Often Running

Often Running is the name of one of our favorite running stores. It also describes our family well for multiple reasons. I would consider myself a novice runner, and I would consider Chase an experienced runner. I would predict that someday he WILL win a marathon. I would also predict that Carson will follow in his brothers footsteps. Kohl runs up and down the football field, runs the bases of a baseball diamond, and what he has to for track, he stays conditioned by running, but would not consider it something he would do just for fun. I predict that Kaden will follow in his footsteps. That brings us to Bob. I think I have seen Bob run maybe three times ever. Once when Chase was hit in the eye with a rock that detached his retina, once when Kohl crushed his finger in baseball, and the time Kaden had his head stuck under a moving merry-go-round. I am not saying he's not active, but not a runner. He has always said his job when Chase and I run is to hold the camera. He takes this job seriously and does it well. But guess what? Bob wants to run a 5k! Yes, I said wants too! He has chosen The Fat Ass 5k this May. I leave it up to you to decide if he picked the right race. Chase and I and several of our friends have run this race before. Chase in fact was second place overall when he ran it. So, don't be fooled by the race name, because Fat Ass could never be used to describe Chase. It is however a very fun race. Water stations that also have beer. Along the route you can grab a donut, corn dog, french fries, ice cream and other yummy treats. To be honest Chase and I didn't partake in the menu along the way because quite honestly I think we would probably puke if we ate these things while running! Bob on the other hand being the beer specialist he is, will probably be able to drink beer and run. He probably will do it well =) I myself have not yet mastered the whole water station thing, I cannot drink on the run, I miss my mouth and drench myself. I have to stop to adequately hydrate. Bob started his training this morning. I am very proud of him. Up at 4:30 am, so we could get our run in and be home before 6:00 am, when our day officially begins. I think Bob will be a great novice runner. I am looking forward to having this activity to share with him. Once you start running you are either sucked in and love it or you hate it.  Well, he hasn't said he hates it yet! However we are going to be looking for a new camera holder! Any takers? Thank you God for blessing me immensely.

Just For Fun

As I watched Chase play hockey this past weekend my mind kept wondering, I kept thinking to myself he is having so much fun. You can tell by the look on his face, his whole demeanor just relaxed and happy. I kept thinking how stressful or world is today, and how young that stress starts. Everything is so competitive. The kids know who has 100's in spelling along with every other class/test taken, who can do the most math facts correct in one minute, who has the most books read - I think you can see where I am going with this. The extra curricular activities are no different, maybe even worse. My kids are in these activities and love them, as do I. What would my life be without baseball, football, basketball and of course running? I am not by any means bashing these activities our family loves them. But lets be honest, they are very competitive and at times quite stressful. It doesn't matter the age or level of play. I get that competitiveness is good, I get what we get out of it. I myself have a competitive streak. No one wants to be the worst at anything, no one wants to lose. I get it, but I am going somewhere else with this. (I think?!) A new session of hockey just started, and there are levels at which you can compete. This an adult league. 16 yrs. & over. I heard one of the guys ask Chase if he was going to bump up a level this session. He is quite capable of moving up. Chase's response is what got me thinking and watching closer. "No, this is just for fun for me, my outlet." Now believe me if you want to see some competitive spirit some of these grown men in hockey have it! So, I questioned how they would respond to Chase's answer. But all seemed to admire his honest answer. IT IS JUST FOR FUN! Of course he wants to play well and win. He has been on two championship teams thus far. But when he messes up he laughs, shrugs it off, not to think of it again. (Except while we razz him afterwards) When he gets off the ice it's over until next time. No stresses. Just for fun. My quest for the new year is that each of my family members find something that is just for fun, an outlet. We all need that, it's so healthy to be competitive, but fun is healthy too. It doesn't have to be a sport it can be anything as long as it's fun! So what will it be? Who knows maybe I will start playing hockey, well probably not, but that would be fun! Thank you God for blessing me immensely.