Runner?

I wouldn't consider myself a runner.  In high school, the only time I enjoyed running was when I was chasing after the field hockey ball. In college, I preferred swimming or biking or nothing at all. As a college graduate and high school teacher, I found enjoyment in aerobics classes and biking.

When my first child was born I was very generously given a single jog stroller. At first I was motivated to jog as a means of getting back in shape post baby. And then, it happened. I suddenly found great joy in running in the outdoors pushing this sweet little bundle. To smell the air and feel the sun shining down on me while pushing my little guy was a wonderful escape from the challenges of new motherhood. That coupled with the endorphin rush kept me running...

and running...

and running...

and running.

So many thanks to my kind friends who chipped in to buy me a double jogger as a baby shower gift that allowed me to run when the second and third child were born. 

When we started home schooling in 2009, I changed my running routine to a mom only event in the wee hours of the morning. Running in the dark with a friend became a new way to enjoy running. It doesn't matter if it's below freezing, raining, or snowing, I love to be outside running.

And now with butterflies in my stomach, I signed up for the 1/2 marathon in November. I'm so excited and scared, but with my eyes on Jesus I will have a fabulous time.