Why a runner?

One of the best traits I feel I have from my bull headedness is my dedication and determination.  Dedication to see a goal through to the end, and determination to not give up when I hear someone tell me no.  Working, as I do, as a one-woman office, requires that determination.  When the chips fall, who is going to pick them up?  If I hear no from someone I've worked hard to persuade, how am I going to react?  It's all my choice on how I react.  The best thing I have found is to pick myself up, persevere, and find a different route to take.

Perseverance...  Not a bad trait to have!

Growing up I was never someone who would volunteer to help with farm chores.  Yes, I would help when I had to, but volunteering was something that rarely occurred.  On a 60 acre farm there was always plenty to do, but somehow I weaseled my way out of having a true "farm girl" childhood.  Just ask my brother.  He can tell you.

The big chores normally fell to him.  He helped my dad pick up horse manure, spread the manure on the fields, feed the horses (to create more manure)... you get the point.  These chores are not easy or fun, but he did them without complaining.  My brother had determination and dedication long before me.

A couple of years ago I noticed that in my life I was lacking follow through.  Or, in other words, I was lacking dedication and determination.  In an effort to instill some of those traits into my life I took up running.  For those of  you who have tried running, you know it's not something you start in your 20s and just fall in love with.  It's like red wine - it's an acquired taste. 

It's an acquired taste I did not have in the beginning, and it took me a long time to adapt.  I started running with my sister in law and aunt.  It's a good thing I had them to push, prod, and pull me along. 

We set before ourselves (all beginner runners) the goal of running a 1/2 marathon.  Most people hear that my first race was a 1/2 marathon and instantly understand that I'm a little crazy.  It's was a crazy goal.  However, after months and months of training, complaining, shopping (a runner must have the right shoes, shirt, pants, and socks - duh!), and running, I crossed the line at the Heart of the Rockies Half Marathon in 2 hours and 47 minutes.  (Yes, I know... no records here.  But I did it and that's what matters.)

So, I guess the lesson here is that my brother is much more emotionally advanced than myself, and my running has helped allow my inner bull out.  Slow bull that it may be.

Hope you all can find a little bull in your life to let run free!

PS - I really like Urban Dictionary.  In an effort to find a more flattering definition of bull-headed I looked there, and I found this very nice definition.  Just replace "Andrew Repine" with "Bull Headed Babe" and any male reference to female, and you can see why I like it much better.

Urban dictionary definition number 2 - The trait possessed by Andrew Repine and his family members. It exemplifies a person who takes the extra steps to get ahead in life and distinguish himself from the pack. Future billionaire, leader, family man, adviser, and friend.