A Big Runner in an Even Bigger World

I was a swimmer growing up. Like most swimmers I never gave a second thought about my body, I lived in a swimsuit, changed under a towel, ate donuts by the dozens and enjoyed every single one of them. I can smell a cinnamon twist to this day and I am 15 again kicked back with a group of fellow swimmers enjoying the sun on our faces. Then the usual happened, graduation, college, freshmen way to many…then marriage and children. I’m a classic case of losing my competitive streak, and losing myself. Turning 40 was rough on me, I didn’t feel old inside, but was looking old on the outside and I needed a swift kick in the butt. I found it running, I found myself again. My competitive nature came roaring back and most of the time I feel 25 again. So far in races I tend to only beat those over 70, or pushing baby strollers, but dammit I am doing it.  I’d rather be in my twenties anyway, 15 was not fun!I am convinced exercise, any form at all will save anyone. I believe it is the single most neglected part of us a whole in this country. I’ve watched one parent decline simply due to weight, and miss out on so very much in life. My children run and workout, my husband walks faster than I run, so he joins me on all my races.  I plan to run the rest of my life, and when I can’t run anymore, I’ll walk, as long as I am moving I feel like I am living my big life. I don”t know that I’ll ever be a little runner, but someday hopefully it will be my big running personality instead of my big running ass 🙂