I’ve been running my whole life. Literally. My mom ran all 9 months that she was pregnant with me – so, blame her. The first few pictures in my baby album are of me and my Nike running shoes. I didn’t have a chance. Me + Running = Destiny.
I could think of worse things to love. Plus, I run to counter balance all of the margaritas (beer/wine/chocolate/candy/junk food/extra sharp cheddar cheese) I consume. (Me + No Running = not a pretty site.)
So, I have some history with running – and, here goes:
1982: KP runs all nine months of pregnancy.
1983: Fashion forward daughter, MP (that’s me), is seen sporting Nike running shoes around town.
1989: Family moves to the country of Panama. MP, age 6, is on the Ft. Clayton [school] track team. (Yes, you heard me correctly – Panama has a track team for 6 year olds.) Team Mascot: a Cyclone. On Fridays she is seen sporting the orange and black uniform to school. It looks good on her – plus she has a track meet. NBD (no big deal).
1994: At age 10 (almost 11), her family moves to West Point, NY, where MP continues to run but is a little disappointed that Panama is the only place ever to have an organized track team for under-age co-eds. No track for her – at least not until high school. James I. O’Neill, circa 1997, MP rocks the sh*t out of some running. Decides to take up hurdles and does even more damage. Still holds the school record in the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay. (Let’s not fool anyone, though, there were, like, 500 people at O’Neill).
2000: The P’s move to Florida. MP takes up cross country, too, as another form of exercise. Is often heard screaming, “I HATE cross country” to KP at meets. Runs the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, 400m and 4x400m relay. Qualifies for the 3A State track meet. Still holds the school record for the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and 4x400m relay. Promises to one day furnish a rubber track for Satellite High School.
2001: MP is offered a track and field scholarship to the University of Central Florida – and accepts. Often times, friends and fellow athletes are not sure if she is a scholarship athlete or full-time sorority girl. Don’t think she was entirely sure either (blame it on the margaritas)!
2005-2006: MP decides she actually likes running more than 3 miles (no more screaming/yelling at KP) and runs a handful of half-marathons.
2007- present: MP moves to DC and convinces KP to start running the Army 10 Miler with her. ATM becomes a mother-daughter tradition. MP meets BJ (!!) and he convinces her to throw triathlons into the mix, too.
There you have it – that’s a legit, no joke, timeline – and I owe it all to KP. Not to get cheesy, but I’m thankful that my mom loves to run (if it weren’t for her, I might be some menace to society). Instead, I’m a runner with a margarita-drinking problem. No worries, I got that from her, too…
My all-favorite part about being a mother-daughter running duo: throwin’ back a couple of margaritas after a 10 mile run!
I love you, Mom!
I must say that your profile picture is AMAZING!! LOVE YOU MEL!
Great post! My mom was always a runner, too, but sadly I didn't pick it up until MUCH later in life and am no kind of athlete. 😉 Now she's gotten back into it and I'm trying to convince her to do a half marathon with me!
Awesome – I hope she does it with you! Actually, I ran my 1st half marathon with my mom and sisters – it was fun to accomplish a half with them! Good luck! 🙂
My mom was a runner too but I used to hate running and only thought of it as a means for me to play soccer and bball! Great post about your mom. You are super speedy in track! I always did pentathlon in high school track and then my coach convinced me to do heptathlon in college.
I am humbled and honored Loyd. Thanks for the awesome kudos! You are the best #1 daughter. Loubelle is the best #2 daughter and Lil KP is the best #3 daughter. I am BLESSED! P.S. did I tell you today that I love you. I love you.
luv u,
MOM
What a great post! And what a neat bond you share with your mom. Thanks for sharing y'all's story!
OMG! I love this post! How cute! And such a neat timeline! You should make one for your mom and include pictures for her birthday or something. Running is something you can share together! What a neat thing to have! 🙂 YAY!
Mom is a commenting suche! ha ha
Ummmm where is your new post. Pretty sure you have a lot to say about some fun memories in the RAIN!