The Hungry Runner Girl: TO BE A CHILD AGAIN

Monday, January 10, 2011

TO BE A CHILD AGAIN

Today I have been thinking a lot about how amazing children truly are.

Why are they so happy naturally and always down for a good time?

Why are they so accepting of everyone around them and why do they laugh 8 times more than adults every day?

1-They eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Food isn't a drug for them or a way to COPE with life situations. It is there to be enjoyed and once they are done eating they do not feel guilt even if they ate two cookies:)

2-They run for fun. Not because they have to or because they are obsessed with burning calories but because they love the way it makes them feel.

3- They have not yet let the media tell them they are not good enough. They think they are beautiful and they are able to love others easily because they love themselves first.

4- They love candy almost as much as I do and of course that makes you happy right?

4- They serve others as much as they can with their limited resources.

My little niece gets a lot of compliments on her long gorgeous hair.

She decided all on her own that at her 5 year old birthday party she would cut her hair to donate it to a little girl that has cancer to be made into a wig (locks of love). She is donating 14 inches and she was really excited about it.

I cried when she did it and I am crying again as I write this.

Nothing like a child to make you remember what is really important in life. The light of Christ shines in their eyes.

What is your favorite childlike characteristic?

-Simply enough I just love how much they smile. It is contagious.

What is your Monday workout?

-I crave my Monday morning sweat session (Sunday is my rest day). I am shooting for a 10-12 mile run.

77 Comments:

At January 10, 2011 at 5:43 AM , Anonymous said...: Awe I love this. Perfect way to start my day:) All of this is so true, and it's something that we all should remember.

My favorite childlike characteristic is just how much they love themselves and are carefree. It's beautiful and humbling:)

My Monday workout is probably a run with some stairmaster or elliptical mixed in. I'm pumpedddddd
At January 10, 2011 at 5:48 AM , Sue G. said...: I love it when kids hug you just because they're happy to see you and aren't self-conscious about it!

I'm heading to the gym to ride the bike and make friends with the elliptical.
At January 10, 2011 at 5:53 AM , natalie said...: i love that they take note of the simple things in life like bubbles, wrapping paper or finger painting with water on the pavement... this is why i love baby sitting my cousins they remind me to appricate stuff
At January 10, 2011 at 5:54 AM , Anonymous said...: So true! I love how children love unconditionally.

My Monday work out it supposed to be BodyPump, but they are calling for a big winter storm here today, so my gym might end up closing. If so, I just discovered Exercise TV on demand, so I'll get my sweat on with Jillian!

Have a wonderful day!!!
At January 10, 2011 at 6:03 AM , Anonymous said...: Love this post!!! The best thing about children is learning to see the world through their eyes again! I am learning so much from my daughter - children have so much joy and enthusiasm for life that is so contagious and inspiring! The world is such an amazing, wonderful, beautiful place for them!
At January 10, 2011 at 6:09 AM , middleagedrunner said...: I love that kids always choose the path that we adults avoid- thru the mud, into the puddle, over the snowbank. And they LOVE it!
I also love how filterless they are "WHY would you WEAR THAT??" being one of my favorites. Thanks 6 year old for making me feel like a freak! HAHA!
At January 10, 2011 at 6:16 AM , Matt said...: Love this post! I hate kids with a passion though ;)
At January 10, 2011 at 6:36 AM , Running Ricig said...: that is awesome that your niece donated to locks of love!! I did it my freshman year of college and I'm so glad I did!

my favorite things about kids is the way they dance. It cracks me up when babies dance. They don't know any "moves" they just go with the music. It's awesome.

My monday workout will hopefully be seven miles and a little yoga to stretch me out.
At January 10, 2011 at 6:46 AM , See.Kate.Run said...: What a cutie!! Children are wonderful. I love how freely they love others. Monday is weight training day! Yay!
At January 10, 2011 at 6:48 AM , Meredith said...: Yesterday, our car was having a "freak out" moment, and the window on my 9 month old's side of the car randomly went down and would not go up, no matter what we did.

It happened a total of 4 times, and when it did go up the final time, it was RIGHT AFTER my 4 year old son prayed to Jesus for him to fix the window and make it go up and stay up so that his baby brother Jonathan didn't get sick.

He was an awesome reminder to us to pray for everything, even the electronic things that we "know better" than to pray about. He was also thrilled and delighted when the window went up the first time it was after I had prayed about it, and he obviously learned the lesson, which.... praise you Lord, is exactly the kind of lesson that I hope my life always models for him!!

