I’m a Runner

I'm a Runner by The Mommy Games

I’m a runner. Many of you already know this, but after the events on Monday, I feel compelled to not only proclaim it on my blog, but to scream it to the world.  I have never before been more proud of my sport than seeing the amazing way the running community has come together in this time of tragedy. I get chills just thinking about it. We are a tough, committed, and loving group and I feel so blessed to be a part of this incredible way of life. Running embraces all abilities. It changes lives. I don’t think there is any way to measure the amount of joy, health, and healing the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has afforded its participants, and those who love them.

I haven’t really written about my running much because I’ve always thought of it as something that is solely for me. I don’t run the fastest or the farthest. I haven’t made some life changing transformation, like losing 100 pounds. I definitely don’t have a model diet. But I do run, and I’ve been doing it for over 15 years. Running has meant different things to me during those years – sometimes as part of a team, others just as a way to get in shape, but currently, it’s a way to feel connected to myself. I’m not mommy when I run, I’m just Ashley.

After watching the end of the marathon on Monday, I felt elated. It’s always moving to see people lay their heart and soul out, to give more than you thought humanly possible. I can’t believe that got completely turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Now I’m left with the same emotions as everyone – sadness, confusion, and anger. Lots of anger. Running creates peace and unity and I am at a loss of how to make heads or tails of someone attacking it and its spectators. As a mother, I can’t even begin to grasp the tragedy of a lost child. It’s simply too much for my heart.

The other day my husband made the comment that he didn’t necessarily feel like a runner. To quote, he said that he feels like he is “crashing another persons sport.” This man recently ran a half marathon (at 7:36 pace no less), gets up at 5 am most mornings to hit the pavement, and has been running more days than not for nearly 2 years. But it’s not those things that make him a runner in my eyes, it’s the fact that when Monday’s tragedy struck, he was just as affected as me. That’s HIS tribe that was attacked. We all share that passion, and we all feel the loss that our sport has suffered.

I’ve been considering sharing more about the sport I love on here, and don’t be surprised if you see a few posts up soon about my running life. Simply put, I’m a runner, and a darn proud one.

Love and prayers to you Boston!

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Comments

  1. Well said! We’re all runners in the race against terrorism!

  2. yes! I love being part of this community! I completely agree…running is for me. I don’t even like to run with people, just me and my iPod. Of course, I have to sometimes toss the baby in the Bob and go for a run, but that’s just out of necessity. I love the independence of it, but at the same time, complete community. I’m looking forward to my next race on Mother’s Day! Great post!
    alex recently posted..Today we ran…My Profile

    • Thanks Alex! I love what you said, you can run my yourself, but still feel like part of a community. I’m racing on Mother’s Day too! Hopefully all those stroller miles will make us fly! :)

  3. It’s so good to have things in your life that make you feel like yourself, not just “Mom!” And so good to have something that connects you to a wonderful group of people. :)
    Claire @ Lemon Jelly Cake recently posted..Thankful Sunday (22)My Profile

    • Very true Claire. It’s crazy how wrapped up in family & children we can get. Getting away from it every once in a while is good for everyone!

  4. I love when you said, you’re not a mom when you run, you’re just you. I feel that same way. When I’m running I can’t do anything else -I can’t text or read or talk. It’s just me, and it’s awesome. :)
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Sopapilla Cheesecake Hand PiesMy Profile

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