More than miles

One of the things I am (sort of) dreading about really getting into distance training again for the Ragnar Relay is focusing on the mileage.  Because I don't want my entire week to be defined by how many miles I did.  My kids are little and while I love for them to be exposed to an active lifestyle, I don't want to cross that line where they feel like ALL that I do is run.  They will only be little for so long and I don't want to look back, regretting not spending more time with them. 

So I absolutely love it when a run turns into a fun fitness experience for the whole family.  As a part of our weekly routine, we usually take my older son to school and then my daughter and I do the 3 mile loop with her in the jogger.  We did this last week . . . our 3 mile loop took longer than it should have, but we bird watched, we chatted, she got out and raced me a few times.  Those were the best three miles of the week, even if they were the slowest.  Or day like today, when the 1 mile trip to school becomes a race to who see can bike the fastest (while I wheeze and groan as I try to keep up with the two of them on foot).   Because while I want to get stronger, be faster, and go longer, I also want my kids to love that I do it.  So that they will continue to love it too. 

So while I strive to improve myself every day, I also focus on more than just the miles.  Living a life with no regrets.  Helping others on their journey through encouragement and kind words.  Helping my kids grow up to be productive, responsible individuals that can change their own little corner of the world.

Make the things you do count.  Count your miles, but also count the ways you make positive changes--in your life and in the lives of others.  In your kids.  In your friends at the gym.  In the way you treat a perfect stranger.

Have a marvelous Monday!