The alarm is going off and I can hardly open my eyes, when I
do, it’s still dark. I can’t remember why I am waking up this early. Did I set
my alarm wrong? Am I dreaming? No, it’s 3:45 AM and I am waking up so I can get
my run on. Yes, that’s right you heard me, I wake up at 3:45 AM so I can go
run. Why would anyone in their right mind wake up that early to run? Well,
there are 5 reasons why I wake up this early:
Joby, Collin, Destiny, Sydnee and Gavin.
That’s right, my husband and kids.
I’m a mother to 4 kids and married to a wonderful man. With
this comes a loud, rambunctious, crazy and fun filled life. We have 4 kids that
are always running in different directions. We participate in gymnastics,
football, church and life in general. On top of that, I work full time and
plus. I am a senior level financial accountant for a large international
shipping company. It’s a demanding and stressful job. As if that is not enough,
I am trying to focus on studying for the CPA exam. Are you tired yet? I am just
reading this.
With all of this, there is very little time for me to fit in
runs, let alone set aside time out to go meet up for group runs. I live in a
small town and there are not a lot of places to run. So myself along with my
sister Jennie, sister in law Susie and friends Bridget and Donna make plans to
meet up at the wee early hours and run. I have learned over the past year that
if it is important to you, you will find a way, if not you will find a thousand
excuses.
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I find it very strange. A lot of things are important to me.
But I wouldn’t wake up at 3:45 to do them. I think I do this for running
because it’s all about me, and by doing this I take away the guilt that comes
with taking out “me-time” when the family is awake. It’s a great arrangement. I get to do my
thing while the fam is in bed, none the wiser.
And after I get home from my dream job, I get to participate in family
time without stressing over trying to squeeze in a run.
Why is running so important to me? Running has taught me a
lot. I have learned to have faith in myself and to push my limits. It is so
easy to stay in your comfort zone and just go through life. With running long
distance, you learn to push your body and mind. I have formed bonds with women
while participating in an activity that promotes health and wellness. A lot of
my female bonds in the past have centered around drinking, which is fun too,
but it can be superficial. I run without music. It’s safer, so I have learned
to just be! I listen to nature, my breathing, rhythm of our footsteps, etc.
It’s such a calming experience. This time also allows me to talk to God! I
cherish my runs and the relationships that I am building around running.
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I encourage anyone who wants to run and can’t find the time
to consider the early morning runs. Trust me, it won’t kill you! You will
adjust and be thankful that you made the decision to fit running in to your
life.
I would love for you to visit my blog or find me on Twitter
and Pinterest.
Running & Baking Oh My!
Holly is a busy wife, mother of 4 kids, an accountant and so much more, who
is trying to find some me-time to train for a half marathon and bake some
cupcakes. Join her in the adventure at Running and Baking Oh My!
LINKS:
LINKS:
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hollylolly
Wow, I probably wouldn't wake up at 3:45am to run (although if I really had to I would too). That's great!
ReplyDeleteHolly, you are amazing. That is dedication to a T. And a good lesson for anyone who says 'I don't have time' - make time. xxx
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought 4:30 was early. . .
ReplyDelete