Friday, June 19, 2009

Father's Day & Race Goals

First, just a little tribute to the dads in my life. Neither of them run, but both of them support and inspire me to keep running. My husband constantly says he doesn't get running. He says he stopped running and riding his bike when he got his driver's license. But even if he doesn't get it, he is (most of the time) very good about watching Sophie so I can go out and get my miles in. And he's a wonderful dad to Sophie, so I can run nearly guilt free knowing that Sophie is getting the chance to have some one on one time with daddy.

My father-in-law is also a big inspiration to me. I have always looked up to him, but last year he was diagnosed with diabetes. He was placed on meds, but immediately changed his diet and started exercising. In less than 3 months, he was able to go off the medications because he had completely overhauled his lifestyle. Everytime I get tired during a race or feel like slacking off, I think of the commitment he's made to being healthier and the example he sets at every meal and it helps me keep going.

So Happy Father's Day to the two Eugenes, and to all the other dads out there!

Finally, some race goals. I mostly want to have fun. I really, really want to break two hours. But I won't cry myself to sleep if I don't make it. I haven't been doing any real specific training since my marathon last month - rather, I've just been trying to maintain my fitness. I developed a little plan to really work on my half-marathon speed between now and my next half in August, so I know I'll have another chance if I miss my goal tomorrow. It's going to be an early morning - I'm meeting my friend Cheryl to drive to Duluth at 3:30 a.m. I thought I would get a good night's sleep in the bank last night, but Sophie had other plans for me (specifically between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.). Oh well.

To pump myself up for tomorrow (and because I finally have a court-free day!), I'm wearing my run like a mother t-shirt I picked up at the expo last night. Check it out here. These girls have lots of cute stuff.

Have a great weekend!

13 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

great tribute to the dad's :) Have a fabulous weekend! Enjoy the race this weekend, look forward to hearing about it!

Matt (No Meat Athlete) said...

Hi Heather, I just found your blog through another one. I like the story about your father-in-law. Stuff like that, where people just get themselves in shape and cure all these problems, are so inspirational to me.

tfh said...

What a nice tribute! Hope you have a wonderful race tomorrow. You're a tough mama-- which means you can do great regardless of how much sleep you get!

Sarah said...

Hope you have a great race! I LOVE that shirt...too cute!

X-Country2 said...

What a great post. I'm lucky to have a fantastic dad and a fantastic dad-in-law in my life. :o)

GOod luck this weekend!

runner26 said...

i just came across your blog~ i also ran green bay in 2002--it was crazy hot that year! but still lots of fun. Congrats on your big PR!

ShutUpandRun said...

Hey Heather - good luck with your race. Really looking forward to the race report...

Marlene said...

Have a great weekend and GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

Running Through Life said...

Run like a mother, how clever!!!

It is awesome to have support and congrats to you FIL for not letting diabetes get the best of him.

joyRuN said...

Good luck tomorrow! Hope you get your sub-2 (that's my goal for this year too, but the way I've been running, it'd be miraculous if I get there).

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you got some good dads in your life. Hope the race goes well. Cute shirt.

Erika said...

Have a great race and a wonderful weekend!

MCM Mama

I Run for Fun said...

Great attitude about the race. Hope you had a great time. Look forward to the report.