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Thursday, December 06, 2012

Running Buddy

Last night, I was getting ready for my run, and Norah declared that she wanted to go with me.  She didn't want to ride in the stroller, she wanted to run.

I said okay, and she got on her running shoes, and off we went!

At first, she was truly into the running:

"Look at me running, Mom!  I'm so fast!  We're super runners!  This is so fun!"

Then, after a bit, she declared she was "super tired" and needed a walk break.  From there on out, we basically ran intervals -- run for about 1or 2 minutes and then walk for a few minutes, then run again.  In total, we went 1.25 miles, and it took us 28:50.

We took some detours so we could view some houses' Christmas decorations and lights, we took some detours so Norah could pick up sticks or so she could inspect a hole in a tree, and we took one detour so she could "walk through the dirt."  And, all along, we chatted.  Norah, like most 3 year olds, basically narrates every single thought that enters her head, so it went a little like this:

"Ariel's not my best friend anymore."
"Natalie is my best friend now.  She has the same shoes as me."
"Brady's also my best friend.  Because I like him.  And he likes me.  He told me."
"Brady said I could come to his house and play."
"I want Brady to come to my birthday party."
"My birthday's in August.  That's really far away.  I'm gonna be...how many am I gonna be?"
"I want a Barbie cake for my birthday."
"I want Barbies for my birthday too."
"I told Santa that I want a Barbie for Christmas."
"Santa's watching so I have to be good so I get presents and candy.  I've been good."
"Brady's been good too."
"Brady has an elf that watches him and tells Santa if he's good or bad.  He's good.  I don't have an elf."

To me, even though I could've run a full 3 miles in that time, the "run" was priceless.  Since I got pregnant with Norah, and ran with her then, I've always hoped that running could be something we share as she grows up, and in my mother-daughter-running-fantasy, I've hoped for runs exactly like this (well, maybe more actual running, but that's a process).

It was kinda hard to put aside my selfish desire to get MY run done, but in all other ways, it was a great run.  Mostly because of the wonderful company.

17 comments:

James said...

Love it! I'm a big fan of getting kids active. It's not always easy, especially when they decide they don't want to do it anymore, but that look of excitement when they first do it is so worth it.

nrmrvrk said...

The first few runs with my daughter (now 5) were similar. I started entering us in local "Kids Dash" type races, ranging from ~1/4mi - 2mi. I just love running "races" with her, letting her dictate the pace is good for my ego. Never competitive and at the end we go to the nearest coffee shop for treats.

I hope to show her (and my 3 y/o son) that running isn't hard and give them a positive association with running. I hope you find the same balance with your kids.

Sparkplug said...

Awww! Adorable! My 3-year old does the same thing with the narration, which just cracks me up. I hope she decides she should get in a run with me soon too!

runner26 said...

Oh my gosh - we must be living parallel lives or something! I love it!!

runner26 said...

Oh my gosh - we must be living parallel lives or something! I love it!!

One Crazy Penguin said...

This is freaking adorable.

I love that I've been able to get my mother into running and it's something that I get to share with her. I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to share it with a daughter as well :)

Ririnette said...

So precious!! I envy those years when they talked their thoughts out loud. Now, almost teenagers, it's rather impossible. Way to go Norah!

Erin said...

That's how I feel when Miller wants to go ice skating. I still think I will need to get Norah or Rylee into ice skating so I can fulfill my need to buy adorable dresses, practice outfits, and trinkets.

The constant narration is priceless even though all we really want is a moment of silence. We had a conversation about what retirement means and Miller declared since he works hard at school and helps at home he should be able to retire.

TNTcoach Ken said...

Hey, that's how I pick my best friends!

Unknown said...

very cute. what a precious way to spend 29-ish minutes

heather said...

Sounds like a great run to me! Good job momma!

NICOLE said...

That is priceless.

B. Kramer said...

You'd better watch out for this "Brady" fellow. Sounds like trouble.

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