:)
At January 10, 2011 at 6:50 AM , Nathan said...: My eyes are watering!!! Love = self sacrifice.

Your neice is beutiful, as is your sister.

I love how children trust easily. Faith like a Child. Have a great day, Janae.

GO DUCKS!! =D
At January 10, 2011 at 6:52 AM , foodandfitnessfanatic7 said...: Your niece is amazing! Most kids wouldn't even think of doing something like that! This reminds me of my little bro, he's one of the most thoughtful kids I've ever met. Used his birthday money to buy Christmas gifts for our whole family instead of spending it on himself, and he always wants to visit church members who are sick in the hospital. I'm with ya, kids are awesome (at least most of them, ha!).
At January 10, 2011 at 6:53 AM , Anonymous said...: How sweet!!! All of that is really true! My favorite child-like characteristic is that they tend not to be as judgemental. Children are accepting of most people.
I love my first workout of the week, be it on monday or tuesday. It just feels the best!!!!! Especially after not working out during the weekend. =P
At January 10, 2011 at 6:56 AM , Anonymous said...: That's so sweet of her to donate her hair! My best friend's 4-year old did it too!
At January 10, 2011 at 6:59 AM , Danielle said...: She is precious! That is so awesome that she wanted to donate her hair.
My Monday workout is an 8 mile run, then arms and core at the gym, and a soccer game tonight. ahhh. Good thing I suck at soccer anyway because I might not be worth anything. : )
HAPPY MONDAY!!!
At January 10, 2011 at 7:02 AM , Unknown said...: I never thought about things this way, but I'm glad you posted this. And that niece of yours... could you be more proud???
At January 10, 2011 at 7:10 AM , Anonymous said...: HOLY SCHNIKE did you give her a box of 22 ring pops!!! HAHAHA! I'll be donating my hair this FRiday, CAN'T WAIT!
At January 10, 2011 at 7:13 AM , Mallory said...: I love a kids laugh. That deep down belly laugh that makes their whole body shake.

Monday workout will be some easy miles after my long day!
At January 10, 2011 at 7:25 AM , ShutUpandRun said...: My kids are constantly dancing and singing. And they're 9 & 13!!! The joy of life just flows from them and I love it. So unspoiled.

My workout? Glad you asked. You already know this, but after 3 mos of no running, today I get to run for 8 minutes!! I might get all crazy and do Jillian's shred too.
At January 10, 2011 at 7:35 AM , Mrs. JM said...: kids are so unsuspecting. they trust they're being told the truth (say, santa? lol). i suppose it's their innocence that i love so much. it's sad to witness moments when they realize things aren't always as magical as we'd like them to be.
At January 10, 2011 at 7:44 AM , Anonymous said...: I LOVE LOVE this! I love that they have so much energy. Reminds me that life isn't about sitting around. My children reminded me yesterday that snow is so much fun. Head on over to the runnign family later for pictures of our snowman "Mr. Pickle Pants".
Monday morning run was canceled due to weather but I get my total body workout at the gym today at lunch.
At January 10, 2011 at 7:44 AM , Stephanie said...: LOVE this post Janae!!! Kids make my world go round. This post made me tear up as well. What a sweet niece you have! Izzy cut her hair off and donated it once too and has never been more excited in her life. Precious. :)
At January 10, 2011 at 8:08 AM , Anonymous said...: your niece is just awesome. although i'm sure the ring pops didn't hurt her motivation ;)

all these things are SO TRUE. and i know that i'm at my happiest when i'm playing and running around like a kid. carefree and living in the moment. hakuna matata
At January 10, 2011 at 8:22 AM , Legs said...: Wow, what a wonderful and motivational post! You have such a beautiful family! You are so blessed to have them all so close to you! :D Have a wonderful day!
At January 10, 2011 at 8:24 AM , Anonymous said...: Love this post! I love spending time with my 3 nieces for these very reasons. They are so beautifully innocent and I love to watch them explore new things and learn. Their laughter is my favorite thing in the world! My oldest niece had a recital at school and her mom (my sister) brought her a bouquet of flowers. When my niece saw that not everyone got flowers from their parents, she went around and handed a flower to each student in her class!

