My Running Moment: Chicago 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog.  If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

 

My Running Moment: Chicago 2011

In October 2011, on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, I ran the Chicago Marathon.  It wasn’t my fastest marathon ever, and it certainly wasn’t my easiest one, but in some ways, it was the best one yet.  I ran that marathon as a mom of a beautiful 11-month-old, as a wife, and as an employee.  So, if this wasn’t my fastest or easiest marathon, what was so good about it?

1.      I ran because I love running.

 I obviously tried to do the best that I could, but as a 28-year-old mom, my finish time was not my first priority.  I ran for the fun of it.  I ran because I love using my body in a healthy way.  I ran because running is a great time for conversation with friends.  I ran because I enjoy getting up on Saturday mornings and going on long runs on the path by my house.  I ran because I love running with 45,000 other people through the streets of Chicago.  I ran, more than anything else, for the fun of it. 

2.      I set a goal and accomplished it.

Some goals in life are not as concrete as completing a marathon.  But a goal that includes completing a 26.2 mile race doesn’t leave much room for confusion: you either make it to the finish line, or you don’t.  Such a clear and focused goal is really very helpful- through the training, the discipline, and sometimes the fatigue.  But the bottom line is this:  the goal of the race (for me) was to finish.  And, while thousands of people finished ahead of me, and thousands more behind me, I felt the satisfaction of accomplishing that very specific goal. 

3.      The marathon was not an obsession, but a part of an already full life.

In the weeks leading up to the marathon, the race was certainly on my mind!  But, it wasn’t the only thing I was thinking about.  Raising a daughter, working a job, making dinner, being involved in our community… there are a lot of good things going on in my life.  Running is a joy, a breath of fresh air, and a gift; it is not an obsession.  I enjoy it most as it fits in to an already rich life. 

As you run, remember that – most of all – running is fun.  Set goals, do your best, and enjoy it!  That’s what I learned in my “running moment.”  I hope it’s helpful to you!