Last week I spent time in San Diego, California visiting my sister Annie. Two of the days I was there we had the opportunity to run together. Not surprisingly, we had the best conversations, listening and encouraging each other, sharing good advice. After these sessions, I found myself reflecting on the influence running has had on my family and likewise how my family has influenced my own running.While running isn’t the only thing that my family has in common, it is one of the more unique activities we all enjoy. My first run ever was with my mom and sister, I remember being so proud that we made it an entire mile! As I got older I would run more regularly with them, I recall my mom threatening me that if I was going to cry, then I couldn’t come (Don’t ask why I wanted to do an activity that regularly made me cry…I guess runners even start out a little insane!). Eventually, the runs became an opportunity to work hard while enjoying each other’s company. I have many memories of early morning runs with my mom and sister, times full of tears, conversations, prayers, singing, and silence which created an unspeakable unity. To this day, I have found that running with my 52 year old mother ensures that I run easier on the days I need to recover while simultaneously being able to spend time together catching up. I have also enjoyed the gift of running with my dad. When I was younger he would come home from work and ask if I wanted to run. My goal on these runs was to really impress him, ultimately becoming a workout for me. His work ethic never ceases to amaze me, the last time I biked with him I swear I had lactic acid in my legs after 20 minutes and was vowing to never bike with him again (although I will probably forget how painful it was and try again next summerJ).
Even as we’ve grown older, my family has continued to enjoy running. On the few occasions each year that we’re all in the same state (and healthy) we enjoy a shuffle together. There is no competition involved, we simply enjoy the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time together. This summer, my sister Bekah and brother-in-law Jeff were married. With everyone in town, friends and family gathered the morning of the wedding and went for an easy run. It was such a thrill being able to start out the day with a group of people I loved, while concurrently taking care of our bodies and building anticipation for the day. Running with my family has gone beyond just a way to promote physical activity; it’s the time where we’ve forged a special unity.
It’s incredible to reflect on the influence that running has had on my family. Even if running isn’t something you can enjoy with your loved ones, I encourage you to find something that you share with family and friends. There is an unbelievable power in spending quality time with those you care about the most.
