Ode to a Runner

By Melanie Wilson

Oh to be a runner! My Dad ran regularly when I was growing up.  Looking back I really wish I had joined him. If we realized how important our health was as children then just maybe we would be a healthier society.  Not long ago if someone asked me what I did for exercise I would have told them I walk, when I can, around the block; I would then justify my lack of exertion by explaining that I am the mother of 5 children and that I work full time and… well, at that point I would just attempt to slink away.  It wasn’t that I was being lazy, no; I had a serious lack of confidence. I was convinced that I couldn’t possibly run.  Luckily my best friend disagreed. She started dragging me along (literally) on her runs. I slowed her down but she knew I could do it and before long I was! Since then I have moved to Colorado where there are trails, sidewalks, fields, yards and open spaces everywhere! I really wanted to call myself a runner and now I feel confident enough to do so. I now run at least 4 times a week if not more and have helped to develop a running club at Jax called “Jax Be Nimble” (clever huh?).  I have learned that it isn’t about having the right clothes, a gym membership, or even the perfect sneakers.  It’s about moving the right way for your body to get it to keep moving forward. People always ask me if I LOVE to run. No, I love my children, I love to eat, I love how it feels to sit down after running. I have not gained the ability yet to get lost in the act of running like some do.; every step takes conscious effort but what I do love is how I feel about myself afterwards (you know, while I am sitting).  I have yet to run a race but the “Jax Be Nimble” team has signed up for a half marathon in early June! If you have ever said “I can’t run”, you were probably wrong.  Just put one foot in front of the other a little quicker than you do already.  You won’t regret it! Now wish me luck.

Signed,

A Runner!