Running and Leading

I began running in 2006. When I crossed the finish line of my first 5K race I cried because it was such an incredible accomplishment for me, having been athletically challenged all my life and never even active at all. During that first race, in the lovely neighborhood of Ravenswood, I was totally inspired by a family I saw running all together. Mom was pushing a jogger stroller and Dad was cheering on his two young daughters. One girl gasped, "Daddy, I can't do it!" and he stopped and knelt with her and said, "of course you can honey, you're amazing and I'm right here with you!" (could have cried then too!) She picked her legs back up and finished with her whole family (and me.)

It was a clear vision that someday, I wanted to be the a role model to help my own kids lead active lives, in the outdoors, playing, running, biking, hiking, swimming, or sports (I'll figure out how to support organized sports somehow, perhaps with "Idiots Guide to Football".)

This morning I ran my second ever 10K, in a Women's Festival, but Chris and Oliver got up super early and came out to cheer me on. There is almost nothing that makes me happier than these types of moments - active, positive family togetherness. Ollie has now watched me in 3 races and ran in one himself with Dad pushing the stroller. I really hope that no matter how busy we get, how many excuses can be found, I can continue to be a positive role model for healthy living.
Before the race


My cheering squad!





Cloudy and humid morning on the lakefront


I did it! (Yes, I'm THAT red and THAT sweaty)


He got to nap first! Lucky baby.