Running Happy with My Mom

February 18, 2013

There are few things in life that make me happier than this …

Running with my mom.

Running has always been something I’ve shared with my dad. It was our thing. He was an elite runner who went on to be a coach. I grew up watching his cross country meets as a little girl. Then before I knew it, I was off the sidelines and on the track, and he was my coach. My mom was always more of a walker. Dad and I were the sports people.

But that has all changed.

Now running is something that my mom and I share. In 2011, my mom started running. I remember she would call me and tell me that she was working up to running 1 minute without stopping. Then she called and told me she ran for 6 minutes without stopping. Pretty soon, she could run a whole mile … and the next thing I knew, she decided to sign up for her first half marathon.

A year ago this month, I got to see her hard work pay off as we both ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon. After I finished, I came back onto the course to find her and crossed the finish line with her again. 13.1 was all hers.

I came back onto the course at the Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon to cross the finish line again with my mom.
The guy in the middle is my dad *wink*

My mom lives in Florida, so it has been a real treat to have her with me in Atlanta for the long weekend. And just like last February when we were setting out to run, we went running together again today along the Chattahoochee River. In all honesty, we did a lot more walking and talking than running, but it was 6.6 miles that reminded me why running can be so happy. I remembered her victory from a year ago and how special it was to see that medal around her neck. To no longer be in the shadow of my dad as a runner, but for her to be THE runner.

People may not change. But we do evolve. It has been incredible to watch my mom evolve and to see the strength, empowerment and happiness that running and exercising have brought to her life. Even more special is that her new passion has evolved into something new we can share together.

And speaking of running happy, I took my new Brooks Ravenna 4’s for a test drive today while out with my mom.

My super sweet Valentine’s Day present from my friends at Brooks Running

Although I’m a Brooks Pure Cadence gal at heart, I’ve run 2 marathons in the Ravennas (as well as last year’s half marathon with my mom) and was excited to test out the newest model. The Ravenna’s are part of Brooks’ core line, which includes shoes for neutral runners, those who need more guidance/support (me! me!) and those who need full-on support and stability. The Ravenna’s are considered a guidance shoe – designed for over-pronators like me who need support and stability, but not as much as their most supportive shoe, the Adrenaline GTS (which is what I ran my marathon PR in back in February 2011).

Here’s what I really liked about them:

  • I love the new bold color. The hot yellow shoe laces with the strong purple make me happy even before I start running. There’s something about just feeling cool in a shoe that gives you some extra pep in your step. Seriously. (And yes, I wore a coordinating hot yellow tank and purple running jacket for supreme coordination. Cue all of you making fun of me.)
  • I like the flexibility and breathability in the toe box. I remember my 2011 Ravenna’s feeling a little narrower through the toe box. Since I prefer a bit more room there, the adjustments that have been made are really nice.
  • My feet and ankles felt very supported. I was running on dirt and gravel today and felt good traction and stability.

My mom and I are both running races within the next 3 weeks. She is running a 5K in Florida, and I’m running my first trail race in Mississippi. We won’t be together, but it is something we’ll be able to share, no matter the distance. Here’s to running happy with the people we love the most!

Disclosure: As a Brooks Run Happy Ambassador, I receive compensation and free Brooks products to test. The thoughts and opinions I express about Brooks and their products are my own and always will be.

Is running a family affair for you? Do you run or race with your parents, significant other, brother or sister? What is the best part?

Comments

Kat

I loved that color of the Ravennas but wasn’t sure the toe box was bigger! I should try em! PRETTY COLORS! I wish my parents ran 😉 I love running with friends and hubby 🙂 xo

Melissa

Ooooh I am loving those Ravennas! Going back and forth between Mizuno Inspires + Brooks Pure Cadence (1s) right now, but I am very tempted by those pretty shoes up there. Maybe I will have to test them out 🙂 Thanks for the review!

Melanie

Love love love this post. Your mom is such a fitspiration!

Sarah @RunFarGirl

Running has totally become a family affair for my family. It started with me. Then my mom started running. Then my sisters. Then my brother married a runner and she and I run and race togther….and then my Dad finally joined the crew and started racing triathalons. Whenever we get together training is all we talk about:) It’s so fun. And my 3 yo daughter thinks its totally normal that Grandma and Grandpa’s do triathalons. Haha!

Cecilia @ MommiesRun

Love me some Brooks! And I love those colors! I’m a neutral runner so I run in the Glycerins which are like pillows for my feet! My family doesn’t run but they come to all my races 🙂 My husband actually ran today on the treadmill so I’m hoping he gets hooked!

Melissa@mypeachlife

Oh I love that you are able to run with your parents! That is so special. I have run walked a 5 k with my mom and it is a great memory

meghan @ little girl in the big world

I LOVE those Ravennas! Like, I want to buy them and a pair of the Pures. The colors are amazing, and I’m right about where you are as far as a little bit of support is concerned. There’s nothing wrong with the Asics GT-2000 that I’m in right now, but I get blisters on the ends of my toes. They don’t hurt my hip though like some shoes do. Hm. I’m excited to hear more of what you think of them.

And how nice that you’re able to run with your mom. I wish my family members ran. I really wish my husband ran, as I know that would be so much fun to run with him. Hopefully he’ll start running more once he’s done with his MBA. So busy. Have a great day!!

Nicole

This is so awesome! I would so happy if my mom ran 1 mile let alone 13.1. However, my Dad and my step-mom got into running this year and it makes me SO happy too. They are going to run their first ever running race, the San Diego Hot Chocolate 15k with me next month (well not WITH me, but you get it) and then they are doing their first half in May. I’m so proud of them!!!

Claire @ Flake and Cake

Most of the time I run on my own but I’ve run a 10k with my sister and a 10k and some 5ks with my OH. Crossing the finish line with them made me so happy and proud.