First
off, I think running a 5k race can change your life. I know it has mine. I say the 5k in particular because it is
considered the beginners race. It is
only 3 miles, but it is more than a fun run which is about 1 mile usually. Once you hit the 5k level in your running,
something magical has happened. You have
taken a major step toward changing your physical life.
When I
began running, I did not do it because I loved running I assure you. In fact, my favorite thing to say was that I
only ran when something was chasing me. I hated running with a passion. Enter my 12 year old that wanted to be a long
distance runner (mind you, he had never run before). This year at New Years, he set the goal for
himself that he wanted to start working on his long distance running.
At
first, I began talking to him about things he could do to train. He could run around the house, run in place
ect. However, it became evident that
this probably was not going to accomplish much, as no one likes to run in place
or in circles. So, one day, I looked up
online what it would take for him to get started in this whole running
thing. I found out that most high school
cross country teams compete on the 5k level.
Next, I found a program called “couch to 5k,” which was for complete
beginners.
Next, I
bit the bullet. I came home and
announced that I would begin running with him.
He was both shocked and excited at what our future held. Our first couples of runs (while following
the couch to 5k plan) were just 2 and 3 minute runs. These were easy and not too bad. However, by the time we got to the 5 and 6
minute runs, I knew I was in trouble. I
usually felt like I was ready to die by the end of them! However, I noticed something fascinating. At the end of each run, my son and I would
sit on the front porch cooling down, and we would talk about his day. What used to be one-word answers from him
became 5 or 10 minute discussions about his life. I was hooked on running with my son.
11
weeks later, my sons and I ran our first 5k together. I feel like I can now say, my life has
totally changed from running. The good
news is after learning a few things along the way, the runs became easier and
much more enjoyable. I can’t say I love
every minute of the run, or that I will ever be a real competitor in the sport.
However, I can definitely say my son and
I grew closer together as a result of me doing something I hated … for him.
HOW TO BE SELFLESS WHILE DOING SOMETHING YOU
HATE:
In
short, do the thing you hate for someone else.
And, make sure you do it with enthusiasm and a smile on your face, or it
doesn’t really count. It is not very fun
to have someone serve you when you know how completely miserable they are doing
it. If nothing else, do something you
hate to strengthen your relationship with that person, and to strengthen your
character! Doing things that are hard
for us, for the good of someone else will only result in strengthening our own
moral resolve to do what is right, kind, and good.
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