As we ran, we talked. As we talked, I processed. I had a few "a-ha" moments, and a lot of laughs.
Listening to my early morning running friend, I realized that one of the main things I love about running is the sense of accomplishment I feel from it. There is so much in my life - the life of a mother, wife, educator, etc. that is incomplete, or in a constant state of what my Mother and I refer to as Groundhog Day. . .The dishes are NEVER done. The laundry is NEVER done. Stuff gets done, but it's never completely finished. Honestly, I don't know about your households, but the second I put away the last dish from the dishwasher, there is a sink full of dirty dishes waiting to be loaded. . .same thing with laundry.
As my parents frequently point out, there is no "finish-line" with parenthood. Even though the kids grow, and hopefully move out and on, they are still our kids. . .we still worry. We are still (hopefully) involved in their lives.
Running gives me a sense of accomplishment, of completion. I have run several half marathons. I have run a marathon. I have completed duathlons. I set a goal, I work towards it, and I finish it. It is a wonderful sense of achievement - each and every time.
Even a Sunday morning run, with no medals or t-shirts, brings an huge sense of success. I ran 9 miles before 7:30am. I feel good about the run, and I feel good about myself.
There is not a lot opportunity in my life (I don't know about yours) where I can replicate this sense of completion and success. I love my job. It's a lot like parenthood with ups and downs. There is no promotion in teaching though. There are no big bonuses or raises. There are little moments of success, and frequent moments of doubt. Same thing with motherhood. We have had a lot of positive moments lately, particularly with my "challenging" 9 year old. However, for every up, there is a down. And again, there is no finish line.
So, while I love motherhood, and I love teaching - My happy moments while running give me a sense of completing a goal that gives me a much needed pat on the back, that helps me handle all the other moments in my life to which there is no end. . .I know I can - because I do.
When people comment negatively on my running or exercise, "Why do you do that to yourself?" as if I am inflicting some form of self-punishment, I can't help but think -
What do you get to do in your life that brings you a sense of accomplishment?
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