Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Who motivates you?


It's been a while since I've written anything on the blog. Life, it seems, has taken over. Summer is really busy...not so much for me, but for my 2 teenage sons. My oldest has a part time job, and my youngest, who will be a freshman in high school this fall, has daily football camp. Which he needs a ride to and from--twice weekly. I'm carpooling with another mom on the days that I work in the morning. So basically on the days that I have to drive, I get up early, go running, drive him and his friend to camp, come home to get myself ready for work, pick them up, bring them home, and head off to work. When I get home from work at night, they're gone with their friends. It's a new phenomena for my husband and I, and I'm not sure I like all this newfound alone time. As I write this, my husband is snoring on the couch. Living the dream, I am.

I miss my down time. But most of all, I miss my boys and all the fun times we used to have together.

But last weekend, we went off to the north woods of Wisconsin, as a family, and had a fabulous time. 

We went to my parents' summer home. We ate. And we sunned. We boated. And ate some more. But we were also really active.

We kayaked:




And we did this: Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP): 



So what does this have to do with running, you ask? And what does this have to do with motivation?

Would I be able to do all this with my teenage boys if I didn't run? Running, cycling, yoga, and lifting weights gives me the energy to keep up with them; to be able to spend time with them doing things all of us enjoy. I've always said I don't want to be that mom who is sitting on the sidelines. I want to be able to keep up with them.

Truthfully, I don't run just so I can keep up with them. I run because I want to run, because it makes me feel good. I took in a couple of beautiful runs while we were in this amazing place. I love to run. I run for me. But as my sons grow older and want to spend more time away with their friends instead of me, I need to find things we can all enjoy together. And keeping physically active allows me to do these things.

While we were paddleboarding out on Green Bay, the wind shifted. I struggled to paddle back to shore. the wind kept blowing me back and at times, I felt a little panicky. I used my mental strength, honed from years of running long distances and pushed through to get myself to the pier. Later, I asked my boys if they got a little nervous that they weren't going to make it in. My oldest just kind of rolled his eyes at me. But my youngest nodded. 

"That was tough," he said. We smiled at each other.

Yep.



Who motivates you? Or what motivates you?







12 comments :

  1. Great post. I've been thinking a lot lately about aging (I'm almost 40) and the fact that slowing down in running at some point will be inevitable. Your thoughts helped put in perspective the advantages of healthy living and exercise that I don't normally think of. Keeping up with my three kids in the summer time at the shore is challenging but there's no way I could do it without being in such good shape. I am incredibly lucky to spend summers at the shore but I would be lying if some part of me doesn't dread it each summer because it is such a physical drain. I tend to be so competitive with running but it's so important to remember that "winning" isn't what's most important. So thanks for expressing your thoughts. Also you last post about menstruation was very informative and unfortunately, also well timed for me. :) Aging is so fun!

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    1. Thanks Steph! I hate to be so melodramatic about aging and my boys growing away from me. I'm so glad that I have the ability to keep up with them. When they were little, chasing after them kept me motivated as well! Being a mom is physically draining. I get it. You're doing great! Keep moving!

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    2. You're not being melodramatic. It's a transition -- transitions can be difficult and take some getting used to. You're just being honest which makes your blog real - and real is refreshing!

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  2. My motivation has always been to not meet an early death due to heart attack like my paternal grandmother and the aunts on my dad's side. But being an "older mom" keeping up with the kids is crucial. I don't give this a lot of thought, but this would be a real challenge if I did not take care of myself. Love that family shot of you guys!

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    1. You have some pretty strong motivation! I think you're doing a great job!

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  3. YOU motivate me, Wendy! :)

    Beautiful pictures. Beautiful family. Happy 4th!

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  4. I love this! Kind of reminds me of my 2 teens. I want to be able to keep up with them too and they keep me young. My son and I are doing a July 4th race together. He really doesn't like running but is doing it for me I know. I went SUP last Christmas break and loved it. Can't wait to do it again.

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    1. I think its so important to find something we can do with them! Yay you for getting him to run with you!

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  5. Love this. We MAY be the same person :) Pediatric Nurse, mom of 2 boys, running, staying active....just sayin' :) I have been dying to paddleboard! My two boys motivate me, I would say like you have no idea, but you do!! I look forward to those busier times, but dread them at the same time. There are so many different stages, and just when I think it gets easier, a new stage happens.

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    1. I think this is the hardest stage for me...because I have to let them go and do things with their friends. I'm trying to get my husband to work with me on being a couple again.

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