Lessons taught (and learned) while running with an 11-year-old

(Melissa - this sweaty-after-running picture is Just.For.You.)
I usually run by myself. It's mostly because my schedule (or Greg's) doesn't really match up with anyone else's. With kids to keep track of, I've had to figure out and adjust my workout schedule many times over the years.

I've learned to really enjoy the solitude of being by myself - -listening to my i-pod -- and getting lost in my own thoughts. And, I like being able to go at my own pace -- without the fear of holding someone back.

So, when Addysen asked if she could go running with me in Florida, my first thought was to tell her no.

I quickly changed my mind though -- as the thought of one-on-one time with my almost-middle-schooler-and-oldest-child took precedence.

Addysen went with me 5 out of the 6 days I ran. She rode her bike towards the end of the week as she really wasn't up for a run but I was really proud of her. We had some great one-on-one time...and our 'teaching moments,' although initially focused on exercise and running in particular, quickly branched out to 'life lessons 101."

In no particular order:

* Be Inspired. Find something that motivates you and run with it. A quote. A song. A work of art. A Goal. Whatever IT is....Work for it. Plan for it. Go. For. IT. Or, in Addysen's case -- run towards it. She quickly decided she was motivated by the drinking fountain and held nothing back as soon as it was within view.


*Never Fail to Appreciate What Is Right In Front of You. This was a quick lesson on the very first day. Addysen was getting tired and was only focusing on how hard it was. We had a quick discussion about not getting so caught up in the difficulty of the moment that you fail to see the big picture and the beauty surrounding you...not only in the world, but most importantly, the beauty in the people surrounding you.




*Follow the Rules. Sometimes they are written and sometimes they are unspoken. But follow the rules. When sharing a sidewalk -- stay to the right and pass on the left. Call out when you are going to pass. There is nothing more embarrassing than jamming along listening to your tunes and not knowing when someone is behind you. Although it certainly has never happened to me, I've been told that more than one runner (or biker) has been known to jump right out of their skin - and fall...either off the trail or off their bike. Rules are usually in place for a reason.

*Be Flexible. My goal each day was the 4 mile trek to the marina and back. By day three, Addysen was walking more than running. So, I ran loops -- ahead and behind her. It worked out well -- I got a little "extra" and we were both always within site of each other. On the days she rode her bike, we were able to go further...down a street which I had never been. If it is important enough, you can usually figure out a way to get it done. Adjust. Adapt. Be willing to change something. (Lesson to self: over the years you have become WAY too flexible with your laundry-folding schedule. Time to figure out a way to get 'er done.)

*Be Kind and Polite. Always. No matter how hard the exercise -- greet others on the path with a smile, a hello or a quick head nod. The Golden Rule is always applicable. And besides....nice people are a lot more fun to be around.

*Challenge Yourself. But Don't Kill Yourself. One day we passed a guy doing push-ups off the bench along the trail. Addysen was walking to catch her breath so I said, "I'm going to do 15 push-ups off every bench till we get back." (Sidenote -- she will tell you that I said "50" but rest assured -- that was not the number I uttered.) It didn't take long for me to realize there were a lot more benches than I originally anticipated. I quickly re-vamped my goal to doing 15 push-ups off every OTHER bench. And when my arms wouldn't quit shaking -- I switched to walking lunges. Challenge yourself. Strive to do better. Strive to be better. But realize your own limitations as well. (Or in Addysen's case -- realize that your mother might just be your limitation -- and a very embarrassing one at that!)

(This may not look challenging - but I was straddling a wooden ledge with loose boards -- determined to get a conch shell that we could see because of the low-tide. I was trying not to snag my clothes - while at the same time, trying not to drop my phone, my i-pod -- or myself into the muddy and oyster filled water. You'll be glad to know that I was victorious in my efforts.)

*Resistance Is Usually Good -- Even When It Hurts. Running into the wind isn't particularly fun. But it makes you stronger. That strength carries you further than you might otherwise choose to go...and sooner or later -- that same wind will be at your back pushing you along.

*Sometimes We All Need Distractions. Listening to music and blogging in my head while I run takes my mind off the task at hand. Sometimes I need that. Distractions in moderation can be good. Moderation in all things. Our vacation was a great distraction from 'real' life. And it was a good thing. But, that moderation thing is why, despite wanting too, we didn't stay in Florida forever.

*It's OK to Get Tired. Running can be exhausting. And so can life. Just don't quit. Don't give up. Walking isn't quitting. You are still moving -- still putting one foot in front of the other -- resting so that you catch your breath and go at it again.

*Running Isn't An Escape. Exercise -- just like many other things -- is an outlet. And it is a good thing. A coping mechanism at times. It's an opportunity to develop, to grow and to learn new things about yourself. It is ONE thing. But it isn't THE ONLY thing. Find Balance.

*Look for Opportunities. Opportunities are everywhere. Make the most of them. Create your own. Don't stress over the difficulty of the exercise -- focus on the amazing ability your body has to do it. Learn a new skill, develop a talent or make a new friend (Did I mention middle-school is just around the corner?) Take the opportunity to set a new goal. And then...Achieve It.

Is Addysen converted to running? I think it's a little early to say.

Will she even remember this experience? I think so.

I know I certainly won't forget.

What an opportunity it was to teach and be taught while running with an 11-year-old.