Want to know what is even better than me learning to run at the age of 45? My 11-year old daughter taking up the sport! Now, this may not seem like a big deal. But, let me give you a brief bio on my daughter. She has never enjoyed running, nor has she been interested in my newfound love for running. She is strong-willed and once she gets it in her mind not to do something, well...good luck trying to get her to change her mind. She has never felt like she was a good runner or had what it takes to become one. I have tried relentlessly to get her to sign up for a kid-friendly race with me to no avail. I see kids on the side lines of races, cheering on the runners and have thought to myself, "man, I wish she would do that." But, knowing all along she never would.
Well, I went away last night with my book club ladies and came home 24 hours later - only to find that my husband had turned my little girl into a budding runner!! He bought her, her first pair of running shoes. And, actually took her to the track to run with him. He ran 9 laps and she ran/walked 5.
By the time I got home, she was flying high on Cloud 9. She couldn't wait to tell me all about her afternoon with dad...grinning from ear to ear while she recounted her run. She wanted me to take her to get a pair of running pants, with an ipod pocket, because a girl has to have music when she runs! I was so excited that I would have probably bought her a brand new ipod if that's what she had asked for!!! So, I quicky wisked her off to Nike before her enthusiasm dwindled. On the way, she was asking all sorts of questions..."Mom, when did you know you liked running?" "Why did you first start running?" "When can we do a Fun Run together?" "When, we go to the beach for spring break, can I run on the beach with you?" It was all I could do to keep from crying tears of joy!! My girl was finally sharing my love of running and she was excited about it! My heart was literally overflowing with joy.
I have to hand it to my husband...How he was ever able to convince her to go for a run, is beyond me. Sometimes, it's good to step back and let someone else work their magic. I think I need to go on more girls' getaways so that my husband can perform more everyday miracles at home!
I am excited about the future and running many races with my daughter. I can only hope that she enjoys it half as much as I do. Lord knows, I wish I had started running sooner than I did. Thank you, Andrew, for taking control of the situation and just doing what you do...I am forever indebted!
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