When I was growing up, I don’t remember my parents ever exercising. They never went to the gym or out for a run or even took a walk after dinner. My college did not have a Rec Center or extra gym for non-athletes to work go for a work out (we actually had a refurbished barn where you could play foosball and pool). Getting a workout done before or after a work day was just not something that I saw modeled growing up. Because I was fortunate to go to high school after Title IX passed, I had the opportunity to join the girls swim team my senior year, at that point in my life, it was the best thing I had ever done. College gave me an opportunity to be on the track team, which was another great experience, (thank heavens for small schools who have sports programs so that everyone can continue or even start a new sport). I continued to work out (sporadically) after college not because that behavior had been modeled for me but because I liked how I felt after working out and because I met people who shared my interests.
As runners and walkers, we have an opportunity to set an example for everyone who sees us out on the roads and trails. We are lucky to have such a great system of bike path and trails in our area to run/walk on and because we are outside, there are lots of people who get to see us working out. You never know who you will influence as you run or walk past those people sitting in their cars on their way to work or home. How many will look at you and wish that they could or would get out and exercise.
It doesn’t matter your pace, you are out there moving and you are setting an example for strangers! You are having an even greater impact on your friends and family. Your family sees you doing your workouts and knows that is important to you, you want to be the best for them that you can be and working out helps. (They also know that if you don’t get your run or walk in that you could be a tad bit cranky so they may suggest or help you out the door.) You are setting such a great example for your kids that hopefully, they will care about their health and wellness because that is what you have done. Your non-running or walking friends learn that you can’t go out on Friday or Saturday night because of your long workout in the morning. They may not like that but they learn to accept that and you never know how that might motivate them.
Remember that when you are out there struggling or having a great day, people are watching you, you are a positive role model. You never know who you will influence for the better. Get out there, move, show people what you got, make those people want to be just like you! You are awesome!