My workout today is a run on the treadmill. It's 20 degrees outside which is too cold for this Texas gal.
At January 10, 2011 at 8:30 AM , A Big Little Life said...: Love this post! It's so very true. Innocence is bliss!
At January 10, 2011 at 8:52 AM , Kimberly said...: My yoga instructor this morning was just talking about kids. She said that we often hold so much in as adults but kids cry when the want to, need to, and they laugh more than we do. It would be nice to just ride with the emotions instead of bottling it up.

Mondays are now walk with the dog and yoga day though I wish I would have ran with him this a.m. But that means a shower and I don't have time for that :(
At January 10, 2011 at 9:10 AM , WannabeRunner said...: What a sweet, sweet post. Your niece is adorable & that is so amazing she decided to donate her gorgeous hair!

Going for a 3 mile run tonight...tapering before Sunday!
At January 10, 2011 at 9:12 AM , Anonymous said...: ThAt is so sweet she gave away her hair! I work as a summer camp counselor and I love all my fun campers. They can have fun all the time, make up games, and always include everyone. They say the funniest and sweetest things too! It's the best job ever.
At January 10, 2011 at 9:17 AM , Caroline said...: Kids are GREAT. the best is that everything is NEW to them and wonderful. Their laugh is is the best thing...they are happy with not much. They have kind hearts. They believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy, most are not ruined by the dark side of our world.

Monday: weights...arrgh..not my favorite!
At January 10, 2011 at 9:21 AM , Anonymous said...: my younger brother is donating hair to locks of love, i always thought his long hair was so gross (well, still do) but after i read about LoL and what they do for kids, i was so touched and think its such a great way to give. even if i have to stare at my brothers long, nasty locks for awhile longer.
At January 10, 2011 at 9:33 AM , Virginia Belle said...: This is the sweetest thing ever! Your niece is a very special little girl.

I love how children love unconditionally.

Monday=spinning! I am so ready for tonight's class after a lazy weekend.

Hope you have a great day!
At January 10, 2011 at 9:37 AM , dawn @ running the dawn said...: what a great reminder to learn from the children! to become like them. i love how they immediately accept and love each other. they see everyone as potential play mates and don't judge or exclude.

today i get to go to JAZZERCISE!!!! yipee! can't wait to shake my groove thing!
At January 10, 2011 at 9:43 AM , Mrs. JM said...: i need to add that i also love their miniature parts. i was just watching my two year old apply hand sanitizer. i couldn't stop staring at his tiny hands.
At January 10, 2011 at 9:45 AM , Unknown said...: I ADORE this post!! your neice is so stinking cute!!
I think we all need to stop and enjoy the little things like kids do. It's so true.
So many of us need to eat to eat and be down when we're full instead of using food as a drug.
At January 10, 2011 at 9:48 AM , Big Daddy Diesel said...: I think about it alot of what it would be like being a kid again, maybe its why I do triathlons, what did we do as a kid, we swam, biked, and run
At January 10, 2011 at 9:59 AM , Unknown said...: Children are just amazing. When I used to be in that bad place (the one you can relate to) I was told to do this exercise: Imagine if you, as a little girl, saw how you are treating youself. How would she feel?

For some reason this little exercise would make me cry because it showed me how much I have changed. When we are kids we love ourselves and we love everybody else. As we age, we start to see flaws and pick ourselves apart. I know that my childhood self would be shocked at the way I treated myself a few years ago.

This is such a though provoking post and such a great reminder that we were all children at one point. Pure, joyful, self-respecting and accepting. We should all strive to be like that today, as adults.
At January 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM , Anonymous said...: I love how children are full of curiosity about EVERTHING and how they ask "why" 19,000 times a day. I want to be more like that!
At January 10, 2011 at 10:09 AM , The Risenmays said...: Children really are wonderful, especially when they are your own :) Your niece is adorable and so sweet to do that on her own. I love how loving kids are. My son will randomly come up to me during the day and give me a big, slobbery kiss and although it is sometimes gross, I love it. I loved this post. It was a really long week at our house with a sick kid and no sleep and this post really helped me to not let it bother me and just be grateful for my son who changes my perspective on life everyday.
At January 10, 2011 at 10:36 AM , Anonymous said...: I love the honest, heart felt things they say without thinking twice about it. I also love that they will spot an animal that I take for granted, like a bird, and still be fascinated with it.
At January 10, 2011 at 10:43 AM , Anonymous said...: I love how kids see the world through new eyes and with such curiosity and wonder.

