Running Can Create Great "Childhood" Memories!

Many of us, when we talk or think about running, delve into discussions about our races, PR's, medals, shoes and other types of "babble." Actually though, running is and should be so much more!
I recall several years ago, when my daughter was very young, hearing my late mother-in-law say that, one of the most important roles we have as parents, is to create great memories for our children. She's been gone from us a long time but her words have never left me. It was as if I heard her say them yesterday!

Little did I realize at that time, that there would be many good memories ahead that I shared with my daughter Jackie while we were running together!

When Jackie was 15, she surprised me one day by asking me if she could join me and my friends on one of our March Sunday long runs at Rockefeller State Park. She hadn't run before, and that early in the year our runs weren't too far, so I told her I'd love for her to join us. She was excited and enthusiastic when the alarm clock went off that Sunday morning, and other than "bitch" about the hills a little, had a ball on her run with us. That run wound up to be the first of many as she took a liking to running that I never expected, especially since our runs progressed in distance and difficulty as the weeks went on.

As the months progressed, that May we began the marathon training program that we held through my store at Fleet Feet. Jackie asked me if the marathon training program meant she was no longer "allowed" on the runs. Naturally, she was  allowed, and welcome. I also told her that, as the runs got into the heavy mileage, it was her choice as to whether or not she wanted to join those runs.

The runs got to 20 miles and up, and not only did she continue to run with us, but she kicked some ass on what was some pretty challenging terrain and oppressive heat and humidity. Due to her dedication, I felt that I owed her the opportunity, if she wanted, to "let" her run a full marathon.  She said "yes" and that November, she was the youngest entrant when we ran the Philly Marathon together!  In 9 months, she went from being a non runner, to a marathoner! Not bad if I do say so myself!  She, as well as I, were proud of that achievement and will remember forever not only the race, but the fact that we shared such an experience together. We also have the memories of  family and good friends who made the trek to Philly to cheer her on!

As we fast forward to today, Jackies' now a 19 year old college freshman at Fordham University. College life has changed her running as the demands of her studies have cut into her ability to crank out miles but, it hasn't been able to extinguish her love for running, or the memories that result from it. She's completed 3 full marathons to date, quite a few half marathons, and several races of shorter distances. I've been fortunate to run with her on many of them and I know, that each opportunity has left her with memories that she will hold onto forever! I know I'll never pass up the opportunity to run with her when she asks me to, even though my knees have forced me to take a rest from marathoning a while.

Later this month, she'll run in the 2010 edition of the More 1/2 Marathon in NYC.  I've been very fortunate enough to be able train with her. Each Wednesday afternoon, I meet her at Fordham, where we hop the "D train" into Manhattan, to run in Central Park.  We share great times not only when we run through the beautiful park but, also when we hit the "Shake Shack" after our run for a burger and some laughs! On St. Patricks Day, after our run, we "rehydrated" with a beer in one of NYC's many Irish Pubs. Great times indeed!

Looking back, I can see that I, through running, have been able to create great memories for my daughter that will stay with her long after I'm gone!

What I didn't realize when I listened to my mother-in-law was the irony that was contained in her advice. I can take credit for creating some great memories for my daughter as a result of running with her. What I never realized however was the great memories Jackie created for ME by running with her Dad! That was a "payoff" I never bargained for!

If you're fortunate enough to have children, take time out and invite them to run with you. Put the workout stats aside for a bit, and create a great memory for them, and run for the pure enjoyment of being with God's greatest gift to you! You have no idea how great the memories are, that those runs with your kids will give to YOU! Grab them while you can TODAY!