It’s official, the marathon is booked! October 19th, 2014 is my goal race and I’m so excited to return to Toronto. I always look for ways that I can run for others in addition for myself, so this marathon I’ve decided to fund raise for the Children’s Aid Society. If you would like to partner with me and donate, you can do so here: My Fundraising Page
My first marathon was Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2013 and I had no idea then that I would return for another year. My plans for 2014 had included Ottawa and Calgary and then perhaps a different city or the Ottawa Fall Colours Run in the fall.
Due to my injury, my plans of course changed. In hindsight it is crazy ridiculous how things have worked out and I am actually thankful for the experience and the connections I’ve made through the journey. Maybe everything does happen for a reason 🙂 Hmmmm…..
As I train this year the experience will be completely different as I’ve been invited to be a Digital Champion (DC) for the race! As a DC I get to do what I am passionate about doing, I get to encourage and connect with other runners online to help them achieve their own personal goals and have an awesome experience doing it! Here is the list of all the DC’s: Digital Champions
If you are married with children then you get how much of a sacrifice the whole family makes when you are training for a full marathon. I am in awe of the parents who get it done and are still raising a young family. I am at a stage in my life where my kids can help out and that they do!
There were so many nights where my daughter (15 at the time) stepped in and would make dinner on the days that I knew I’d be working late, or if I was heading out for a run she would take over and get the family fed.
Countless times my family would help me stick to my goals by keeping me accountable to what I said, or question if I should be doing something. They always asked me how my run was or how many km’s I was doing on a certain day. They made an effort to take an interest in what I love to do, or at least to pretend to, ha!
I am already looking forward to the cheering and support that they provide. Yesterday, my daughter rode her bike ahead of me while I ran so I could run along the river and not be alone! It was so great to be chasing after her, I just need to figure out what she could carry on her back that I want bad enough to run hard for!!
There will be other long runs that I think I’ll have my son meet me on the route to provide a smiling face and needed nutrients, especially on some of the hot summer days that are coming.
Even my eldest son who is living in another province will ask me about my training when he calls, how many kids do that??
My husband tries hard to ensure the kitchen is cleaned after dinner if I head out for a run, which I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate that!
If you do not already have the involvement of your family, might I suggest that you look for ways to include them. Depending on their age, by including them you show them how much running means to you. You demonstrate to them that it is healthy for mom to have a dreams and goals that she is striving for. You might even spark a passion in them for running.
My daughter is the first to admit she has no desire to run. She’s been watching me for years, coming out to many races to cheer me on, volunteering at countless races to hand out race kits, giving me massages when required, cooking dinner, and so much more. This year there is a Foam Fest coming to Ottawa. A 5Km obstacle course that she is so excited to do. Say what!?
So much so that she has convinced the family to do it all together. No one else in my family runs. It will be so much fun and you can be sure great memories will be made.
What are some of the ways your family supports you? Have you found ways to include them to be apart of your journey?
