Why Do I Run?

Sometimes it's really hard. I don't feel like running. The weather sucks. It's cold. I don't have time. My house is a mess. Who will watch Torah? The kids need me to take them places. They need help with homework. They're fighting; I can't leave them alone or they'll kill each other. Our island is so hilly. And muddy. And there aren't many sidewalks. I'm just being selfish. There are better things I could be doing. More important things. Like cleaning. Or cooking. Or checking out Pinterest. Or reading to the little'uns. Running is selfish.

It's selfish. So why do it?

This is my negative self-talk. But then I remember . . .

I run because even though Jared is now taller than me, he knows that he can not - will never be able to - run further than me. That's a good thing for a teenage boy to know. His mom sorta rocks.

I run because Micah just keeps getting cuter and cuter each year. And I am not going to miss seeing how stinkin' cute he's gonna be as a 70-year old man.

I run because Emma is so dang smart it's scary. But on the days I run, my mind feels more alert and I think maybe, just maybe, I can keep up with her for a little while longer.

I run because I know that Adana is going to have some great adventures in her life, and I want to be right there with her, sharing in the fun.

And I run because it wasn't Torah's fault to be born to "older" parents. And I never want her to feel like she was a mistake, or that we weren't able to give her the same energy & attention that we gave the older kids. And I want to know and play with her kids, and hopefully even their kids, someday.

That's why I run. Not to lose weight (although I won't be complaining if it happens). Not to qualify for Boston (Pshaw! As if. I'm slooooow). Not to get out of doing housework (well, that's not the only reason, at least).

I run because it keeps me healthy. For my kids.