Why my kids are making me a better runner
#10. Because pushing two kids isn’t easy, despite the fancy, expensive, lightweight, smooth-rolling rig (B.O.B. Ironman Duallie, aka “Double Bob” in our household). All the roads around here are flat too – and it’s still hard!
#9. Because I need to beat the heat. To run in the summer in Tucson means one either has to get up early and get out and back home before it starts to cook, or suffer later in the day and be cooked. So running with the kids means buckling them in the stroller as soon as Silas gobbles up his breakfast in the morning (at the constant “hurry up” urging of his mother) and running like a bat out of hell to get back home ASAP before the thermostat creeps any higher into the danger zone. If we can wrap up the morning’s run before 8am, we’re usually pretty good. Toasty, but no where near cooked.
#8. Because Ivan is getting heavier by the day.
#7. Because mud puddles after a rainstorm are kid-magnets. Rain is rare here. And getting to splash in a mud puddle, even rarer. After a good rain Silas commands the stroller be steered through every. single. puddle.
#6. Because it’s windy sometimes. Wind + Double Bob = no further explanation needed.
#5. Because if there’s any sort of construction vehicle anywhere in sight, it requires a closer look. ‘Anywhere in sight’ is literal – Silas has an eagle eye. Our runs have made many a lengthy detour.
#4. Because my 2 year old likes to talk. ALOT. And not just chatter to himself. He has to ask questions and requires responses. And if he’s not asking questions and just making a comment, he still requires a response. And if I don’t respond, he’ll just repeat. And repeat and repeat and repeat. A typical conversation while out on a run:
Silas: “What’s that sound mama?”
Mama: “Probably someone’s air conditioner or a pool filter.”
Silas: “A POOL filter, mama?”
Mama: “Yes. I think it’s a pool filter.”
Silas: “(humph). Pool filter.”
Silas: “Is this our turn, mama?”
Mama: “No, not yet. Next turn.”
Silas: “Go faster mama. Catch up to that man.” (referring to some old dude walking his dog in front of us rather slowly)
Mama: “I’m going as fast as I can, baby.”
Silas: “Faster mama! GO FASTER!!!!”
Mama: “Silas, can you just sit quietly please and enjoy the ride?”
Silas: “Okey dokey. That’s a good plan, mama.”
Not 30 seconds later,
Silas: “What’s that sound, mama? A pool filter?”
Mama: (no response).
Silas: “Mama, is that sound a POOL filter?”
Mama: “(sigh) No, it’s an air conditioner.”
Note, this becomes increasingly difficult while pushing the Double Bob through mud puddles on a windy day.
#3. Because when I finally do get a chance to go out on my own without the kiddos, I’m wicked motivated to rip it on the trails.
Note: “rip it” is a relative term here. “Ripping it” for me right now is running what feels to be top speed with perfect form, a long stride, muscles ripped and hard, skin glowing and jiggle-resistant, face calm and totally chill, mind ready for 10 more grueling uphill miles. In all reality, what I’m really doing is just picking up the pace from 10 minute miles down to 9 min 45 sec miles, with maybe only a few inches longer in my stride, muscles that look as though they may have seen more-ripped days, skin beat red and drenched in sweat with those nice crusty, highly noticeable, salt crystals forming on my temples and around my armpits (cause sweat evaporates in the dry desert), face looking like I need a mountain rescue to helicopter me outta here cause I’m about to collapse any second and mind cursing at myself for looking like a poser wearing only a spotsbra and stupid skirt because I’m totally having to suck in the jiggling, deflated baby-pouch around my middle when I pass people.
#2. Because despite my ranting I do really enjoy taking Silas and Ivan out on runs with me. Running through mud puddles has never been so fun and “Run faster mama!” really gets me goin’ some days…even if I’m only stepping up the pace by 15 seconds/mile. These two keep me company and make me smile – and smiling while running can be pretty hard!…given all of the above.
and finally, #1. Because this view of little feet from the cockpit can’t be beat:
posted by arr
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One Response to “Why my kids are making me a better runner”
August 31st, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I could post the exact same thing, just substitute in a bike for the running! The girls have definately made me a better biker – towing around 100 lbs can do that I guess! 🙂 Love seeing all of your adventures and your two beautiful boys!
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