he walks beside me while I run. Many of you know that my husband competes in Ironmans, and that I prefer that other exercise, Yoga; which I just found out burns between 400-1200 calories per class for Hot Yoga, and 275 calories, for Hatha Yoga/per hour. (I will hear not another word about Yoga not really being exercise. Again.)
But, one day, last fall, don’t ask me why, I got this itch to host Thanksgiving dinner for my family. But first, we’d all run the Turkey Trot together. The 5 mile race, that’s the undisputed “Way to Begin Thanksgiving Day.” I love to eat — so I figured the race would give me a free pass to all the second helpings of Pie I wanted. Plus, you actually win a pie and a can of whipped cream!!
But there was still that issue of actually crossing the finish line, so that I could make it back to the table before the Pie was gone.
And just imagine the fun we’d all have — running that race, in a big group — me, my brother, his wife, his son, his wife, my husband, our friends — and my kids cheering us on!! What fun!!
During the weeks of training, I learned pretty quickly that even though yoga did give me a strong core, I hated running. But not to fear, I have my Ironman husband to train me. He created a training schedule for me; and he took me out to run, gave me all the tips on whether it’s better to take big or little strides, and we started. But running hurts everywhere. I hated it — every time.
Even though I’m so slow at it my husband needs to WALK beside me, he stays with me — all the way. Race day comes upon us, and, which I’ve blogged about here, but here are the highlights:
- Only one person out of our group is left with me after the first 3 minutes.
- She doesn’t let me “walk” for any part of the race — even when she stops to tie her shoes.
- She beats me. Everyone in our group beat me.
- The pies were gone by the time I crossed the finish line.
- My husband ran the race, got his pie, got some coffee, and met up with me to run across the finish line with me.
- I did run across the finish line.
- He gave me his pie, and I ate lots of it.
So, it’s Turkey Trot Training time again.
- My husband: Are you ready to start training again?
- Me: Yeah — when I get settled with the kids’ school schedules
- My Husband: Skip it. I just don’t think running’s your thing.
- Me: (Thinking: Yes — he’s right. I want to skip it… but I love pie)
- Me: I’m training — and I’m going to beat my brother this year.
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Women runners peak in their late 30s and discovering the capabilities as an older woman running is a thrill. I wrote about it, just an FYI. I have a link to a NYTimes article on the subject.
motherpie on running.
If the link above doesn’t work, here is hte url:
http://motherpie.typepad.com/motherpie/2007/09/run-run-run.html
Run, mama, run!
Go, SusieJ, go!
I love yoga! It really calms my over active brain — in addition to burning calories of course!
I love, love, love running- but I stopped a few years ago due to something or other. But I miss it. You know, it’s so hot down here in FL that I am really thinking of getting a treadmill… hm, maybe for my birthday?!
You go, girl!
Go for it! I tried running the other day on one of my walks and I could barely do it – now that being said I am on a weight loss journey and far from my ideal weight. Everything hurt – even my feet in good shoe with orthopedic inserts…..ahhhhhhh! Why is it then that my dream still is to run a marathon – am I nuts? Or is it that my measuring stick for achieving the ideal fitness level? I have no idea.
Your husband sounds like a good guy. Good luck with that training, even if it is being conducted to prove a point! 😉
Are any of your boys runners? I’ll bet you wouldn’t be the last in your group to finish if they ran with you — for awhile at least. LOL
I’ve got to hand it to you – a 5 mile run on Thanksgiving? Woman, you’re a winner in my book.
That’s something – you are determined! Can’t wait to read about it.
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