I Run to Live...

I feel the need to explain why I have such a passion for running.  This post isn't just a post about running, this is for anything you feel passionate about.  I am explaining this for my husband's sake, even though he probably will not read this. 

I am putting myself back on the list. You know, the "to do" list.  I put myself on the list because if I don't take care of myself, I can't take care of anyone else, at least not well.  I am giving myself a one hour block of stolen time where it is just me, stripped down to only my thoughts and my stinky shoes.  A block of time where I can think clearly, become one with my soul, talk to God, work through my frustrations, listen to only my music, get that "runner's high" I crave daily, ignore everyone and everything else in the world except the rhythmic beat of my shoes on the pavement.  I sometimes think of what is happening at home while I am running, hoping Phil isn't "torturing the kids" as Jacob sometimes claims.  Is Katelyn crying? Are the kids fighting? I feel guilty enough leaving for my one hour appointment with my running shoes, and then Phil says, "Why do you need to run? It's all about you." Yes, it is all about me for one hour a day.  Yes, I could let the guilt win, and not run, but that wouldn't do anyone any good.  I am a better person when I run, a better mom, a better wife, and I look better in my clothes.  I want my children to be proud of their mom, and see that it is important to invest in your health and well-being.  I want them to know that just because I am a mom doesn't mean I need to be a "frumpy-dumpy" mom who doesn't care what she looks like.  I want my husband to be proud to call me his wife.  

So, all of you significant others out there, if your spouse has a passion about something, don't give them the guilt trip about having to take care of the kids while you're gone, let them embrace their passion! Chances are they feel guilty enough about walking out that door without you adding some extra baggage, and chances are when they get back from their run, golf outing, guitar lesson, etc. they will be a better husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, etc...