Today was a great day. I'm so proud of that girl there in green.
Were it not for her, that girl there in blue would have never found herself on a track.
Running.
Running and completing a 5K for the first time in my life.
I just don't think it would have happened. I always had too many reasons why I could not be a runner. But thankfully it only took one reason to get my butt in gear and really make it happen. For being that reason she is my hero.
She beat me by 4 seconds today. Fair and square...I could. not. catch her.
And I tried.
I was hot on her little tail the entire time, sometimes we ran side by side. She let me hold her hand and she told me about how she was doing this to show the world that if we believe in ourselves we can do anything.
"An-Y-Thing", she said.
But she saved up some super human power and burned up the last hill without me. Somehow it made me feel so incredibly happy to be letting her go and at the same time chasing her down and knowing that I'll likely be doing that for the rest of my life. I'll admit to some adrenaline filled tears on that track today. A Mom can't help herself sometimes.
From Hadley I have learned so much about living life to its fullest and with boundless joy. I'm just glad my body let me do this, and I'm glad I stopped making excuses and just figured out how to play with her instead of just sitting on the sidelines. I hope she lets me play for many years to come, because I don't want to be left behind.
So, Hadley is my number one inspiration today, but there are others. So many people have inspired me these past months and years. Friends just like me who've decided they are gonna get a move on. Sisters who've been right where I am before with me watching from the sidelines and wondering when I would do something to make myself proud. My Dad, who ran with us today and pushed the jogger the whole crowded way, so I could be there with my girl, and so he could cheer me on like he always, always does.
Today I am Super Woman. Humble though my powers may be, I kicked some bodacious ass.
Great, Good Day!
Were it not for her, that girl there in blue would have never found herself on a track.
Running.
Running and completing a 5K for the first time in my life.
I just don't think it would have happened. I always had too many reasons why I could not be a runner. But thankfully it only took one reason to get my butt in gear and really make it happen. For being that reason she is my hero.
She beat me by 4 seconds today. Fair and square...I could. not. catch her.
And I tried.
I was hot on her little tail the entire time, sometimes we ran side by side. She let me hold her hand and she told me about how she was doing this to show the world that if we believe in ourselves we can do anything.
"An-Y-Thing", she said.
But she saved up some super human power and burned up the last hill without me. Somehow it made me feel so incredibly happy to be letting her go and at the same time chasing her down and knowing that I'll likely be doing that for the rest of my life. I'll admit to some adrenaline filled tears on that track today. A Mom can't help herself sometimes.
From Hadley I have learned so much about living life to its fullest and with boundless joy. I'm just glad my body let me do this, and I'm glad I stopped making excuses and just figured out how to play with her instead of just sitting on the sidelines. I hope she lets me play for many years to come, because I don't want to be left behind.
So, Hadley is my number one inspiration today, but there are others. So many people have inspired me these past months and years. Friends just like me who've decided they are gonna get a move on. Sisters who've been right where I am before with me watching from the sidelines and wondering when I would do something to make myself proud. My Dad, who ran with us today and pushed the jogger the whole crowded way, so I could be there with my girl, and so he could cheer me on like he always, always does.
Today I am Super Woman. Humble though my powers may be, I kicked some bodacious ass.
Great, Good Day!
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18 comments:
So awesome. Wow...sounds like an amazing experience. I've always wanted to be a runner too - not sure it's in my cards. :) I'm super proud of(and inspired by) ya. xo
You are BOTH my heroes - I'm so impressed and love the joy in both of your faces. Go get 'em! xoxo
HIGH FIVE ... no wait ... DOUBLE HIGH FIVE. You two are awsome. Forget that bodacious a** - you are now officially bootylicious ;-)
I'm so proud of both of you! What a wonderful thing for a mother and daughter to do together. May you both have many more miles in your future.
What a beautiful post – I have chills right now!! That girl of yours certainly is an inspiration. Super big congrats to both of you!!!
congrats! It sounds like an awesome experience!
I remember how happy I was after finishing my first race, it must feel like that X 1000 to be albe to see your daughter finish it right before you!! So awesome!!! I hope that Isha and I can do this someday. I can't wait to hear all about the 10K.
Way to go running momma!!!
Woot! Woot! So awesome!
Love how the two of us are embarking on our racing journeys at the exact same time. You and Hadley make a great team. Way to go!!!
Heather! What a wonderful post. Kick Ass times twelve..(just don't tell your awesome daughter).
You deserve to be proud of yourself. It would have taken lots of guts and determination, and how absolutely wonderful to have that beautiful daughter by your side, encouraging and challenging you...even if she was ahead! Don't we all want our children to eclipse us?
Go Girl, you are one wonderful person.
Love and cangrats.
Oh, you guys made me cry. I am so incredible proud of you two. Super, super job. Super Woman!
Heather, I'm so proud of you! And your little, big girl! What a happy memory for you both...one that will live on forever.
xoxo
Ok..I just got a little misty reading your post! Good for the both of you! And you've got one smart cookie there....she's right, if we put our minds to it, we can do anything!
Hi Heather! My sister Morgan and I had signed up to help with this event but then had to cancel due to conflicting plans (though we're hoping to be able to help at the next go round!). So I know I am a total stranger but I just had to comment about your story... When I was reading your story I couldn't believe that it was written by someone else! Its like I was saying it rather than reading it! Except my story would have a few small changes... My sister and I just ran our first half marathon together a few weeks ago, so in my story it would be my sister Morgan burning up the hill rather than my daughter. But I know the feelings of motivation, pride, and accomplishment of doing a race like this with someone you love. :)
Maybe its just because your daughter's name is Hadley and my name is Hadley, but I see so many similarities and just had to comment about how happy I am for you and your daughter that you were able to experience the joy of running together. I hope its something that you're able to do together for many years to come! Maybe I'll get to meet your inspirational daughter one of these days :)
Hadley, thank you for leaving a comment. A marathon is certainly a huge accomplishment!
And everyone else...thank you to the moon and back for your incredible support and encouragement! I have the best friends.
Heather, that is just so damn awesome!! You are an inspiration, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
What an amazing post. I love it. As a staff member at Girls on the Run International, I'd like to thank you on behalf of every girl, mom, sister and friend who has ever doubted herself. You are truly an inspiration.
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