It was freezing outside, and they had just run the day before. I was confused because they didn't usually run two days in a row. I wasn't a runner yet, but both of my parents were. My dad had already run marathons and my mom was just a few years away from her first one. I didn't quite understand the draw of that kind of exercise, but I knew that they loved running and especially loved running together.
Before they headed out I asked why the second run in two days, and my dad said something I will always remember:
"Always end the year with a run, and begin the year with a run."
It would be quite a few more years before I became a runner myself, but once I did, I found myself repeating that mantra as each year drew to a close and a new year began. And even though I, too, rarely run two days in a row, I always find myself lacing up my sneakers in the morning on New Years Eve and again on New Years Day.
I have never been one for new years resolutions; for promising to do things I would most likely never do. But these annual runs are the closest I get. They are a small promise to myself that I am ending a year and starting a year as I mean to go on. As a runner.
And this year was no different. This morning I hit the road for my first run of the year, my second in as many days. I layered up against the frigid air, and as my muscles warmed into their familiar rhythm I felt a sense of pride in what I have trained myself to do these past few years. I had the streets to myself, and I found myself thinking of all the 2012 runs that have passed, and all the 2013 runs still to come.
Always end the year with a run and begin the year with a run.
Check.
Before they headed out I asked why the second run in two days, and my dad said something I will always remember:
"Always end the year with a run, and begin the year with a run."
It would be quite a few more years before I became a runner myself, but once I did, I found myself repeating that mantra as each year drew to a close and a new year began. And even though I, too, rarely run two days in a row, I always find myself lacing up my sneakers in the morning on New Years Eve and again on New Years Day.
I have never been one for new years resolutions; for promising to do things I would most likely never do. But these annual runs are the closest I get. They are a small promise to myself that I am ending a year and starting a year as I mean to go on. As a runner.
And this year was no different. This morning I hit the road for my first run of the year, my second in as many days. I layered up against the frigid air, and as my muscles warmed into their familiar rhythm I felt a sense of pride in what I have trained myself to do these past few years. I had the streets to myself, and I found myself thinking of all the 2012 runs that have passed, and all the 2013 runs still to come.
Always end the year with a run and begin the year with a run.
Check.
 |
| New Years Day Run |
 |
| Post New Years Run Latte |
I am not a runner but I love the way you do the same thing on the last day of the year as you do on the first. Especially since it is off routine for you. It's such a unique way of marking the beginning of a new year.
ReplyDeleteYes, and it has been such a good and fun way for me to mark the endings and the beginnings.
DeleteI did the same thing! This is so exciting to me, because I found myself feeling the exact same way. Especially because I was injured this time last year, so I was grateful to my body for being healthy enough to get out there these past 2 days.
ReplyDeleteYes! Even though I had to drag myself out of the house this morning, it was so worth it. Here's to a running filled (and injury-free) 2013!
DeleteThat is good advice! But I am soooo not a runner. :P
ReplyDeleteI think it could apply to anything, not just exercise :)
DeleteWhat a great piece of advice and I like that yourvparents passed on their love of running to you, while your Dad passed on these words that you've now passed on. Cool post!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely a running family now :)
DeleteI like this idea! I always feel a little irritated on New Year's Day that I can't do my favourite exercise (kickboxing or zumba classes - and it's not the same by myself) because the gym and dance studio aren't doing classes that day. This post made me wish I still liked running!
ReplyDeleteI always thought the gyms should do classes on new years day. So many people want to kick start their years!
DeleteWhat color finger nail polish are you wearing? because I love it. And I totally agree. I ran today and also did yoga. Gonna be a good one!
ReplyDeleteIt's Essie Merino Cool...My most favorite fall/winter color. And yes, gonna be a great one!
DeleteThought provoking advice. It has got me thinking about how I could end and then begin each DAY with the something I love. Maybe stretching...or a prayer...thanks for the inspiration! And happy running :)
ReplyDeleteGreat way to start and end the year. I also went for a run this morning. Feels so good to start the year off doing something healthy.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could do it but it's WAY too cold here!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the sentiment. I am not a runner unless I am playing basketball or running from cossacks.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally not a runner, but yes, this could apply to anything. I love this tradition!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how powerful our parent's words can be? I'm fascinated about why that comment stuck with you and ended up shaping your views on exercise and health. And life, really. It's such a positive, symbolic thing to do. Begining and ending your years with physical exertion, you must feel so empowered!
ReplyDeleteLeslie (aka Gwen Moss)
I so loved reading this! My two bffs do a New Years Eve run every year at midnight, complete with champagne, so sad I missed it this year!
ReplyDeleteImpressive. After the past month of eating/drinking/sitting, I could *seriously* use a run.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing for your parents to pass on to you -- so much better than some of the terrible habits other parents pass on to their kids :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
What a neat thing to do and how special that it's a tradition from your parents! I'll bet that latte really hit the spot!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tradition. I have only run sporadically, but I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I get into a routine.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll adjust it to beginning and ending with a nice walk. I miss walking more - getting back to it though!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cool tradition. And how awesome is it that your parents run together? My husband and I have trained a lot together, but not so much lately. I love running alone, but I do miss his company.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Happy New Year, Samantha!
Wonderful advice and a lovely tradition that you are upholding! It's too late for me this year, but I won't forget this at the end of the year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gift your father gave you with that quote. I'm an avid biker, but since the weather got cold, I've gotten into running - and am thoroughly enjoying it! Love how you framed this post around your father's quote and then related it to your life now.
ReplyDeletelove the mantra. but i'm thinking maybe i'll end the winter with a run and begin the spring with a run. i'm a fair weather runner! i do think i'll replace the dunkin donuts for the new year. end with one.. begin with one. i like it! :)
ReplyDelete