Kids Know How to Run

Friends-

All of us started running for different reasons, but my guess is "Fun" was probably not at the top of the list. Then you began to plan future races or to meet a weight loss goal and you developed your training plans to reach them.  You began to learn about all of the stuff  that will make you a better runner, if not, at least make you look good.  At some point you caught "The Bug" and running actually became enjoyable or maybe even FUN. 

BUT then the novelty wears off.  You may have finished your big race or you are fighting injury.  You find out all of the running stuff you acquired (shoes, clothes, compression socks, garmin watches, sunglasses, and hats) not only don't make you run a lot faster, but may just be a burden. And then you have the sudden realization, "This is not fun anymore".  This is part of the natural progression of any activity.  It is a great chance to sit back and ask yourself  "What value does this bring to my life?  Why do I run?  Is it to stay in shape?  Show off?  Compete? Have Fun?"

I love to run, but I go through these difficult phases as well. When I initially started running distance, I fought a lot of injuries and pain.  I began to study running technique to help prevent injury.  One day as I followed my kids running barefoot around the block,  I thought, "WOW that is perfect running form."  They are light on their feet and their small pitter patter strides create little impact on their feet and legs.  It is our natural stride that has not been influenced by so called experts and heavily cushioned running shoes.  I also learned a much more important lesson from watching them. They are not concerned with future races, lap times, or looking good.  They do it because it is FUN!  

So if you are experiencing some running doldrums or battling injury, go watch your kids run.  It is a great reset button.  Not only will you get a great lesson in form, but you will get a perspective only kids can show us.  Running should be fun and so should life.  Maybe the best thing we can learn from our kids is not how to run but how to live.  How to have fun and enjoy work, family, missions, exercise, etc...   

"Play not only keeps us young but also maintains our perspective about the relative seriousness of things. Running is play, for even if we try hard to do well at it, it is a relief from everyday cares."

- Jim Fixx

Peace,

Jono