Run For Good - Sharing My Running Journey
Run For Good. It truly is a simple notion and maybe one that might be intimidating to others. I was intimidated by running for a long time. I used to think of myself as someone who could never go for a run and legitimately enjoy it. I used to envy those who went for a daily run or crossed the finish line earning a glittery medal. I’m not even entirely sure why I thought I couldn’t do it. I think I just thought it would be too difficult. The fact is, I was 27 when I ran my first 5k with zero training before hand. My sister in law Julie was the one who said I should do it. Our sons were almost the same age and the 5k was near her home. It was more of a family trip than anything. It was also the start of Baby Boy Bakery and I hosted a tent at the after race party where I handed out cupcakes to everyone after they crossed the finish line! Spreading the word of my brand new blog. Sort of embarrassing truthfully, though looking back on it now, my running journey started when my life was being re-rooted in fresh soil. I was a new mom, a new business owner, and why not, a new runner. That time in my life was so special to me and really set the foundation for who I am now. Of course my life took a turn for the worst when my son passed away. I took up running as a way to positively deal with the pain. I now run to connect with my son now and feel him corse through my veins. Run For Good is an idea that really resonates with me. Everyone runs for a different reason, but for running for good is the common denominator.
A quick glimpse into my first 5k and passing out cupcakes to the runners after the race with my family. That is my son Ryan on the bottom left, and my sister in law Julie on the bottom right.
Here is me after crossing the finish line of my very first 1/2 marathon two years ago! So tired, but SO HAPPY!
Running helps me clear my head and feel close to my son. I can’t wait to run again after I have this sweet little baby. In the meantime, Mila is running circles around me! We’ve partnered with Saucony to share with you their incredible Kids Flash Glow light up shoes, but also their inspiring notion that running is a transformative power. You’ve seen Mila wear her Flash Glow shoes non-stop and we’ve fully fallen in love with Saucony as a whole. Since my first 5k I’ve ran in a few each year and about a year and half after Mila was born I ran my first 1/2 marathon. With each medal comes a story and a quiet fight I fought while out on the race course. I love each race individually as my finishing times get shorter and shorter. I get stronger and stronger mentally and physically. I’m hoping to inspire my kids to run for good as they get older.
Since I’m pregnant and not running right now, I try and get outside with Mila everyday for some physical activity. We always start by doing a little stretching inside!
Even though I miss running right now, this time with Mila is so special as soon we’ll be adding another baby into the mix!
Mila’s favorite right now are her Saucony Kids Flash Glow shoes! The perfect light up sneaker!
Our favorite is the on/off button on each shoe that gives you control over light up feature. You can turn the light up feature on and then turn it off if you don’t want the shoes to light at certain times. It is a total game changer!
For me running is therapeutic and makes me feel good all around. I love that I can share that love of running with Mila. Of course her Flash Glow shoes have been inspiring Mila to run everywhere. As I mentioned above, a lot of the time running can be perceived as difficult. Though, I’m here to tell you that running can look different for everyone. Some run fast and want to win. Some run slow and just want to enjoy being outside. You can find me somewhere in the middle. I’ve been working on my run for about seven years now and I promise you it isn’t anything you can’t do yourself. It also looks different from time to time. For example, the last 5k race I did I walked most of it because I was nearing my third month of pregnancy and feeling so sick. I did the best I could and I have to tell you, it was my slowest time yet, but it was the best I’ve ever felt after a race!
Saucony says “A Good Day Is When We Run. A Better Day Is When We Inspire Others To Run.” I couldn’t believe in that more. I feel like years ago my sister in law inspired me to run and made me better for it. My first running experience wasn’t perfect, albeit a bit messy. However, the run bug bit and here I am. Little did I know that running in a way would save my sanity. My children inspire me to run now. I talk to my son on my runs. I think about Mila and what she is up to while I run. I run for me, though I undoubtably run for my children as well. One thing I do when I run my half marathons, that keeps me going is mentally is dedicating miles to my kids. I’ll alternate between running a mile for Ryan and running one for Mila. While I run that mile I think about my kids and even talk to them aloud. The crazier you look while running, the better. That is my opinion. I smile, I cry, I scream with excitement when I achieve a running goal. If you are feeling like you can’t run, I hope to inspire you to start. Even if you walk mostly, just start running a bit. When you feel like you can’t continue, think about someone special to you. Channel something you want to mentally kick to the curb. Use any negative feelings to power your strides and see how far you’ll go. If you are already an avid runner, continue on and try to inspire someone to run with you. At the very least, just get out there and run around with your children. Hold them close, use their smiles and laughter to fuel your body.
I hope what we shared here today inspires you to get up and outside to run around with your children. Maybe even some of you will start your running journey. Some of you already run, I hope you start dedicating your miles to the people you love the most. Running looks like such a physical act, though it is far more mental than anything. I believe in you.
Love that you see the shoes lit up here! They are so fun! You can shop the Saucony Kids Flash Glow shoes HERE!
Be sure to check out Saucony and their new Flash Glow shoes for kids! They are the perfect back to school shoe that will light up as they run and play. You can shop them HERE in all the colors!