I hate running. This is what I thought to myself when I decided to try running with Dana at a beach in South Carolina. The air was hot and the wind was strong, I could not breathe. I barely made it 1 mile with lots of encouragement from her.
The other night I was helping Dana with some administration for the Buffalo Marathon. We had to go through the full marathon course in detail, turn by turn and it struck me how long the course actually is. I’ve been to races and waited at the finish line with my camera, but did not see past the tiny fraction of the course that was before me.
I started to realize that there is so much more to running than the running-high. Many people compare activities to the game of Chess…I like to compare my wife’s passion for long distance running to life itself.
Here are some things I’ve noticed from seeing my wife work hard at running.
Setting an example for our girls: Seeing their mother make the time to work hard at something important. Kids should be proud of their parents. I’m ready time to accomplish more.
Never ever ever give up: Crossing that finish line no matter what. Even when it feels impossible. What better life lesson is there?
Don’t stress: I tend to let myself get stressed over little things like projects, homeownership, etc. That is nowhere near as difficult as trying to PR while running 26.2 miles, while sick, in the snow and a bloody knee. That is real stress.
Take better photos FASTER: Be ready to take that photo…in focus, she’s quick. Sport photography is hard 🙂
Married to a role model: Makes me happy to know that my role model and inspiration is right under my nose…literally.
Working as a team: Running is not a team sport but her running friends are helpful like coaches. Being more of a coach to my family, friends and colleagues would be something to be proud of.
Don’t make excuses: No matter how early it is, cold or rainy she’s out there improving her running. Not only is she doing that, she’s inspiring me to get off my ass. I can’t help but want to get more out of my day and achieve more. How can I complain about anything when she runs in any condition in Buffalo NY, voluntarily! Oh, and when the snow is just too high there is always the treadmill in the basement ready for a speed workout.
Personal records: Improve little by little, year by year. Stop worrying about projects and just ship them already. Never stop improving.
Selfless: Even after a tough race she donates her free beer to me at the finish line. What a woman 🙂
Just do it: When I get nervous about trying something new I think of Dana running into a cold lake for the swimming portion of her first triathlon. For someone who isn’t exactly the outdoor type…wow.
Inspire others: She publishes everything about her running. It makes me want to work harder, be proud of my work and accomplishments and share it. Do more worth sharing.
Write more: Her instagram is not just photos of food and sunsets, her words and photos probably could make many feel lazy. As a full time mom she certainly makes me feel lazy at times. Its time to change.
Never too late: You do not need to be lifelong runner to be fast. I want to be fast at something new. No more excuses, change is now.
Patience: I attempt to be helpful before the start of a race and say something like “don’t go out too fast, pace yourself”. I’ve learned it takes a lot of discipline and patience to not burn yourself at the beginning of a long race. As a husband and a father, there is always more room for patience. I should speak for myself.
I thought I hated running until I realized that life is a marathon. Thanks Dana. Run on silver girl.
