Around this time, my sister was working for a firm whose partners were very active and sponsored local races. She had started running on the roads around her rural home. "You should try it!", she'd say. My response? "I can't run!"
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| Fantasy in Lights 10k 2011 |
I continued to dutifully go to the Y and meet my monthly requirement. I began noticing a young woman who would come and use the treadmill. She would run the whole time I was there, without pause. Wow, I thought. Occasionally there was another young man who would do the same, but while wearing one of those reflective aluminum heat suits. Double Wow.
I started thinking...if my sister can run, why can't I? I became determined. In the Winter of 2008, I stepped up on a treadmill, while the Y was cavernously empty, and gave it a whirl.
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| Sole Sister 7 Mile Run 2015 |
Other than planting the running seed with our oldest son, have I inspired anyone else to run? Not that I know of. But, the takeaway here is -- you never know who is watching. Just as my sister watched the people at her firm, just as I watched her and the strangers at the Y. Others are watching. "Honey, there's that crazy lady running in the park again!" So, maybe I have.
Here's another somewhat relative point. The name of my blog comes from something my grandson said when he could barely talk. He would see me in running clothes and would ask "HoHo Runs?". He was asking for clarification -- HoHo runs too just like my Dad? Later it changed to HoHo Runs! No questions asked. He is watching.
I'm joining Marcia, Erika and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run!
Please visit these awesome ladies and join in on the fun.
Please visit these awesome ladies and join in on the fun.
You and your blog are inspiring. Keep it up. can't wait to read your race recaps again.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darlene. I hope I will have a race recap in the fairly near future.
DeleteTruth! You never know who's watching. Very cool you and your sis run together. I have two sisters: a yogi and a running critic. Thanks so much for linking up!
ReplyDeleteIt's rare we get to run together because she lives so far away. But, we have been able to do a few races together. It's always fun.
DeleteI think it's great when I see families doing the running thing together. Disney has built a good foundation to get the entire family involved during their weekends. If kids have fun with mom and dad/grandma and grandpa, they might continue the running and healthy trend.
ReplyDeleteYes, Disney is excellent about that. I wish coaches wouldn't use running as punishment.
DeleteGreat story! It's true, you never do know who is watching. That's great that your sister inspired you to run. And you inspire your readers too!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope we can run together soon. She recently had a knee procedure and I'm injured, so it may be a little while.
DeleteLove this story, I would have never guessed you hadn't always been a runner. Love that your sister was your inspiration to do it. I think so many thing, "I can't" or they listen to the unknowledgable that running hurts your knees or joints and they say they can't do it. But like you proved, all you have to do is believe in yourself and try it, you never know what could happen and the accomplishments you could make next.
ReplyDeleteHA! I was excused from PE all of my life because of growing pains (I think). What I probably needed more than anything else was exercise! You can't be afraid to try. How else will you know?
Deleteaahhh :) I love this.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a little push & siblings know how to push you right where you need to be :)
A little sibling rivalry is good, eh?
DeleteYou're so right! We never know who is watching us. I had a woman I didn't know come up to the gym to thank me for being an inspiration to her because she'd been watching me over the past couple of months (not as creepy as it sounds here, I promise)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that! It's wonderful she told you too. Most people would think it, but you'd never know about it. Not creepy.
DeleteI do love this you never know who you might be motivating to make a change in their life! It is such a great responsibility too and you do it well! See I would have never thought about a marathon had it not been for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope I will be there to see you complete your first marathon.
DeleteIt's true, you never know who could be watching. I try to set a good example for my kids so they learn healthy behaviors. Maybe they'll be runners when they grow up!
ReplyDeleteI think we are being great examples for our kids, even if they don't seem interested now (you know, teens!). They may stray, but they will remember eventually.
DeleteVery awesome, I love the story of your blog's name! I agree, you never know who is watching! And I love your blog and find your journey inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelli. I love following yours too. What you do is simply amazing!
DeleteI was inspired to run by my sister as well (well her and Disney..lol).
ReplyDeleteWell, I do have to credit Disney for the motivation and inspiration to run my first half marathon. It was truly an awesome experience! I can still remember tiny little details about that day.
DeleteGreat story! I love it and yes you never know who is watching and who you are inspiring
ReplyDeleteI guess that is true about everything you do. Someone is always watching.
DeleteI love that your sister got you running! My sister runs but she doesn't race and she doesn't push herself. I'm always thrilled when she runs with me on our sister trips!
ReplyDeleteMy Sister and I have only run a few races together. Since we live half a country apart, we don't get to see each other very often. I think I see a few more in our future though. Both of have to heal a little first.
DeleteThat's a really good point about people watching and maybe taking inspiration from you. I have never inspired anyone to run (and I beg friends and family to try it with me), but maybe someone will take me up on the offer some day.
ReplyDeleteYou don't THINK you've inspired anyone. And yet, you are one of the most inspiring people I know! Others are watching you, my friend!
DeleteYou & your blog inspire me to keep on running ! So down to earth and easy to relate to. Keep it up !
ReplyDeleteOh, I appreciate that Karen! Your marathon training is definitely inspiring me to get healthy and give it another go.
DeleteI absolutely love the story behind your blog name! Your grandson must be the biggest source of inspiration for you in this galaxy. And how awesome that you and your sister are able to share running in such a meaningful way!
ReplyDeleteHe is a cutie! My sister and I hope to do more races in the future, even though we don't live close together and we are both getting healthy right now.
DeleteMy daughter talked me into running and it was supposed to be a one half marathon and done situation. Look what happened! Love seeing the photo of you running with your sister. My sister and I love running together too.
ReplyDeleteOne and done, famous last words. I actually thought I'd never run a local race. I thought they needed to be destination type "big event" deals. And here I am with 140+ mostly local races under my belt.
DeleteThank you, Karen! I walked at different times in my life too, usually gearing up for big vacation or something. I could never stick to it. It makes me sad I waited so long to run. But honestly, it didn't even occur to me to try! I guess we can't be faulted for what we didn't know?
ReplyDeleteThe world is full of people watchers! we never know who is watching and when we will cross paths to make a difference. I think it is nice that you to can share your love of running, special. )
ReplyDeleteI wish I could run more often with my sister, but we live half a country apart. It makes the opportunities we get to do so even more special.
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