Life lately has been all about choices and sacrifices. I have made a choice to re-enter the work force (albeit part time as a substitute teacher until I can secure a full time job).
My choice to work means that I am sacrificing my me time and solo running opportunities. I am totally okay with my choice.
When I homeschooled the boys back in California, I needed the alone time that marathon training gave me. That was the only time I was alone. I needed that time to regroup, refocus, and gain back my sense of self.
Now that my boys are in school full time, when they are home… and we all are home as a family I don’t have the same desire to sneak off to run for hours alone. I want to spend time with them… quality time. I miss them.
Choosing to spend my time wisely means that I am making a sacrifice with my running. Time is love.
I miss running. I love how I feel when I run. I love my boys and I don’t want to look back on my life and wish I had spent more time with them.
My boys are growing up super fast right before my eyes. Pretty soon I won’t be able to convince them to go on a late afternoon family hike because of their busy social and sports life. I want to enjoy these moments while I can.
I also wanted to use this time to reconnect with my husband. Life is so busy that we rarely have time to talk uninterrupted and just breathe the same air space. This hike and this past weekend was great for us.
This past weekend was all about family and time is love. We attempted to create fun activities that involved nature and outdoors to bring our family closer. We hiked, played, grilled hotdogs, and threw/kicked lots of balls.
There were lots of moments on our hike that the two younger boys were all about “Mommy take a picture of me here!” or “Mommy take a picture of this leaf growing out of my head!” Or “Don’t I look so cute like this!?”
The leaves are starting to change colors and fall to the ground. There were so many great photo opportunities to take and share with you… but I will leave you with this last photo from our hike back to the car on the bike trail.
Saturday evening, after a morning full of soccer and football games, we loaded up the van and headed to a camp site for a few hours. No camping… just using the site as a fire pit and green space to play. We grilled hot dogs, listened to the KC Royals game, threw/kicked lots of balls and just enjoyed being outdoors together.
I only wish that my iPhone camera could share with you the view I saw. I guess my mental memory will have to suffice.
I enjoyed watching my two youngest boys play with each other all evening… uninterrupted. They laughed, giggled, rolled, were mischievous and had a blast.
I may not be running a lot of miles lately. I know that I sacrificed not running the Rock N Roll STL half marathon this weekend due to this sacrifice…. but it is a choice that needed to be made, and I am okay with it.
Maureen says
Nothing is as important as family….you sacrificing and making choices to be with your family is to be commended. I bet hanging around the campsite and listening to a game on the radio was super cool!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Family and happiness are the most important things. It’s a.ok for running to take a backseat as long as you are still enjoying life, which it looks like you are :).
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Life is all about choices isn’t it? There is always another race to do but you can’t get back the time you miss with your family. I love how connected you all are!
Cristina says
I absolutely relate. What I learned, or am learning, is that I don’t need to train for ironman to be a triathlete or a marathon to be a runner. There are times in life that my fitness goals are smaller and my work or family goals are bigger. As long as it’s a conscious choice of balance, it’s all good
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
There is nothing more important than family. Life is all about choices, and you should never feel guilty about choosing to prioritize your family over running. It looks like you and the family are enjoying your time together, which is just an added bonus.
Debbie says
Life (and parenting)is all about making the choices and sacrifices necessary for our loved ones. Each person must make their own. Don’t forget that you’re important too. I’m happy to hat you are enjoying such quality time with your family.
Marcia says
I hear you loud and clear. I didn’t run RnRSTL for the same reasons. I’ve been over-booked on the running front and needed more family time. Sounds like it was the right choice for both of us.
jenn says
It looks like you made a wise decision – spending time with your family and loved ones is absolutely the most important thing. I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I get this. I wish I could turn back the clock. I miss my little boys. My big boys are around but not so much. Enjoy them while they’re little!
Kate @KateMovingForward says
You’re right–family is the most important thing and these years go quickly! Right now I’m in a season of less as far as fitness and I’m really okay with it. I love running and lifting heavier weights, but right now my focus is elsewhere and I know I can always pick it up again when I’m ready. Appreciate your honesty!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
GIrl, I so needed to read this right now. I’m in the stage with one little guy still at home and right now running is my ME time and the ONLY me time. But I see where this is headed and I think it will be the same way for me. I’m inspired by you to make that happen! Thank you for the reminder!!
jill conyers says
When making these choices I always think at the time it’s a hard choice to make. Then, I look back and think there really never was a choice. There’s nothing more important than family time.
Ariana says
Spending time with family is one of those things that is definitely worth making sacrifices for. There will always be runs and races and training sessions, but precious moments with your family don’t last forever!
MCM Mama Runs says
Enjoy them while they are little! My boys are older and I feel like I seldom have weekends like that with them any more as we spend too much time running around to scheduled activities and sports.