Running Lessons from a 2-Year Old

I celebrated an early Christmas with my two little nephews last week.  I am still recovering, but I did pick up some running advice along the way. 

Running is Glee. When my 2-year-old nephew runs, his little legs are just a blur and he lets out this high-pitched shrieking giggle.  It is pure joy.  Granted… he is usually running away from me… but his obvious glee is contagious.  I enjoy a run AFTER it’s over.  The sense of accomplishment is what makes me feel good about running, but after watching my nephew, I vow to enjoy the run itself more.

Gravity is the Enemy. Sometimes we make this running thing too complicated.  Set me loose in a running store and I will convince myself I cannot run without the latest fancy GPS, iPod tracker, shoes, socks, tights, hat, shorts, bra, underwear, hand warmers.  Running is really quite simple: put one foot in front of the other.  The only enemy in runing (or even walking) is gravity: just watch my 8-month-old nephew learn to walk.  But as long as you cross the finish line upright (almost everyone does), you beat gravity.  And now that you know your chances are pretty good, it’s all a matter of degrees. 

Purell is the Nectar of the Gods. I thought my sister (and all those moms) with bottles of Purell attached to everything were going a little overboard.  I mean, I didn’t have that wimpy hand sanitizer when I was a kid and I turned out just fine, right?  So, during my week with the nephews, I washed my hands religiously (like I always do), but I didn’t really partake in the 6-times-daily Purell rub….  And I got really, really sick.  There are few things more frustrating to a runner than being sidelined.  After six days without running, I’ve changed my mind.  I’m willing to do anything I can to get better and stay well for the rest of my ING Training.  So, pass the Purell, please.

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