I have a new running coach...

Sophie and I were home alone one night and I wanted to go running. I didn't think I should leave her alone, so I asked her if she wanted to come. "Sure Daddy" was her reply. I was instantly worried that she would get tired. I told her how far I was going, and she tried to relate the distance to how far away school is. The school is only 3/4 of a mile, so I was worried when she told me how tired she gets when she rides her bike to school and back! I went outside to stretch, and she followed me. "What are you doing Daddy?" "Warming up honey" I said. She then proceeded to go get her bike for the big run. The first thing I said to Sophie when we left was, "we don't talk a lot when Daddy is running Ok?" "Why Daddy," she asked. From the time we left to the time we got home, she talked and rode and talked and rode. If her mouth could have powered her bike we could have gone 10 miles! Every time I looked back at her, she had a huge smile on her face, and her beautful blond hair was waving in the wind. It reminded me of people who run with their dogs. She was always 10-15 feet behind me, and was happy the entire time! She was so excited when we got home! She felt a sense of accomplishment. I even enjoyed myself (to my own surprise). The next time I went, I invited her again. This time when I went out front to stretch and warm up, she followed me and said "are you gonna warm up Dad?" "Yes babe" I said, and this is where the pictures begin.

The second time we ran I had my GPS watch on. It beeps every 1/4 mile to notify me of the distance. Right after we left the house Sophie said to me "Dad does your watch beep when I talk to much?" I almost had to stop running I was laughing so hard. I thought to myself, if that were the case, that watch would be sounding a siren! I love you Sophie, you can ride and talk with me any time you want! Just don't be offended when I don't answer!

written by : Scott