Monday, July 20, 2009

Thoughts

Well, I am tired of posting pretty much the same thing each week, so I decided it would be a nice change to list some reasons why I enjoy running, biking, swimming.

Running: It is easy and convenient. I just need sneakers. I can go fast or slow, a short distance or far. I can push myself or hold back, either way I still feel accomplished at the end. I can run pretty much anywhere and anytime, on vacation or visiting family, before work or after or even during lunch. I can run in the rain, when it is snowing out or when it is 95 and humid. It is a great way to meditate and reflect. There are a ton of races to feed a competitive side or to just participate and have fun.

Biking: A new found love. It is fun to go fast! I enjoy exploring new areas and roads. It is amazing how far you can go on a bike. The time on the bike seems to go fast. I love the challenge of climbing hills although I don't always appreciate them until they are behind me. There is something very freeing about riding and it makes me smile!

Swimming: A work in process. It is something new and I have to really work at it. There is something calming about doing laps...as long as you have a lane alone. It feels easy on the body.

Of course the main reason why I like all three is because they are fun and I enjoy that they bring different forms of happiness and challenges to my life. They all help me to feel good about myself and the give me confidence. I like that I am showing and teaching Morgan about dedication as well as how to lead a healthy lifestyle. I love that through races my family (from Matt to my parent to my sister are so very supportive) it gives us all an extra reason to spend time together and hang out. I love that I get so much more out of running, biking and swimming than just physical fitness.

45 comments:

Mica said...

It's cool that you do all three of those activities. You're such a well-rounded athlete!

Yasi said...

I love your reasons and feel the same way about all of them. I love having that family time after races too, it always seems so special and fun (maybe because I've got a super runners high and I'm just so happy!).

N.D. said...

It is so awesome that you are switching it up and trying all of the different things. Im glad you are enjoying the biking. I definitely have to get outside and ride and try it out!

B.o.B. said...

So true about the running! I love the swim myself. Haven't gotten to the bike part yet. It's great for parents to set healthy examples for their kids, just like you are. Good post!

runjen said...

Love all of your reasons. I feel the exact same way about running. I love how convenient it can be!

runner26 said...

cool post! all three sports have their own challenges~ glad to see you are enjoying switching it up.

Jess said...

Those are excellent reasons to love all three!

Morgan said...

What a great, inspiring post! I everyone needs to take the time to remember why we do what we do and love doing it! Happy Monday!

Kim said...

Love your post. Very true and lately it's something I've forgotten. Thanks for the reminder.

Meredith said...

I love your reasons. Have you ever run a triathlon? It's important that we love what we do and know why it is we do it.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

your reasons and thoughts are similar to mine... being new to all of this as well, it's amazing to hit milestones not only in running, but all three, the challenges are great too :)

onelittletrigirl said...

Love it :)

I have been swimming forever, but when I first started training for a Tri, I hadn't ridden a bike in over 12 years and I hated running. Now I love running and I am even getting pretty good on the bike! I love the variety!

The Happy Runner said...

I feel the same way about teaching Conal about dedication/healthy lifestyle. It's so important to model the behavior you want your child to have. Morgan will really benefit from your example!

Meg Runs said...

I like your reflections! You make me want to try swimming and biking. It's never to early to have fun and love what you love to do in front of your child, that's inspiring because kids love to see their moms happy!

Marlene said...

Great post!

I also love how races can bring family and friends together.

Runner Leana said...

I agree with you, I get such different things out of the three different sports. I'm working on my love for swimming too, but I really do enjoy a quiet lane swim when I can just reflect and swim. It is definitely calming! Have a great week!

Julia said...

Love this post!
I totally agree with you that all three bring me a sense of accomplishment and a sense of adventure and fun! I love feeling like I'm getting faster/stronger/better form, and meeting new people at races and stuff. And I love how I get to spend time outside in the summer!

teacherwoman said...

Great post! :)

Vava said...

Nice! I wish I could get the same sense of accomplishment from those shorter, slower runs that I do from the ones that are really tough.

kristen said...

My sentiments exactly!

aron said...

its so fun you are getting so into biking and swimming too :)

Scheri said...

Your post makes me smile. I have many of the same feelings :-) You are an amazing role model for Morgan!!!

J said...

This reminds me of all i love about running! I know that having an athletic and active mom made a difference in my life so i am sure it will do the same with morgan!

jen said...

Very well said! It's neat that you are passionate about (and good at!) all three sports.

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Alisa said...

Great post!

I feel the same way about the bike!!

Chellie has Issues said...

Such a postive post and great reflection. Are you training ofr a tri or just seeing if you like it? I would be OK with the biking I think, but the swimming would be an issue!

X-Country2 said...

What a great post. I totally agree! I want to find a place to swim around here, but biking has been a new obsession of mine.

The Laminator said...

Okay, before i read your post, I was totally content with my running. Now, I feel only 1/3rd as satisfied. Yes, I feel incomplete without the swimming and the biking.

I love your reasons for being who you are. Go rock and impress us all!

Marci said...

I love this post, and I am feeling the same way when it comes to biking, I love the distance you can cover, and scenery that you get to see on the bike.

cody@codywestheimer.com said...

I feel the same way about cycling! But I've got to keep the running going - I'm finding too much cycling actually takes AWAY from running...sucks, right?

cami said...

I love running and -who knows- maybe one of these days I'll try biking too. Nice post. :)

lindsay said...

i love running b/c it's so easy and convenient too! biking/swimming to me take more "effort" and i'm lazy :) i do feel good after the occasional ride or swim i get though. i am glad you are enjoying all three and becoming a stronger athlete/person for it!

pchieng said...

Agree with you on running. I just started biking, hopefully get to build up some miles on that. I'm not the best swimmer, but would love to someday pull off a tri. Great post!

cNicRun said...

Your an amazing well rounded athlete! Its cool that you have the support of your family as well! I totally 100% agree with you on running! :) :) Great job!

PJ said...

The real question is, which one do you love the most? The more you do all three, I think the harder it becomes to decide. For me it used to be running, hands-down but lately cycling has been competing for the "favorite" title.

That said, I don't think swimming will ever win. ;)

NoMeatAthlete said...

Interesting post. I completely agree about how with running, you can go from being in the office or wherever to out on the road in 2 minutes.

But swimming makes me feel the best afterward, I'm not sure what it is about it.

Congrats on being able to do all three, I'll be there one day!

Fair Weather Runner said...

i might have to give the bike a try, you make it sound QUITE appealing!

Jamie said...

Great post! I now wish I had a little biking and swimming in my life :) You are setting a great example for your little girl and for all of us!
BTW - Love the look of your page!

joyRuN said...

I hear you about how calming it is to swim back & forth. It winds me down after work beautifully!

Alaskan Assassin said...

Great post. You really know what it is all about.

runningbecauseican said...

Nice post. It's always nice to take some time and reflect on why you're doing what you're doing.

Trishie said...

so positive - love it ! <3

Charisa said...

I agree - running is easy and simple, but all 3 are awesome :)

audgepodge said...

Great post! I also have a love for both running and biking. And despite my efforts, swimming and I just don't seem to get along :P