Running . . . . a Way of Life

Casey and I have been reading a lot of running quotes lately.  Here are a few we like:
"Run for your life" 

"Make an effort not an excuse!"

"If it was easy, everyone would do it!" 

 "Believe you can do it. Think no other way but 'Yes you can.' The human body is capable of considerably more physical endurance than most of us realize."
-Paul Reese

This one we especially love:

"People ask why I run. I say, If you have to ask, you will never
understand. It is something only those select few know. Those who put
themselves through pain, but know, deep down, how good it really
feels." -Erin Leonard

In 2008 after Ella was born Casey lost 80 pounds.  He did this by eating healthier and running on a daily basis.  He has been in a total of 40 races (a couple of 25k's, several half marathons and countless others).  I watched how Casey would come back from his runs with a calm over him.  I was always envious.  After Colby was born in 2010 I decided to try my hand at running.  It wasn't easy to get started.  There were many times in the beginning when I felt like crying and quitting.  My muscles hurt, my lungs burned and my mind told me to quite.  With Casey's encouragement I kept at it and now I am addicted!  I once said I would never run a half marathon and I just completed my first one this spring.  I have signed up for another this fall.  Casey will be doing a 50K and a marathon this fall as well.  When people ask us "Why do you run?" I can honestly say it is more than just the act of  running.  It is the rush you get during a run, it is the euphoric feeling you get when you have pushed yourself to run further than you though you could, it means family time together, it means running "dates" for Casey and I, it means being out in nature, it means feeling a general body calmness when you are done, it means being lost in your thoughts and it means teaching our children to live an active healthy lifestyle.   Running has become a way of life for us and we are a better family unit because of it. 

Our blog is usually about our kids but this time the video is about the many running events we have taken part in :)  I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did making it!