I had to make due with less than stellar equipment for my run/workout this morning, but I will be snowboarding for the rest of the day so I think that counts!
At January 10, 2011 at 10:49 AM , Katy said...: Oh my goodness. What a precious little girl.

I love how children are still able to look at the world in wonder. Like with bubbles. They amaze them. It's so fun to watch my goddaughter play with bubbles.
At January 10, 2011 at 10:51 AM , ShortSkirts said...: that's so amazing that she wanted to donate her hair. I think she has some good influences in you and your sister!

Monday is Yoga day. It's also normally 60-90 minutes on the elliptical day, but i'm going to try tapering this week for my race this weekend, and only do Yoga and my two prescribed easy runs. It's driving me a little crazy but I'm sure it'll feel great to run with fresh legs on Saturday.
At January 10, 2011 at 10:52 AM , Anonymous said...: Your niece rocks!!! I donated my hair twice - once in high school (and I claimed I would never do it again as it was traumatizing) and then again after I found out my dad had leukemia.

I love kids, and I'm glad I get to be around them every day!
At January 10, 2011 at 10:54 AM , All Things Jaime said...: I love this post! :) Children are so precious!

I ran a 5 mile tempo today :) Have fun with your 10-12 miler ... I need to get my distance back up that far! :)
At January 10, 2011 at 11:05 AM , Meghan said...: Up to a certain age, children are willing to be goofy without caring what people think of them.

I ran 3.25 easy today.
At January 10, 2011 at 11:26 AM , Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...: I love how kids will laugh at anything, and keep laughing. Jokes last much longer with kids. My niece will laugh BECAUSE she is laughing. We have had many giggle sessions where every time she stops, she looks at me, and just starts laughing like a maniac again.

Today's workout will be a yoga class. Depending on timing, I might try to sneak a run in, too.
At January 10, 2011 at 11:58 AM , Anonymous said...: I LOVE this post. It definitely reminded me how hard we can be on ourselves and how we should make a point to be less harsh.

And your niece is adorable!

Today's workout was 1 hr on the bike.
At January 10, 2011 at 12:03 PM , Katy said...: P.S. I gave you the stylish blogger award on my blog.

Because you are pretty much my favorite person ever.
At January 10, 2011 at 12:07 PM , Maria said...: Your niece is so amazing to do that all by herself. I think children are so caring, compassionate and kind towards others, and do not judge like adults to.
What a lovely post :)
At January 10, 2011 at 12:08 PM , Rae said...: Awesome post!

That is so great of your neice to do that. Amazing!

I took X-Bike class this morning, then ran a quick mile on the treadmil, and then hopped in the end of a class to do the abs portion.
At January 10, 2011 at 12:36 PM , Kristin {Boston Belle} said...: What a beautiful post! We should all be a little bit more generous and selfless like your niece. I work with very sick kids and I am always amazed and their resilience - they just want to get better fast and try as hard as they can to do so (very different from many adult patients).
My workout is BODYPUMP :) one of my favs
At January 10, 2011 at 12:45 PM , Megan W. said...: That is so cool that she did that. Especially making that decision all on her own! I love that kids laughter is so contagious. I could be feeling down, but when I hear a kid laugh I can't help but smile.

My workout was an early morning 5 mile run in the freezing cold. Love starting a day like that. :)
At January 10, 2011 at 12:46 PM , Angie said...: I love this! I teach kids sometimes, and they say the best things! I asked a little boy to name a green veggie and he said "hmmm...a tree!"
p.s. I know you are already super famous and all, but I gave you a Stylish Blogger Award over on my blog cause you are so adorable and I only have 15 friends. :)
At January 10, 2011 at 12:48 PM , Betsy said...: very well said and so very true. Children are so pure and innocent. They are don't mean any harm and all they want is to be loved. I absolutely LOVE my 2 and 1/2 year old. She amazes me every day and makes me want to be a better person all the time. She is a blessing and an angel to us. We tried for several years to have her and went thru LOTS of fertility treatments too.
You will be an awesome mom when it is your time to have children. You understand them and see what they really have to offer(does that make sense)?
At January 10, 2011 at 12:52 PM , Katie Did What said...: What a sweet post! I love how carefree kids are, and how they really are so pure and innocent and genuinely HAPPY.

What a smart, selfless little angel your niece is! :) God bless her "little pea-pickin' heart" (as my mom would say.)

