Sports

We love sports in our little family, all kinds of sports.  My sport is obviously running.  This began long long ago.  When we were little kids my parents would take us down to the church and let us run.  They would have us race around the building. I do not recall ever winning. I do recall being made fun of because I was pigeon toed.  Even at a young age that frustrated me.  Well, either through wisdom or dumb luck my dad told me that some of the best runners in the world were pigeon toed.  So, I got it in my head I was going to be a runner.  I started out playing basketball.  I played three year in elementary.  I was really small and very timid, so the ball did not make it to me very often.  When I got to junior high I tried the cheerleading thing.  Once again I was small so they loved having me to throw around, but it just was not me.  In seventh grade I ran track.  They had me running the 800 (so not my race.)  I always felt like I lived in my older sister's shadow.  She was fun, smart, friendly, outgoing, talented and she rocked at sprints in track.  While she was beating everyone (including boys) I was bringing up the rear.  I remember after one of my last races feeling frustrated and dejected.  Running was supposed to be my thing and I sucked!! We had one meet left and they did not have enough people to run the mile so they were asking for volunteers.  I felt it in me that this was my time to break free and my hand immediately went in the air.  If I recall correctly I ran my first mile in a race and placed fourth.  I never got that close in the 800.  A light went on in my coach's head, and everyone realized I was meant for longer distances.  From then on out I found my place.  I was a long distance runner and I actually excelled (in Farmington anyhow). I will never forget the shock on my parents face after my first cross country meet when I hung with people no one thought possible and I finished in the top third.   I would never be popular, outgoing, or funny like Chanel, but I found me and that was great!  

One of the things I love about running (and there are so many things to love) is that it has been a sport I can do forever.  It did not end at high school or college.  The next thing is that as of late it has given me an opportunity to get together with my siblings outside of holidays. Every couple of years we plan a race and get together to do it.  This summer I ran one of my favorite races yet.  It is an awesome course and I PR-ed.  But what made it fun was doing it with my brothers.  I ran almost the entire race with one, the other, or both of them.  It was so amazing!  I love that I can bond with them in this manner.  

 I love this time together.  We checked on each other's training. We talked about our goals.  We worked together.  The only thing that could have made it better was if Grant was along with us!  (Next year post surgery, he will be there.)

I love this sport and I love what it does for my mental health and my friendships.  Ragnar has to be next...an all family team looks to be the ticket!!!