3 Benefits of Committing to a Big Race

I foolishly agreed to run a huge race next spring.  I think I may have lost my mind.  What’s worse is that when I agreed to do it, I thought it was only a 9k.  And then I found out the Gate River Run is actually a 15k.  Needless to say, it’s a good thing that I have until next spring to prepare.  This time last year, I was running every day and in the best shape of my life.  I veered off track in October but decided that I was tired of pretending that I could still fit into all my clothes and didn’t get winded after a stroll through Target.

I have to say that running across these monstrosities downtown are a little bit intimidating.  And running on pavement is a tad more difficult than running on my treadmill.

There are some unexpected benefits of embarking on this impossible dream.

My kids see me practicing what I preach.

My children are aware that I have a set goal and see me work towards it every day.  I am not exercising because I am fat…and when I forget this and say “I’m so fat” they are quick to correct me.  Pea is always asking me when the big race is going to be.  The two of them are very concerned over who will be “babysitting” them while I run.  So far they have nominated my sister, who lives 4 hours away, and the friend who suggested I run the Gate with her.

They can’t help but notice the importance that the Hubs and I place on physical activity and healthy eating.  He and I talk about how we have to stay in well enough shape to always be a step ahead of our rugrats physically since it looks like they will outrun us intellectually before they even hit their teens.  They may look innocent but they are pretty wily…especially the little one.

I’m saving money!

I have been spending less money on gas.  When my legs are sore, the thought of climbing into my truck is too daunting for me to attempt.  We have food, a pool, tv, books, and electronics.  We don’t have to go somewhere every day.  So far, neither of my kids have said they were B-O-R-E-D yet this summer.  (I hope I didn’t just jinx myself.)

I am saving money on food.  I tend to go all in when I make a decision or focus on a hobby.  For me, it’s only natural that I eat more filling, nutrient dense food.  (I really like donuts so don’t be fooled into thinking that I am eating “clean” 100% of the time.  I am big proponent of the “deprivation results in binging” school of thought so I champion moderation.)  I try to get my produce from the farmer’s market or fresh market and take the time to prepare the food at home.  Tracking my meals using myfitnesspal.com also helps a great deal.  (Are you on myfitnesspal?  Friend me I am “hscruggs”)  I save money because I am sticking to 1200 calories a day right now.  (This is based on my measurements/weight/activity level/etc.)

Remember how I don’t fit into any of my clothes?  It’s ironic how disciplined I was in running (mostly to maintain my sanity) every morning before work.  I woke up at 5:30am to run.  When I left work to stay at home six months ago, I got off track and stopped running.  It takes a while to get into the working from home groove.  I might have taken too many online classes last semester because I feel like that first semester staying home was a stress filled blur of schoolwork.  I am only taking one class this summer and not shuttling the kids to and from two different schools in opposite directions from our house.  We are most definitely taking a “summer break” but it’s been a great time to get back into running.

I am loving the endorphins.

I find myself more patient and productive when I exercise.  I go to bed earlier and sleep better.  I’ve found myself more productive with my writing (still waiting becoming more productive with the housework) and calmer during the daily bickering sessions, that is bound to happen when you have two kids that are close in age and so different.

Why am I posting this on a parenting and kids craft blog?

Well, because taking care of myself makes me a better parent and because if I post it here then I am less likely to give up between now and March.  Goals have more power when you put them on paper…err on screen.  Are any of you training for a “big race?”  What tips do you have for a beginner that has only run 5k’s in the past?