17 Aug 05 My New Running Partner
I‚Äôve been an off and on runner for as long as I can remember. With my gazelle like frame I‚Äôve never been a very good or fast runner but there have been times when I‚Äôve actually enjoyed running. I‚Äôve run a fair share of 5K and 10K races. I‚Äôve participate in one team endurance event and run one ¬? marathon. I‚Äôve always had in the back of my mind to run a marathon before I reach the age of 40. I‚Äôm running out of time!
Beth and I ran for a while back when we were young and happy. I ran my first few 10K races with her. I‚Äôve had some excellent running partners in Oregon - the birthplace of running or Nike anyway. One of my friends even flew all the way to Virginia to run in the ¬? marathon with me. I‚Äôve run with a couple of dogs but have never been able to get that lazy cat to run more than a mile or two.
Over the last few years my running has not been about enjoying running so much as it has been about enjoying eating. Currently, I’m in my third week of my “on again” phase. There is a difference this time in my attitude towards these runs. It’s not so much about the running, the eating or the other health benefits from running. I look forward to the run days because I have a new running partner.
This is the third week that Reese has been joining me on the run days. We started running together to get him ready for his upcoming soccer season. We are taking it slow, running and walking a pre-set course and trying to run just about 10 yards farther, before we start the walking segment, each run day. On our first run together I told him that if he kept at it eventually we would get to the point where he was leading me on the run yelling back at me “come on Old man try to keep up!”
It seems that day is approaching sooner than we both thought. Yesterday, at the last running segment, he pulled ahead – looked back over his shoulder – smiled at me and said “come on old man try to keep up!”
I’m going to have to put a lead vest on him for our next run.
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Isn’t that wonderful? I love this new experience of physical work-out with my kids. It’s so cool.
Good job, Dad.
I’ve been where you’ve just arrived for some time. My son was born with the gift of speed. One of my nicknames growing up was “Piano Man” (in reference to my running speed) and it wasn’t because I could play the piano. The one thing I still have on Steven is endurance. One lap around our circle is 2/3 of a mile. He usually sprints 2 laps and that’s it. Old Dad can do 4 laps at a much reduced speed. Enjoy the time with your son. It certainly flies by before you know it.
When that time comes, just tell him to run ahead and back, then you can run together some more. I know from experience–I’m always the one left behind.
Speaking of cats and not being able to get yours out to run, I saw just on Monday a cat running behind a dog. I was getting ready to dart the other direction. I warned the woman who was walking the dog. She just smiled and said, “Oh! that’s my cat. Fred likes to go for a walk, but refuses to walk with us.”
Steph and Justin just did a 9.5 K run this evening. They’ve signed up for 4 more races.
We do a 8 K route three times a week. I’ve got the goal to get it done, by the end of the season, in 36 minutes. I’ve only got one more minute to shave off. Justin, on the other hand, on his 3rd run, was at 36:03. And he told me he took it easy after the first two K.
So I’ll try the lead vest and tying his shoe laces together…
My cat only runs from my bedroom at 3:00 am to her food bowl in the kitchen!
This blog reminded me of the book I’m currently reading. Have you read John Grisham’s “Bleachers?”
I have read the book. I enjoyed the story and the departure from a typical Grisham novel.
I am not much for running myself. Shin splints. I do try to for the lack thereof by being vigorous in the other physical activities I undertake.