Half Way There: Running with the Boys

I started running late in life, when I was in my late-30s. I used to hate running, but when I decided to take better care of myself, I realized that cycling and running were perfect ways to get fit while spending reflective time alone. I do not like group fitness activities as a rule, and love long solitary walks, runs or cycle rides.

I have done many 5Ks, 1 10K, and have started and stopped training for long runs several times. I've had many beautiful runs: my regular route along the Thames and up Richmond Hill in Richmond, England, when I lived there for six months; the run along Sydney Harbour; up the Golden Mile along the lake in Chicago. I still have aspirations to do a long race, a half or full marathon, ideally before or soon after I turn 50. But in the last few years, I have continued to enjoy running just for its own sake, for the fitness benefit, for being outdoors or surprising myself. And, more recently, I have enjoyed running as a way of bonding with both my sons.

I first ran with Jaime when we were still in the UK; we did a Princess Trust run and a Lego fun run, and did several more 5Ks when we first got to Westfield, including the annual Pizza Fun Run. We recently did the Cranford July 4 Firecracker 4 Mile Run.

Prince's Trust, Legoland, Windsor

Westfield Turkey Trot, Tamaques Park

Westfield 5K Pizza Fun Run

Cranford July 4 Firecracker 4 Miler

And this year, I started running with Javi as well. He and I did the Pizza Fun Run again; I was hoping Jaime could join us as well, but it was fitting that Javi and I did the run on our own. A very enjoyable run, I was so proud of Javi for finishing and for having so much fun.