Living back in Missouri brings back a flood of old memories. This past weekend I took the boys to my hometown for a weekend to spend with family to celebrate Precious P’s 7th birthday. We were unsure if the weekend was going to happen because he had a tummy bug Thursday, and the weather was calling for not safe driving conditions Friday evening. But… we made it.
We arrived late Friday night just as the ice/snow arrived. Thank goodness.
Saturday morning I had a 15 mile training run (for Boston) scheduled. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get all those miles in because of the weather and afternoon family activities for the birthday boy. I was thankful for the hour I did get to myself to run in my home town.
It has been YEARS since I have run the streets of my small town. So much has changed: some for the good and some not so good. It has been YEARS since I have run on ice that is covered with snow. It was a new running experience for me too. Talk about a short cadence and watching every step!
Living in a small town, I did my best to run the route of the town. Yup. I pretty much ran north of town through down town and back through the main sights. Small town. Everything looked so simple. Peaceful. Calm. Cold. There is beauty in those small towns… and I would have loved to just take photos all day at the frozen sights.
When I arrived back at my parents house, my heart was going to explode. As I ran past the house, I see my dad (their Papaw) playing and sledding with my boys. He was making memories with them and teaching them how to throw snow balls. In fact, he was enjoying throwing snow balls at them… just as much as they were having throwing snow at him.
I was able to sneak away and run 7 miles solo. It wasn’t the miles I had on the training plan… but it was better than staying indoors (or running the treadmill). My body felt great and it was good to have a low mileage run. Also, running in the snow/ice was a great strengthening workout for my legs and core!
After I arrived home to the boys, we all decided to head to a few nearby parks to find more sledding hills and make more memories. The temperature was rising (mid 30s) and the roads were melting and becoming clear. Papaw took the boys to a water park/ splash pad. We love our splash pads back in California… but something doesn’t look the same. They had fun pretending anyway.
The splash pad was at our town’s Veteran’s Park… and the boys enjoyed checking out and climbing on (woopsie) the big cannon. Anything that has to do with military, guns, bad guys… these boys are ready to learn and explore!
After we had enough of the snow and cold, we headed home for lunch and to warm up. My sisters (and their kiddos/husbands) were coming over to celebrate P’s birthday. This was a first for our family… to spend and celebrate a birthday with family since we have always lived so far away.
The boys had a great time playing with their cousins. P enjoyed being the center of attention for his birthday celebration. Family… the main reason we moved back to Missouri. Making memories with my family.
We had a great time spending time with my family this past weekend. I enjoyed running in my hometown. It brought back many old memories. I am looking forward to running the trails there again when the snow melts… and I am able to sneak away for a longer period of time.
How often do you go back and visit your hometown?
How often do you see your family?
I must admit, that it has been almost 2 years since I have been back to visit (since my grandmothers funeral). Living in California, it was always a challenge to visit family).
katie says
I love how focused you’ve been. Great job with all the running. Ineed to get focused ASAP
Rachel says
Thanks. I may be focused to get out there… but I have been struggling with getting the needed MILES on my feet. :sigh: This winter weather training is challenging! 😉
Jeannette says
It looks like a beautiful place to run (and to visit in general). I give you mad props for not letting the weather stop you!
Ashley S says
I actually moved back to my hometown. It’s a great little city right on the water. I love that my son gets to live here.
LaVonne says
So after being away from my hometown for ten years, I moved back with my kids. I am so thankful. I love it here. I am glad you got to go back for a visit and you had a great, safe run despite the weather conditions!
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes says
That’s so awesome that you were able to run in your hometown again and that your kids were able to experience some one on one time with your parents. Those will be special memories for all of you!
Patty says
I grew up in Philadelphia and I really don’t get back there very often. I only get back to see my family once in every 5 years now. It’s just so expensive to fly.
J. Merrill says
I’ve been planning to start running this year but was holding off until the weather gets a little nicer. Seeing this makes me realize what a silly excuse I’ve been using!
Kerri Olkjer says
I still live in my (very) small town hometown. I know it sounds funny, but I look forward to coming back to visit after we move…and not living here all the time. 😉