Many people are surprised to find out I love to run. I am not good at it - at all, but I do love it. I try and go every morning or at least 5 times a week. Last month I challenged myself to run 100 miles in 30 days - I did it and it felt great. Running definitely has its ups and downs. The thrill of finishing, and the agony of exhaustion setting in with several more miles to go. Running can bring both pain and euphoria. For the most part I prefer a quiet little run all by myself - no stress, no pressure, but every once in a while a little competition is fun. This summer I ran a 5k in Soda Springs for the 4th of July. It was a lot of fun, I made my goal, it felt good.
But the best part of that race was seeing my Mom cross the finish line. Mom is 60 years old, and up until a few months ago she has never run. She decided she was going to run the race - so she did. With a bum knee she trained and worked and persisted. Watching her do it was a privilege. Mom has accomplished a lot of things in her life, a lot of very impressive things - way to many to mention. But among the most impressive in my book is that she raised 6 strong, smart, responsible children who consider her not only an excellent mother, a great example but also a cherished friend. She battled cancer and won. And she ran a race.
Running a 5k might not seem all that big of a deal. Lots of people run, but my mom wasn't' one of them, up until a few months ago anyway. And then one of her good friends lost her husband. It was a tragic snow mobile accident. As I watched my mom mourn with her friend and the young daughters who were left with out a father I saw real love, and deep compassion and unyielding support. Maybe I've been to immature or just oblivious to notice how blessed I have been my whole life to have all of that kind of support in my corner my whole life.
My mom has been there for me, just as she was for her friend since before I was born. The sacrifices she made to be prepared to be a wife and mother, to find the right man, to marry in the temple, to make and always keep sacred covenants, put me at a great advantage the day I was born. I have always had a great example to teach me, show me and lead me, I have always had a friend who laughed with me, cried with me and cheered me on. And whenever the going got tough she wasn't only there cheering she was holding my hand and pulling me forward. One of the greatest gifts she gave me was not only always being there for me, but more importantly the knowledge that God was there. She helped me find the faith to know Him, to trust Him and to rely on Him. By doing this she ensured that I would always have the support I would need to make it through whether she could be there or not.
I was a bit amused when she told me she had started running. I was excited for her. I've long been a fan of running. I was not only surprised but a little doubtful. I have always known her to be very strong and absolutely 100 percent committed to everything she does. I just didn't' really think of her as a runner. But she is. She trained hard, and I was impressed. She kept up with her training schedule even while on vacation and after the doctor told her running wasn't a good option for her hurt knee, but she committed to run the race, and run she did. Watching her finish that race was a visual reminder of the kind of mother I have been blessed to have. Strong and faithful, loving and compassionate, and completely committed.
But the best part of that race was seeing my Mom cross the finish line. Mom is 60 years old, and up until a few months ago she has never run. She decided she was going to run the race - so she did. With a bum knee she trained and worked and persisted. Watching her do it was a privilege. Mom has accomplished a lot of things in her life, a lot of very impressive things - way to many to mention. But among the most impressive in my book is that she raised 6 strong, smart, responsible children who consider her not only an excellent mother, a great example but also a cherished friend. She battled cancer and won. And she ran a race.
Running a 5k might not seem all that big of a deal. Lots of people run, but my mom wasn't' one of them, up until a few months ago anyway. And then one of her good friends lost her husband. It was a tragic snow mobile accident. As I watched my mom mourn with her friend and the young daughters who were left with out a father I saw real love, and deep compassion and unyielding support. Maybe I've been to immature or just oblivious to notice how blessed I have been my whole life to have all of that kind of support in my corner my whole life.
My mom has been there for me, just as she was for her friend since before I was born. The sacrifices she made to be prepared to be a wife and mother, to find the right man, to marry in the temple, to make and always keep sacred covenants, put me at a great advantage the day I was born. I have always had a great example to teach me, show me and lead me, I have always had a friend who laughed with me, cried with me and cheered me on. And whenever the going got tough she wasn't only there cheering she was holding my hand and pulling me forward. One of the greatest gifts she gave me was not only always being there for me, but more importantly the knowledge that God was there. She helped me find the faith to know Him, to trust Him and to rely on Him. By doing this she ensured that I would always have the support I would need to make it through whether she could be there or not.
I was a bit amused when she told me she had started running. I was excited for her. I've long been a fan of running. I was not only surprised but a little doubtful. I have always known her to be very strong and absolutely 100 percent committed to everything she does. I just didn't' really think of her as a runner. But she is. She trained hard, and I was impressed. She kept up with her training schedule even while on vacation and after the doctor told her running wasn't a good option for her hurt knee, but she committed to run the race, and run she did. Watching her finish that race was a visual reminder of the kind of mother I have been blessed to have. Strong and faithful, loving and compassionate, and completely committed.
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