Friday, November 16, 2012

My Running Moment: Began as a Child

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog is featuring a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will 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: Began as a Child

My running moment began as a child. Growing up, being active and exercising was part of my daily routine. My dad is a high school football coach and athletic director, so going to sporting events every night was my life. Being active was really not an option. My first memories of "running" were with my mom - as a rider first, in a jogger, and later on as a runner. We spent endless hours as a family running and walking around the track while Dad finished up with practice.
 
My mom devoted the majority of her life to raising her children. I am the second of four kids and I am so thankful for the example my parents gave of what a family should look like. Some of my greatest memories as a kid were in my mom’s jogging stroller for hours as she ran. As I got older, those runs turned into bike rides, and eventually running next to her. Over the years, these runs/walks have been filled with conversations that I am forever grateful for now as an adult.
 
However, I will say I never have considered myself a runner. Thanks to my sister-in-law, my runs have become a lot more regular as we recently ran a marathon together. But, if I had to sum up one single running moment it would be very hard. I would have to say it has, more or less, been a life spent thankful for the example set for me at an early age that exercise is important and can be enjoyed as a gift.
 
Currently, running is my release. Working full time and being a wife feels like enough responsibility for now. Running is a reason to put everything aside and just get away to think, chat with a friend, or just go.
 
Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the blessing it is for me to be able to run and enjoy being outside!  Running has always been part of my life and I hope will continue to be something I can enjoy for many years to come.

Lyndee Biles Nielson

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