The Third Mile: Unity Through Distance

I recently read an article in the May 2010 Runner's World where the writer used running as a way to escape from his problems. Maybe they weren't necessarily problems, but they were conflicts and difficulties he was dealing with pertaining to his family. Am I crazy to be really surprised by this?

I don't use running as an escape from anything. I almost think I use it to bring me towards something. Running has been my magnet these last few months. How, you ask? Let me count the ways:

1. My husband and I have so much to talk about when I mention a race. We (when I say "we" I really mean "me." I'm the eternal chatterbox.) talk about what organization the race is supporting, where it'll be, how long, what to do with the kids, how I'll train, what I'll wear, yada, yada, yada. It can be a one-sided conversation sometimes but sometimes he's really into it. I'll take what I can get. After all, you have NO idea how excited I get when we start talking about Guitar Hero or Dragon-Ball-Z.
2. My kids get it. I tell my son I'm going to run and he'll do one of three things: A) Get my shoes for me and walk me to the treadmill ( and once I'm on, he'll start screaming "Slow down! Easy, momma, EASY!)", B) wave and say "See ya!" as I head out the door, or C) if we're going to the Y he'll say "You run, I play with kids." My little baby girl, goes with the flow. If we go to the Y, she'll hang out in the baby-sitting room and FINALLY not fuss. If I'm on the treadmill at home, I'll put her in her exersaucer next to me and she'll jump up and down and squeal the faster I run.
3. Running has given me and my parents something new to talk about. They'll call me after a race and see how I did. If we're all together, they'll watch the kids so I can head out. My dad will ask questions about distance and training. He always acts impressed. I love it.
4. I have bonded with people over running. My inability to shut up about running has inspired (or probably left them feeling like they had no choice) some friends to hit the pavement. I have met a friend from online to run my first 10K with that I may have never of had the honor of meeting had it not been for running. I will also have the honor of running my first half marathon with another friend, who at the present time, has never raced but plans to.

Running isn't an escape for me. It reunites me to everyone and everything I love so dearly. It gives me that time for myself that mothers seldom have. During that time, through the miles and distance, I'm able to sort out all the million of things going through my brain like: mountains of bills, how to make sure my son doesn't use the dog bowl as a toilet AGAIN, what I can use in that lasagna recipe so it has a few less calories, the way my daughter folds her hands together when she drifts off to sleep, the vow renewal me and my husband are planning for four years from now, how I can convince my husband to rake the dog kennel (affectionately known as "poopland"), and the list goes on and on.

When I take that last step at the end of my run; whether it be on the treadmill, the track at the Y or on my front porch, I walk through the front door knowing that I did that run not only for me and my health but for the health, happiness and sanity of my family.

Next Up: The Fourth Mile