“That’s the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.” – Kara Goucher
I am not the only runner in my family. Just the oldest; the one to blaze the trail. My younger brother, Bryce, was a 7th grader when I was a sophomore. To be honest, I don’t really remember what I thought when we ended up participating in the same sports. It’s possible my parents remember it differently, but I don’t recall feeling threatened or bothered. At least at first. Whatever indifference I felt early on was quickly replaced by envy, and that I do remember! Whereas I didn’t see much time on the varsity team until my senior year, Bryce made varsity cross country in the 8th grade and varsity track in the 9th grade. He was good. Really good. And me, I was jealous. Making it worse was my perception that I worked harder, training more in the off season and on weekends. Bryce always seemed to effortlessly earn a top spot on the team. Perhaps an exaggeration, but I was a teenager after all and it was totally unfair! As I matured and graduated high school, I came to respect my brother’s gift and did what I could to support his running career. When he advanced to the State cross country meet, whatever envy I previously felt was replaced by pure joy and pride. Throughout his high school career, he made it to the State cross country meet three times and competed once at the State track meet in the 3200m. These were definitely proud moments for our family!
Bryce’s successful running career continued at St. Olaf as well. Whereas I was a walk on (I still like saying that!), he was recruited which is how I initially learned about the college. We were only in college together for one year, as I was a senior his freshman year. There was definitely an interesting dynamic to being in the same sports with your younger brother, especially when the teams were so close and often ended up training together and participating in team functions together. We had some mutual friends, which meant if either of us did anything wrong it was likely the other would find out! Okay… so everyone knows that I mean if Bryce did something, I would find out! All in all, I think part of what made me strive to be better was the success Bryce was enjoying. I wanted some of that for myself….
Now, as adults, we enjoy an occasional run together along with our spouses. In fact, just a couple of summers ago, all four of us competed in Plainview’s Corn on the Cob Days 5K and we all managed to place within our age groups (Bryce won his, of course)! So as you can see, whatever resentment I felt early on is gone. In its place is a common bond that we’ll share for life!
But the family running ties don’t end there. When I met my husband, Dan, I was beyond thrilled to learn that there were runners in his family as well. His sister, Joelle, and his aunt, Amy, are also experienced and successful runners. My transition into the Hedin family was definitely aided by this shared passion. To this day, most family weekends begin with a Saturday morning run, whether we’re in Duluth or Ely or any other destination! As I mentioned earlier, Dan also decided to get in on the running fun as did Joelle’s husband, Jason. We’ve participated in numerous races together, from 7ks to 10 milers to half marathons. One of my favorite weekends of the year is Grandma’s Marathon weekend which includes a 5K, half marathon, and full marathon. Our clan is usually well represented, with Dan’s brother, Curt, and his nephew, Jonathan, getting things started with the 5k on Friday night. On Saturday morning, the half marathoners and sometimes even a marathoner take on the beautiful course along Lake Superior. Once we reunite at the finish line in Canal Park, we retreat to the Hedins’ house to eat, drink, and share stories from our racing adventures!
Every so often, we elect to hold our own family events. A couple of years ago, we put on our own Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Duluth. It was so very cold that morning as we gathered at Hawk Ridge. But, we are a hearty group and everyone, including the kids and two dogs, showed up to either walk or run. We even put together our own goody bags. It was the real deal!
It is such a joy to be able to share something I love with the people I love. I think of all the great conversations that have been shared and the wonderful memories created during training runs and races. They are such an invaluable part of my life and most certainly do make me realize how great my life is!