. A 5K, perhaps a 10K is a perfect distance side-by-side is the sprint distance triathlon. Training sessions are rarely longer than a few hours, and being able to go out during lunch breaks, and the occasional Saturday morning suffice, and feed my muscles the required workouts.
Don't get me wrong though about the distances or the amount of exercise time. It was about four years ago when my new years resolution was to... run less often! Why you may ask? Well, it returns back to children. A young child doesn't care much about medals, awards, age division fame, sponsors, free gear, or even their dad's name in the paper. This obvious acknowledgement guided me to cut down on races, stop chasing sponsors, and spend more time at home, at the park, playing board games, and simply hanging out and being a dad. When it comes to down to the basics, rule number is most organizations is - show up! If you are on a team you and eat healthy, purchase the best gear, train seven days per week but, if you fail to show up for team practice and the big game, well... you fail as a team player. Being dad, rule number one is show up at home, show up at soccer practice, be there on the sidelines with a camera and water bottle supporting your child every minute- not playing the executive nine with your work buddies.
And yes, I make incorrect choices each week, often every day. But each year, the wrong choices are less significant as my priorities grow closer to family goals. Being a father is one the best choices I ever made. Doing a 5K race, a marathon, perhaps an Iron-man are shadowed by the importance of the daily parenthood events.
So, there you have it. Running allows me to maintain health, increases my sanity, levels my reserves of patience, clears my mind, and prepares me to return home, and be a dad.
March 8th, 2012
Just returned from a 5.05 mile trail and street up Provo Canyon - it was amazing. One day I'll bring one of my children up there for a hike or run just to observe the views. My mind feels more awake as I return to my work. In a few hours I shall return home, and then my true career restarts - parenthood...
Tomorrow is a new day that may bring... who knows, but if you run through your problems with a loving spouse there is not much life can place in your path that in impassible. Best of luck everyone, and may the joy of parenthood and running bring passion back into your life!
Sincerely,
Orange Rabbit Runner
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