Running wisdom

I was running along a bike path, covered in leaves, and the only reason I knew it was a bike path, was because I had run there during summer.

And suddenly it struck me, a runner's wisdom that also applies to life: even though sometimes you can't see your path, it doesn't mean it isn't there!

Wordless Wednesday

Multitasking

Today I went for my 'city run'. It's my most interesting run in terms of different views. I run along the railroad track, trains thundering past me. Then I have to cross three bridges, and at the end of my run there's this little harbor with boats! After the boats it's only a few minutes and I'm surrounded by lots of shops, which I pay no heed of course. I'm a serious runner!

To let my body know it's time for a break I walk to a nice coffeehouse and have a cup of coffee. After my cup of coffee I usually run home.

But this time I thought it was a good idea to buy some sticky buns for the kids, to have for lunch. So I walked along the market place, surrounded by all kinds of merchandise and smells of french fries and fish. I was almost ready to run home when I stumbled upon a booth with sweet little dresses for about 15 dollar!

Some might say I got sidetracked, but personally I'ld like to think I was multitasking.

Which just goes to show how much motherhood and running can offer each other. Running teaches moms valuable lessons about pacing themselves, and motherhood teaches runners to multitask.

It's a win-win combination.

Also, I look really good in that 15 dollar dress!

Running mates

Though I like to run by myself, I'm never alone. I always find myself surrounded by this big group of running mates.

At the back of the pack there's Whiney, who's always whining and complaining, saying she wants to go home, that she's too tired, that it's too hot or too cold.
Whiney always gets a lot of flack from Drill Sergeant.'You keep going girl!' he shouts at Whiney, 'Or it's a hundred push ups for you!'
Then Whiney shoots me this look, and looks like she wants to cry.

And then there's Ego, who doesn't shout, but who's nevertheless very much present. Egging me on, telling me to go faster. She's always checking how fast I'm going, and trying to get me to go just a little bit faster. Ego always makes me a little nervous, and her presence really takes the fun out of running.

And in the midst of all this, there's me. Just trying to run along. And I say to them all: 'I'm not running for prizes or glory. I'm in it for peace of mind. I'm running to find me, to enjoy the changing of the seasons, to feel my body moving with every step I take. I'm not fast enough to outrun you guys, so I can't help you tagging along.

But would you please keep quiet and enjoy the run?!'

Chi Running and Chi Parenting

I'm always trying to live my life in a more mindful way, so when I stumbled mindlessly upon this book about Chi Running I felt all excited.

'ChiRunning combines the inner focus and flow of T'ai Chi with the power and energy of running to create a revolutionary running form and philosophy. The ChiRunning program increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns running into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well-being.'

Sounds great, doesn't it?! So I bought the book and registered for the workshop. The workshop won't start till november but the book is on my nightstand and every night I read a chapter.

It certainly helps me to run in a more mindful manner, and it got me off my iPod addiction in one swell swoop. I'm too busy listening to my body to listen to any music! Already I''m hearing my shoulders telling me they tend to tense when I'm running.

I like the idea of running from the core of my being.
And I hope to start Chi Parenting in the same way I'm learning to run.

Day three of the kids' vacation,

and this is how I feel.

Mile forty

This week, on the path that is my life, I reached mile forty. I took a moment to ponder this milestone, because I may be about halfway there, wherever, or whatever, 'there' is.

And I thought back to my journey so far, going from zero miles to forty. It's been a lovely journey, generous and filled with love. At mile forty, I find myself surrounded by a loving husband and five children, friends and family.

I couldn't ask for any more.

So it is with a grateful heart and joy that I continue my life journey.
Sometimes I'm running, sometimes I'm merrily skipping, and sometimes I'm only trying to keep myself from falling.

Because that's the way life's journey goes.

Ommmmmm

Yoga is good for the soul and body.
Both as a runner and a mom.
And to be frank: I need all the help I can get!















Wordless Wednesday