bounceliketigger
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2005
- Messages
- 667
I thought about putting this thread out there to get some thoughts from any moms who might do their runs solo, sometimes or always.
I started running this past May to take off baby weight (little #2 was born in November 08). What kept me getting up at the crack of dawn to go beat up my body some more was not only the quickly changing body, but the solitude. There was just something amazing about having only 2 things to think about: take another stride and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Many times my DH suggested taking the jogging stroller on days that seemed impossible for me to get out alone. While going with the baby was sometimes better than not going at all, sometimes it wasn't. Sometimes it was just missing the point.
So, after much deliberation, I decided to sign up for the Tower of Terror 13K. When DH asked how "we" would pull it off, I sheepishly admitted that I was planning on going it alone--just to see if I could.
Through the training I had multiple strains & sprains, a broken toe, and a sinus infection that led my ENT doc to use profanity when looking at my CT scan. As the race got closer I seriously thought about bailing. I decided on many occasions that it was quite possibly the most ridiculous idea I'd ever had. And what fun would it be with no one to greet me at the finish? About a week before the race I had a great 6 mile run--alone. There was something cathartic about it and I decided to be firm in my resolve to take this first adventure alone. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Now this may seem silly to experienced runners, but it was my 1st time, so maybe it is silly, maybe these are some of the things that keep runners hooked. All I can tell you is that the race was surreal. I was impressed by the friendliness of the people around me as we were squished into the corrals. Struck by the only sound when the gun went off--the cadence of thousands of runners on the pavement. I was hooked.
As we made it through the streets of Hollywood Studios there were people cheering me on after all. Of course they didn't know me, nor I them, but it didn't matter. I crossed the finish in 1hr 28min, 2 minutes faster than my goal. I seriously thought I was going to cry like a baby. Instead I called my DH & told him I'd made it after all. He said he wished he was there. I said I did too, but I really have to think about that for a moment. There was just something very freeing about the solo adventure. I think I may have resolved to do 1 or so a year alone, in some faraway place.
So the interesting thing is, I met a few other moms who had decided to go it alone and whom had come from faraway places. We supported each other briefly & went our separate ways. After thinking on it a bit, I thought it might be interesting to reach out & see if there are other moms or wives out there who do this adventure by themselves, and who may even be interested in supporting each other in the effort.
I have to apologize....this is the longest thread I have ever written about anything & thanks to anyone who chooses to stick it out or even jump in on the commentary!
I started running this past May to take off baby weight (little #2 was born in November 08). What kept me getting up at the crack of dawn to go beat up my body some more was not only the quickly changing body, but the solitude. There was just something amazing about having only 2 things to think about: take another stride and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Many times my DH suggested taking the jogging stroller on days that seemed impossible for me to get out alone. While going with the baby was sometimes better than not going at all, sometimes it wasn't. Sometimes it was just missing the point.
So, after much deliberation, I decided to sign up for the Tower of Terror 13K. When DH asked how "we" would pull it off, I sheepishly admitted that I was planning on going it alone--just to see if I could.
Through the training I had multiple strains & sprains, a broken toe, and a sinus infection that led my ENT doc to use profanity when looking at my CT scan. As the race got closer I seriously thought about bailing. I decided on many occasions that it was quite possibly the most ridiculous idea I'd ever had. And what fun would it be with no one to greet me at the finish? About a week before the race I had a great 6 mile run--alone. There was something cathartic about it and I decided to be firm in my resolve to take this first adventure alone. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Now this may seem silly to experienced runners, but it was my 1st time, so maybe it is silly, maybe these are some of the things that keep runners hooked. All I can tell you is that the race was surreal. I was impressed by the friendliness of the people around me as we were squished into the corrals. Struck by the only sound when the gun went off--the cadence of thousands of runners on the pavement. I was hooked.
As we made it through the streets of Hollywood Studios there were people cheering me on after all. Of course they didn't know me, nor I them, but it didn't matter. I crossed the finish in 1hr 28min, 2 minutes faster than my goal. I seriously thought I was going to cry like a baby. Instead I called my DH & told him I'd made it after all. He said he wished he was there. I said I did too, but I really have to think about that for a moment. There was just something very freeing about the solo adventure. I think I may have resolved to do 1 or so a year alone, in some faraway place.
So the interesting thing is, I met a few other moms who had decided to go it alone and whom had come from faraway places. We supported each other briefly & went our separate ways. After thinking on it a bit, I thought it might be interesting to reach out & see if there are other moms or wives out there who do this adventure by themselves, and who may even be interested in supporting each other in the effort.
I have to apologize....this is the longest thread I have ever written about anything & thanks to anyone who chooses to stick it out or even jump in on the commentary!
I am in NJ, too 
Mom of 4 with them all being little (well to me they are) 12,10, 6&6... PM maybe we are closer than we think!! I am doing the princess and will be doing the F&W too. My DH does not run, as he has bad knees. 