My monday workout consists of P90x chest and back, and a 15 minute ab workout.
At January 10, 2011 at 1:24 PM , Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...: I tagged you in my latest post with a "Stylish Blogger Award." You don't have to play, but part of the rules is me letting you know that I've enjoyed finding and reading your blog, and I think you're awesome.
At January 10, 2011 at 1:28 PM , sdralphs said...: I needed this post today, thanks so much! I just love ya!

Favorite childlike characteristics are: They love unconditionally and nothing is better then their sweet hugs and kisses. Their humor and the hilarious things they say. Lastly, their faith and innocence.

Monday workout consists of nothing right now because I cannot work out for another week. So workout extra hard for me dear!
At January 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM , Anonymous said...: This is an awesome post Janae! I love it, and I love children, and I love your niece! She's amazing :)

Monday workout is great! Sundays my rest day too usually, and so Body Pump on Monday is awesome! But Tuesday's run and a spin class is even better! :D
At January 10, 2011 at 2:20 PM , Anonymous said...: What a sweet niece you have. She should be so proud of herself! No workout for me today, still nursing a tailbone injury I got snowboarding last week.
At January 10, 2011 at 2:28 PM , Anonymous said...: That is sooooo amaznig what she did for her birthday!!!

I think my favorite child trait is their personality, they're just such happy happy people untainted by the big bad world out there!

My monday workout is chest and tris... and maybe some cardio! YUCK! :)
At January 10, 2011 at 2:50 PM , Anonymous said...: That is so sweet of your niece!
At January 10, 2011 at 3:26 PM , Nathan said...: OK! I know you will post as soon as I get done commenting...lol

in response :
The baked/fried thing was really just an either/or...Jon LOVES fried chicken- and well---I like it when I don't get sick at all the oil. But baking with fried chicken coating is certainly an option!!
At January 10, 2011 at 3:53 PM , Jamie Pickle said...: How awesome is your niece!!! I like how children are not judgemental and don't know there is evil in the world.
At January 10, 2011 at 3:58 PM , Dani- danielleislosingit said...: Loved what you said. Kids have no fear. They don't think about things they "can't" do.
At January 10, 2011 at 4:05 PM , Chelsea said...: What a sweet little girl!!
At January 10, 2011 at 4:34 PM , Ashlyn said...: I just cut my hair to donate too! It's such a cool thing to do.
At January 10, 2011 at 5:08 PM , Samantha said...: I adore this post! So cute :)
At January 10, 2011 at 5:23 PM , Christine said...: They don't hold a grudge.
At January 10, 2011 at 6:13 PM , Laura said...: Let's not overlook the fact that they also don't have to go to work...

Favorite childlike characteristic - Innocently brutal honesty. You know, stuff like, "What are all those red bumps on your face?"

Monday workout - Bikram yoga!!!! There's nothin' sweatier!
At January 10, 2011 at 6:37 PM , solarpowered said...: Awesome post. Amazing act by your neice. :)

I ran today after work. Short one -- just an easy 5 miler.
At January 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM , Jen said...: You have me tearing up over here. I love kids. I learn so much from them. They're so forgiving. I'm in Primary so I get my weekly dose of kids times by 60. I love it though because when I'm walking down the street I get masses of kids coming to give me hugs. Nothing makes you feel more loved. I saw two of them this morning while on my run waving at me from their car, faces pressed up against the windows on their way to school. I love seeing their cute faces! Good post!
At January 10, 2011 at 7:27 PM , Anonymous said...: I love number one on your list, and also the way they are absolutely delighted at the smallest of things! :)
At January 11, 2011 at 3:20 AM , Kim (Book Worm Runs) said...: Aw, what a sweet thing your niece did!! I love that children have absolutely no filter! :) They just say whatever they are thinking and the things that come out of their mouth are hysterical :)
At January 11, 2011 at 7:06 AM , Anonymous said...: wow. your niece is going to become a wonderful woman... that is really really touching what she did!
and as to being a child.. its kind of weird just how society can really screw with our human intuition!
At January 11, 2011 at 11:29 AM , Nicole said...: awwwww. melt my heart. what a sweetie!
At January 11, 2011 at 12:11 PM , Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...: Holy moly! Your niece is AMAZING and matue beyond 5 years to be so selfless! Lucky auntie!

TO BE A CHILD AGAIN

TO BE A CHILD AGAIN

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The Hungry Runner Girl

Monday, January 10, 2011

TO BE A CHILD AGAIN

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