Running: A Family Affair
As the home-educating mother of ten children, ages 14 months – 24 years, I have used exercise to maintain a proper weight and promote a sense of well being for many years. To be fit has been a priority for me, but not to the exclusion of family time. Incorporating my family into physical fitness has provided an opportunity to teach by example. It facilitates working together, encouraging each other and learning self-discipline.
I began running after our eighth child was born with a “walk-run” program. This program involved beginning each workout with stretching then alternating walking for three minutes with running for one minute. The total workout was thirty minutes long. This approach allowed me to include the children in the exercise – it was not too strenuous and everyone could proceed at their own pace. We quickly progressed until we were running together longer distances.
This shared enjoyment of running led to entering several local races. Living near Mobile, Alabama, which is the home of the Azalea Trail Run, provided a convenient “1 Mile Fun Run” for the younger children while the older ones ran the “10K” race. The ribbons won by the younger children were greeted with just as much enthusiasm as the medals won by the older children. Other races which we have participated in include the charity races, “Race for Recovery” (5K) and “Toys for Tots” (10K and half-marathon).
How, you might ask, did so many family members desire to become involved? Enthusiasm is contagious. The exhilaration gained from running, as well as, the sense of accomplishment at progressing in physical abilities, brought enthusiasm. This enthusiasm encouraged the other family members to participate. Collecting t-shirts from the various races, which were worn proudly, also caused a desire in others to become involved.
What is the key to training? In my opinion, a detailed training plan is vital. This plan should contain stretching, which is of utmost importance in the prevention of injury. A slow, steady increase in distance is also important as it allows the body to gain strength thus decreasing the chance of injury. Attention should also be given to proper running shoes, diet and the appropriate amount of sleep.
Running can be a satisfying, lifelong form of exercise. The many rewards range from race t-shirts to physical fitness. As with any new exercise program, it must be undertaken slowly, giving special attention to how your body is responding to the new demands placed upon it. Many resources are available to help with a training plan, the fit of shoes, running attire and nutritional suggestions. Take the time to research which options are best for you.
About the author: Dina-Marie Oswald, along with her husband and 10 children, reside in Texas. The family moved from a secure life in Alabama (with a paycheck) in 2008, to west Texas to start a vineyard (no paycheck yet!). Dina-Marie shares her family’s adventures at Dimes2Vines.com.
That’s very inspiring.