The Things We Do For Love

First, let me explain a little bit about my exercise routine. I occasionally walk on the treadmill and feel like a fitness queen when I do my 15-minute mile. I've never done more than two miles, which means I'm not exactly in the best physical shape.

So when my sweet Sophia joined a running club, I was so excited for her since I, obviously, never offered to run with her. She ran with Girls on the Run after school and loved it. She even signed up to run a 5k! I was so proud of her. My little girl running a real race where she'd have a number and get a medal.

My excitement for her soon turned to dread, however, the day she came home and said those words I'll never forget, "Mom, we have to have a running partner when we run the 5k. Will you run with me?"

Inside I was saying, "Holy crap!" But on the outside, I said, "Of course I'll run with you."

Now, let me explain that I also dislike the cold. This race took place in December -- when it's cold. So here are two things I don't enjoy -- running and cold weather, and I was going to be subjected to both of them.

Sophia started to worry about my running abilities and asked me if I was going to train for it. She said she didn't want to come in last place. I really did intend to train a little, but honestly with work and life going on, I never fit it in.

I did, however, have time to shop for new running shoes and an outfit to run in. My friends told me I should break in my shoes, so one day I wore them shopping and hoped that would be enough. I kept telling everyone I was running my first marathon and my so-called friends kept laughing at me and telling me it wasn't a marathon. I told them that for my body, it was a marathon. My friend who is an avid runner made sure I knew that the 5k I was stressing over, was just a warm-up for her. I know, rude. I need to find some non-runner friends.

The morning of the race it was 30 degrees. Sophia was still nervous about coming in last, but I was hoping there were people in worst shape than I was running the race.

We both got our numbers and felt so official as we stood at the starting line. My goal was just to keep up with Sophia. So when she ran, I ran. When she wanted to walk, I walked. But we both started running when we heard Chris call our names and realized he was video taping us. So all the video and pictures show us running.

When we saw the finish line, we sprinted to the end and I was so proud of Sophia. I was so grateful to her for asking me to do this with her because I would've never done this on my own, or for anyone else. When we were done, she said she wanted to run another one in the spring. I told her that would be great, but this time I really need to train a little. The days after the race, I was so sore. Not just my legs, but every part of my body. My body was punishing me for getting off the couch!

At least for our next race I know what to expect, lots of pain. But at least I have the outfit for it and the perfect running partner!