Elise, My Little Runner

This morning while Carter was at school I took Elise for a 4 mile run in the stroller. When we were done running we headed over to the playground to play. We'd been playing for a while when she started running and asked me to chase her so we played chase for a while. Then she told me we were gonna run but she didn't want me to chase her anymore and she took off running toward the trail. I figured she'd run a little bit out and then we'd head back but she just wanted to keep running so about 1/10th of a mile out I had her turn back around so we could get the stroller which had my phone and keys in it. Then we took off running again. She'd stop every once in a while for a breath and then yell, "Go! Run!" at me and take off again. She'd giggle as she ran and had the biggest smile on her face. If I stopped to walk so I could take video, she'd tell me to "RUN!" I kept thinking she'd be done at any moment but she just kept going. When we hit 3/4 of a mile I told her it was time to turn around so we could go pick Carter up and she was not having it. She kept pointing in the other direction while crying and saying, "Run!" I kept telling her she could keep running but we had to run the other way. She didn't want to so I finally had to put her in the stroller because she kept trying to run in the opposite direction.

All together I'd say Elise ran a little less than a mile with short little breather breaks dispersed throughout. She never walked, it was either running or standing for a break. It was just the cutest thing and I loved that it made her so happy! Carter started really liking to run when he was her age and would want to run on the trail sometimes rather than play. He'd usually make it about a quarter of a mile before wanting to walk. I couldn't believe how far Elise ran! My mom was talking about signing Elise up for a mile fun run at one of our races this summer and I was a little leery since Carter loved to run but never liked to run races until recently, but I'd say after our morning run today Elise would probably love it! My little runners make me so happy! I don't care if they ever want to compete or run races, I just love that they like to be active and exercise and will take care of their bodies which in turn leads to great mental health benefits. No matter your pace or ability level, keep trucking along!