There are few things I can control during this pandemic. And there are few luxuries I am allowing myself. One of these luxuries? My run. I need my run.
My run is more than exercise. It is time for ME. When I am out of the house, I am not making a snack, cleaning up a snack, or being asked for another snack. I am not picking up another pair of socks off the floor or putting away a toy that I, quite frankly, just want to throw out.
My run is a time when my husband is primary parent. He gets to bond with the kids in his special way, and they get him all to themselves. My run is when I model for my girls the importance of taking time for yourself. It’s when I get the best goodbye hugs before I leave.
If I’m doing it right, my run is a time when I am not thinking about school reopening. I am not worrying about my kids’ mental health (or my own) — or the lack thereof. My run should be a time when I simply focus on my body and the beauty of the world around me.
My run shows my girls the importance of healthy exercise. I talk to my girls about my run, my progress, and my pitfalls. I model to them the importance of pushing oneself and also of knowing one’s body and when it tells you to slow down.
It’s no secret 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year. And we don’t know when we’re getting off the ride. My emotions have been all over the place. My thoughts are like the spinning teacups at Disneyland. I need my run even more these days than I ever have before. I need multiple runs, power walks, and breaths of fresh air. Mommy needs her run!
I’m sure you do, too.
But, do you let yourself? Please do.
