Peace or Punishment?

As the weather finally cools off, I've seen a lot of posts and blogs about running. Some friends are doing big firsts and others are starting new programs. Both they and my kids have inspired me to run a little further and a little harder.

I have always thought the feeling of my feet hitting the pavement is therapeutic. Then I had two kids.  It's still therapeutic; but not in the mind-clearing-enjoy-the-outdoors sort of way but rather the I-will-get-rid-of-this-baby-weight-and-I-will-not-let-my-toddler-push-me-over-the-edge-dear-God-how-can-I-occupy-30-60-minutes-to-bed-time sort of way.

Because this:

= a desperation run

Desperation run:  we're going outside, you're sitting in the stroller and you're going to like it

It's a run. It's outside. It's that moment where running 4 miles while pushing 75+ pounds is easier than rationalizing with two children loudly declaring the end-of-the-world. It's peaceful and relaxing, not the torture it might seem.

See, they're happy......and my view is quiet pleasant. 

And by my definition it's quiet.  Quiet as in no one's crying. I'm not sure I know what silence is anymore. Lady Bug has found her voice and spends 90% of the run shrieking with glee.  Meanwhile June Bug has apparently decided he's my running coach. I am the comic relief to every jogger, biker and walker that passes us, as this little but LOUD voice commands "Run mama, run, no es fast, run please!"

I am running you little punk. ::sigh::  As he's clearly pointed out, I won't be setting any records in the near future, but at least my sanity is still in tact...I think.