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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Titles

I've held many different titles in my life.
First there was DAUGHTER (to which I didn't even realize how special that was until last June when I got to hold my own).
One of my favorites is SISTER; I have been lucky enough to have some of the best siblings that I am still close with even though we are old-er and grown and on our own.
I'm a wife, mother, friend, neighbor, den mother, drama queen, cook, granddaughter, cousin, goofball, and many, many others.
One title I never thought I would hold is RUNNER.
When I began training for the Wasatch Back I did it because I was begged into it by a friend and I'm a sucker for a party. I never imagined that running would be something that I would look forward to every day.
It wasn't until a couple weeks ago that I actually felt like a runner. I was running the distance of my longest leg in the Ragnar- 5.1 miles- and at about mile 3.5 I really started thinking. After a 10 year hiatus after being a sprinter in 9th grade track-and-field, I was actually able to run. Not down the street. Not around the block. I was running for several miles. Most importantly, I was able to do it with minimal discomfort. Our bodies are incredible, and mine has never felt so healthy and alive.
Last week my family was put down by the stomach flu. In the middle of the night while I was completely delirious and attempting to care for my kids for what felt like the umpteenth time, I stubbed my toes. Hard. I'm not sure what I really injured, but it is keeping me from running. I miss the rhythm. I miss the burn in my lungs and the chill on my arms. I can't wait until my foot gets better so I can get back in my groove.
Because now, I am a runner.

6 comments:

marciea casselman said...

And being a runner is a good title. Running does all sorts of things for people. It keeps the endorphins high, it keeps the weight low, it gives you time to think, and if you run with a partner, it gives you time to chat it up.
All of which are reasons that I love running. However, my knees are in rebellion a bit so I do the elliptical and yoga and core strengthening exercises now. It doesn't matter as long as we exercise a little bit.
Good luck preparing for the Wasatch Back. I've never done it but heard it's a blast.

sNick said...

Ahhhhh!!!! I didn't know you were doing the Wasatch back! I'm so jealous. I haven't felt like a runner in over a month (yes, even with the half - that felt more like a crash course in survival than real running). April has been one of the craziest, most sleep deprived months of my life. So I'm giving myself the week off and hope to become a runner again in May. Your post nailed everything I love about running and completely inspired me. Go, Amy, go.

Leslee said...

And you said Clay and I were Crazy to be Runners! HA! I LOVE YOU!! and I'm excited that you are experiencing the feeling of the title you hold! Being in the best shape of your life feels AMAZING! I can't wait to get that feeling back! Keep on running! You will Rock the Wasatch Back! Love you Sis!

Shelly said...

That is so cool, Amy! I'd love to hold the title of 'runner' someday. I'm working on it,...kind of. Mostly working on it in my head for now. Good for you! You're inspiring me.

Ashley said...

I feel ya girl! I wish we could run together- hopefully I'll see you in the race. What leg are you?

Hannah Neville McMillan said...

YOU GO GIRL! ;)