Salem State Runner Shares Love with Family

The following article was contributed by Jennifer Fuller.

All of my life, I have been coached by someone else, either through soccer or running. 

Recently, I discovered what it feels like to be the coach instead of the athlete.  This summer, I suggested that my 48-year-old mother start running with me.  Although my mom was healthy and was in fairly good shape, she had never consistently exercised. 

Each day, we would go over to the local trails and start running together.  Every few minutes, I would run back to her and let her know how much time had passed.  I quickly discovered how much patience is required to be a good coach. 

When my mom first started training, she did not enjoy running.  She felt that running was boring and painful.  Naturally, we started her off with only running a couple minutes and then walking.  Initially, she was frustrated and wanted to see results fast.  I encouraged her and promised that her hard work would eventually pay off. 

Over the next month, my mom made tremendous progress.  Not only was my mom able to run longer without stopping, but she also began to enjoy running.  Each time she ran longer without walking, she was very proud.  Running was no longer boring and painful for her.  It was fun.  She also started to see results.  She was losing weight and gaining lean muscle.  I was so proud of her.

Throughout the summer, running soon became a thing that my mom and I shared.  After a long day, it was so nice to go outside and forget about our hectic days.  It was a chance for us to talk, laugh, and catch up with one another.  When the summer ended and I went back to college, my mom was nervous that she wouldn't be able to keep running consistently.  But she did.  My dad started going with her.  They now run together every day.

I went home in October the day  after a cross-country race.  The next day, my parents suggested that we all go for a run.  Running has become a huge part of their lives.  It was exciting to see the progression of someone who initially was not able to run more than two minutes without stopping to someone who can run 35 minutes consistently and regularly throughout the week. 

It has been wonderful to share my passion of running with my family.  It's very likely that my parents will live longer and healthier lives.  I highly recommend sharing something you love with those you love.