My Graduation

13 years ago, I began a journey that has included 4 partners and one stroller. It all began as I bundled up my 2-month old and set out on a run. It was easy at first because she weighed 9 pounds. As the years passed, she grew heavier and heavier...Pre-school was so close and I knew the weight would be lifted to a much lighter partner.


Then running partner number 2 would soon learn the drill as her heavier sister before. She was great because 9 pounds was easy compared to the 30-plus pounds of her pre-school sister. The pounds came on for this little girl too and I wanted to drop my running partner quick. She was weighing me down. Pre-school was her destiny.

Another running partner so small and light. I felt like I had lost 30 lbs as i ditched her sister at preschool. The weight packed on those cute chubby cheeks just like it had done to her two sisters. She knew her free ride was coming to an end on my stroller. I can only run so far pushing a not-so-aero-dynamic stroller.

Partner #4 is probably my best rider. He begs to go on runs and has probably been more miles than any of the other girls. Same stroller I started with 13 years ago is the same stroller I am finishing with. No more pushing kids, no more crying partners, no more extra weight and yet you think I would be excited. My graduation is here and I am not ready to go into the world of running alone without my partners. Pre-school is coming for my 35 pound partner. No lighter partner is aroung the corner to take his place.

No more bird seed to be thrown as I run...no more reminder to stretch my achilles...no more "run faster, like a roller coaster"...no more "great job, Mom, you are fast!" Just me. Congrats to me. I think I need to get myself a graduation gift...new iPod!

Would it be weird to push an empty stroller to help me ease into it:)