Another part of me

Even though it took nearly 40 years, I have grown to enjoy exercise. 

Yes. Some people are born enjoying using their bodies, sweating, pushing themselves to exhaustion...I was not.   While my mom taught me many fantastic gifts and talents, athleticism was not one of them. I had tried from time to time to be sporty.  I was pretty miserable at it.  lol.  But I did try!

I never was fast. I'm not even sure why I joined track in 8th-10th grades.  But I finished every race they assigned me, even when it meant I was running a couple of laps alone b/c I was lapped (a few times) my freshman year during the 3200 m.  It gave the team the points they needed.  And I guess I like finishing what I start.  I didn't attend the Spring Sports Banquet that year b/c I knew all my friends had lettered and I had not.  So, you can imagine my surprise the next morning at school when I was summoned to the Athletic Director's office...and handed the MVP trophy.  So very surprised.  And grateful that the coaches were the type to understand that athletes come in all speeds.

But that still didn't make me a runner.  I was always thin...and could eat more candy than anyone should eat. Never got the Freshman 15 in college.  My baby weight melted away effortlessly 6 weeks after the birth of each baby.  And, yes, I eventually gained weight...lost it once 3 years ago.  But it returned.  So, with 40 around the corner, I started running again this last spring. Half heartedly thinking I could be the weight of 30 when I turned 40...Knowing full well that I started too late and loved eating too well.

This time,  something just clicked with me.  I guess it was old age...wanting to be strong and able. B/c more than being athletic, I want to be strong and able to help and to work and to do.

So, when I had hip problems and couldn't run...I started swimming. I had to go to Physical Therapy and I kept swimming, working on the stretches...and little by littler I got strong enough to run.  And even then, to run on my own and not on the mechanical treadmill took some will power. But I did it.  

My good friend, Adrienne, is training for a half marathon next month.  She's 10 years younger, 5 inches taller...and so incredibly strong. So, I run with her during her recovery runs...aka her short days.  Last week, we ran 4.5 m on Monday and again on Tuesday. And when I stopped, my knees were crying.   A couple of weeks ago, she encouraged me to look at "better" running shoes. And I did...at Hanson's a local running store. But $110 for shoes!?!  Well, I'm just not a shopper or a spender.  I went home, found the style recommended for me on Amazon, and in better/flashier colors. $10 less..free shipping.  Only..I just still couldn't really buy them. Then I remembered that I had received a gift card from Splitcoast for the service I do for the website.  But I stalled a few days...and they sold out of my size. And b/c I was vain only wanted Saucony's Ride 6 in Citron in size 10.5...the other colors also sold out.

Not only that...these shoes were sold out in many sizes, on many sites. Including Saucony.com.  What? These were newly released in June 2013.  I chided myself for waiting, caring for a specific color when I often just make do...fussed and pouted. Tried to talk myself into just buying them for $110 on the only sight I found them in stock. But...I waited and ran...and wished. And thought about going back to Hansons to see if there was another brand/fit that I liked.

But, I kept checking Amazon and I wrote Saucony.

And Patience ...paid off.  Tonight, I realized that I hadn't looked to see if they were restocked on Amazon today. And to me absolute surprise, they had 2 pairs in stock. Without thinking more than a second, I bought them...(or cashed in 2 gift cards). Then, b/c I do happen to get worry wart syndrome from my talented mother, I quadruple checked the site. And wouldn't you know it...sold out. Whew...

So...I'm trying to be patient as I click free shipping...which means I have to wait an extra longer time...

But now, my squished toes know that stylish relief is in sight...

And I just might be a sight in these neon shoes...

But more than having a pair of eye catching shoes, I love the way running makes me feel. The sense of accomplishment. The numbers that tell me I am improving.  Being able to listen to catchy music as I pound the route.  The feeling I have when I have to run across the street to haul a latch key kid off his computer so he doesn't miss the bus in the morning...and it's effortless and I'm not winded.  The fun I have chatting with Adrienne while we run 4.5  miles...and yes 5 (hopefully) miles on Wednesday.  Knowing that yes I lost 10 pounds...but I have lost a heck of a lot of inches that weren't measured.  The fact that two of my kids are trying cross country b/c they have seen me run.  I love that when I am mad, I can run instead of blowing up.  And yes, I love that I can finally really, truly sweat.  And be hot and smelly...and proud.

And..yes...hopefully this will keep me strong and able...for a very long time.