43 year old mom running story

If you like something, like it to the fullest.

If you pursue something, pursue it to the fullest.

Work hard until you can no longer do so.

Strive until you move yourself.

My name is Lulu, a 43-year-old mother and running enthusiast. With 18 weeks of persistence, effort, and sweat, I fulfilled a promise to my son by participating in the 2017 Yangling International Marathon. I completed my first half marathon in 1 hour and 57 minutes, ranking 58th in the women's group.

Despite encountering many difficulties during the preparation period, I persevered because my initial motivation for running the marathon stemmed from a promise to my son.

The day before my marathon was my son's birthday, so I wrote him a letter on this special day.

- A letter to my son -

Dear Son,

Today is your 14th birthday. You are still in dreamland at this moment. First, I want to wish you a happy birthday. I am very happy that you have reached the most important stage of your life at 14. From a legal perspective, you can now bear some legal responsibilities and be accountable for your actions. Physiologically, you have transitioned from a boy to a young man, and you have grown to 1.8 meters tall! Psychologically, you have entered adolescence and have your own thoughts.

Fourteen years ago, you were born, and I became a mother for the first time, not knowing how to care for you. In the first month of your life, I was more worried and anxious. Gradually, as you grew, I successfully transitioned into my role. I still remember the first time you walked, waddling like a little penguin. Slowly, you learned to talk and tell stories. The most memorable moment was your first day at kindergarten. You were tricked into going, and as you cried your heart out, I turned away with tears streaming down my face. That moment, that day, is deeply etched in my heart. The anxiety lasted all day until I picked you up, and you cried out loud when you saw me. We hugged and cried for a long time.

At this moment, I have so much to say to you. Do you remember our long talk last winter? It started with a conflict over your studies. You wanted to go out, and I thought you were running away. You pushed me, and a chair hit my foot, causing it to swell instantly. You looked at me fiercely and then went to get ice. I cried. You were scared and wanted to carry me to the hospital, but I refused. How could I let my underage son carry me? I endured the pain and had a long talk with you until you fell asleep.

You shared your confusion, worries, and pressures. That night, I didn't sleep. I sat by your bed, watching you silently. Thinking back to your fierce look still pains my heart. I have been reflecting; I didn't understand you well enough and had too high expectations.

From waking up to going to bed, I constantly urged you, not giving you the time to grow at your own pace. Because you attend the top-ranked school in the city, I didn't allow you to enjoy the journey. My eagerness for your success was too intense!

I only saw your height of 1.8 meters but overlooked your immature mind. I need to let go. I need to change my mindset to keep up with you. It used to be your father and me taking you to climb mountains and watch the sunrise and sunset. Now, it will be you taking us.

To set an example for you, I started running and set a goal to participate in a marathon.

Do you remember our promise? I said I would give my first marathon medal to my 14-year-old son.

I told you that life has no limits! At 43, I am not young, but I still accompanied you in snowboarding last winter, even though I wasn't as cool as you.

Tomorrow, 43-year-old me will stand at the starting line of a marathon, completing my first marathon. I want to thank you, my son, for giving me the courage! Just like the breakfast I make for you every day, I want each of your days to be as beautiful as a poem.

Son, no matter when, as long as you have dreams, are willing to endure hardships, and can withstand loneliness, you will see flowers bloom.

Life is like a marathon, and running is a form of self-cultivation. As long as you don't give up, nothing can make you retreat. As long as you are strong enough, nothing can defeat you. In long-distance running, the only opponent you must overcome is yourself. Running is an external way of self-growth, letting the body drive the mind. Persistence will bring unexpected experiences, and life requires such persistence to reach the end.

Persistence is not a talent but a skill we must master. When persistence reaches a certain level, it becomes strength. When self-persistence reaches a certain level, it becomes self-enjoyment until you meet the best version of yourself.

You are just starting, and the first five kilometers will be the most painful phase. Many people choose to give up at this point, just like the torment before crossing each pass during a hike. When we grit our teeth and persist, reaching the peak and overlooking the mountains, all the fatigue instantly disappears, replaced by the view of flowers blooming and clouds rolling.

Son, you are about to face your first important moment in life: the high school entrance exam. You know what this means. Thoughts determine success or failure, habits change destiny, and character shapes the future. Developing good habits is key to life. Good habits come from the right attitude. Doing one thing well repeatedly requires such an attitude. Persist in waking up a little earlier, reading a little more, listening more in class, and writing more neatly every day. Hard work pays off.

I just want to tell you: keep dreaming, and walk your path for your dreams. You can make mistakes, regret, and fall, but never give up. I firmly believe that a thriving sapling will grow into a towering tree! My son, in your prime, will surely soar high! I believe you are the best!

- Hard training before the marathon -

My first running competition was the Xi'an City Wall Marathon. Having never run more than 10 kilometers before, I relied on my determination to finish. Although my pace was good at 5:20, I felt utterly exhausted afterward, with severe pain in my left foot and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Since then, I started obsessively researching running books, materials, and videos, cramming running knowledge. I read over 20 professional running books and wrote a thick running diary, learning and practicing techniques like pose running, Tai Chi running, breathing while running, barefoot running, and more.

I followed a 12-week half-marathon beginner plan from a marathon running guide, taking 18 weeks to prepare seriously. To gain more race experience, I participated in the Shaanxi Road Running League: finishing a 10-kilometer race in 57 minutes, ranking 33rd.

Gradually, as my running volume increased, my breathing became smoother, my running posture more standard, and my pace more beautiful. I later participated in the 2017 Oxygen Beauty Mini Marathon 10-kilometer race, achieving a perfect personal best of 50 minutes.

On April 9, 2017, during the Yangling Marathon, it rained heavily throughout. In the rain, I completed the half marathon in 1 hour and 57 minutes, finishing 58th in the women's group at 43 years old.

Achieving such a remarkable result in my first half marathon made me ecstatic. This wouldn't have been possible without daily persistence and the strength my son gave me.

- Running and healthy eating -

Since 2016, I have been making fun breakfasts, wanting to accompany my son through his middle school years with beautiful meals. I wanted him to have a different fun breakfast every day.

I start making breakfast at 6 a.m. every day, spending 20 to 60 minutes. I plan the menu and prepare ingredients the day before or on weekends. On holidays, I create themed breakfasts, such as New Year's snacks, flower buns for the Spring Festival, zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival, mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and gingerbread houses for Christmas.

For my son's health, I make everything myself: from sesame paste, strawberry jam, apple jam, hawthorn jam, to yogurt, luncheon meat, bread, pizza, apple pie, egg rolls, and more.

- Insights from running -

For what you love, endure hardships. For what you dislike, be ruthless. Love yourself, not by satisfying basic desires, but by daring to pursue the life you long for. A woman who loves herself and knows how to treat herself well should be graceful, romantic, idealistic, responsible, courageous, and persevering. She can take care of herself and keep improving.

I am Lulu, and I speak for myself.