Well, here we are again.  I’ve let 2 weeks go by without a single post!  Lots has happened since then, but I am happy to report that my self designed running streak continues!  And if you’re interested in streaking, which I highly recommend, check out the Runner’s World Holiday streak that starts on Thanksgiving day and ends on New Year’s and yes even though I’ll be running the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in between that time, I’m signing up for that streak too.  And yes, I fully recognize that I have a problem, but better that I’m running as opposed to shoving food in my face which is the other alternative…

Anyway, this weekend proved to be a real challenge.  I was at my brother and sister in-law’s house for my nephew’s 9th birthday.    They happen to live in a beautiful spot, that is every child’s dream, out in the country in Southeast Oklahoma.   I love going to visit them and my niece and nephew with one exception – there’s literally nowhere to run unless I drive 10 miles into town.  They live on a very loose gravel road with no shoulder and lots of heavy truck traffic and unfettered dogs.  So in 9 years of going to visit them I’ve never run unless I happen to be staying at a hotel in town. 

This is what all of the roads around their house look like.

This weekend I decided I wasn’t giving up the streak so after consulting with my brother, I ran the same 1/2 mile stretch of road- free from rabid dogs and trucks -over and over and over and over and over again to get 3 miles. 

The Road to Nowhere

It wasn’t fun, it wasn’t pretty; but I did manage 3.2 miles this morning, not counting the laps around the yard I ran with my most beloved running partners, my nieces. I love that my nieces are interested in my running!  And even though we don’t go far and we don’t go fast it is fun to run with my girls.  There were also several games of tag, hide n go seek and we did jump on the trampoline. I love being active with my nieces and nephews and I hope I am setting a good example for them.   

Runner Girls!

I find it somewhat ironic that when I was my nephew’s age, I hated PE and could never finish the obstacle course in the right amount of time.  Now, each run is a small victory for that girl.  Oh the places you go when you lace up your running shoes and head out the door!

If you have kids or niece and nephews or grandkids what do you do to help them live a health and active lifestyle?