I could hardly walk and now I run!

My amazing relay team!

The human body is an amazing creation. It’s ability to endure injury and repair itself is nothing short of miraculous. Even while sporting scarring evidence of pain and imperfection, it often grows stronger as it heals the wound. What other things in nature can claim the same?

Twenty-three years ago today I could hardly walk. My mid-section had just been sliced open to deliver my third child – a little boy with stick up hair and long feet. He still has stick up hair and long feet. As I stood and willed my legs to move, I recognized the familiar sensation that my insides might actually fall out in front of me. I expressed that feeling to a physician once and he replied, “Just walk backwards and you won’t step on anything!” I’m quite certain I held my breath for the first few steps.

Over the following several days my walks grew longer and quicker as my incision healed and I regained my strength. I soon resumed normal activity. The limitations of those first few days faded and life carried on.

My boys

A few years ago, ten to be exact, I once again found myself facing a physical challenge. I began to run. I thought I was too old, but a friend encouraged me and so I tried. I have since participated in many races with half marathons being my longest. I even coach middle school cross country runners. I don’t know that I will ever attempt a marathon. My favorite race is a relay (about 200 miles) with my team of twelve. I enjoy the comradery and shared misery unique to an overnight endurance challenge. I rejoice that my body will allow me to participate.

Walking seemed almost insurmountable when I was younger and had just given birth with the aid of a surgeon. Now I run, because I can. Yes, it seemed insurmountable at first. No, it isn’t easy and it isn’t always fun, but my body can do it. This body that has years and miles, wounds and scars, heartaches and joys, can run! I think that is miraculous and I am grateful that I am so blessed! I bet you are, too.

What can your body do that once seemed insurmountable? I would love to hear about it.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bites

I’m currently training for a relay race, Spokane to Sandpoint 2017. Part of the prepping for race weekend is preparing food, or fuel, for the race. I’ve learned that it is unwise to add too many new foods to your diet right before or during any race. Race day is not a good time to learn that your insides don’t appreciate the foods you are giving them!

These protein bites, or energy bites, are one of my go to fuels for race weekend or anytime I need something quick and power packed. I keep a few in my refrigerator and often grab a couple 30-60 minutes before my morning run. They give me just enough protein and carbs to keep me going without being heavy or unkind to my digestive tract. And … they taste good!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bites

¾ C creamy peanut butter

1/3 C honey

1 ½ C old fashioned oats (I like to grind them into a course flour for this recipe)

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1/3 C semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Combine the peanut butter and honey in a mixer. Add the protein powder and beat well. Add the oats and chocolate chips until evenly combined. Form into balls – about 1.5 tablespoons. Store in a zipper bag in the refrigerator or freezer.

These ingredients are my favorite, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of grains and seeds or protein powder flavors. Just be sure to test them out before race day. Chia and flax seeds, although great for fueling, can be a little aggressive, so do your experimenting well before race weekend.

You might also like this Chocolate Berry Breakfast Smoothie recipe.

More recipes from Running Granny Green.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

That is Why I Write

I write because putting thoughts on paper makes room in my head for more thoughts. I also write because I want to share little pieces of wisdom and great lessons I have learned throughout the years. Often, the simple act of writing brings satisfaction enough. Book sales are rewarding, too. The greatest reward, however, is when someone takes what they have read from your writing, puts it into practice, and thanks you for helping them grow. That is why I write.

My friend, JoEllen, decided to do just that. She recognized a need to improve her health through activity. She honored me by trusting my experience as a mature runner to help her in her fitness goal. She purchased my book, Run at Any Age: A Beginner's Guide for Adults, and began putting the things I share into practice. Each time she shares her experiences in a Facebook post, blog post, or personal text message, it warms my heart. That is why I write.

As we discussed a discomfort she was experiencing, she indicated that she knew it was temporary. If she endured it for the first mile, it went away. I reminded her of one of the lessons regarding pain one must endure in, The Hard Run, which she has also read. She replied, "That's right. It makes so much more sense now!" That is why I write.

Each time a reader comments, "I can hear your voice when I read your work," or "I get it. That is exactly what I needed to hear," I am encouraged. My most recent favorite comes from JoEllen, "I was going to underline the important stuff, but I would have to underline the whole book!" That is why I write!

If you are looking for words of encouragement and practical advice - and if you are a little bit brave and wish to begin running - Run at Any Age can help. Get over your fears and put one foot in front of the other. I want you to be around and able to play with your grandchildren - that's why I run. I want you to be able to be successful at any age.

That is why I write.


Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.