There are few things in life that make me happier than this …

Running with my mom.

Running has always been something I’ve shared with my dad. It was our thing. He was an elite runner who went on to be a coach. I grew up watching his cross country meets as a little girl. Then before I knew it, I was off the sidelines and on the track, and he was my coach. My mom was always more of a walker. Dad and I were the sports people.

But that has all changed.

Now running is something that my mom and I share. In 2011, my mom started running. I remember she would call me and tell me that she was working up to running 1 minute without stopping. Then she called and told me she ran for 6 minutes without stopping. Pretty soon, she could run a whole mile … and the next thing I knew, she decided to sign up for her first half marathon.

A year ago this month, I got to see her hard work pay off as we both ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon. After I finished, I came back onto the course to find her and crossed the finish line with her again. 13.1 was all hers.

My mom lives in Florida, so it has been a real treat to have her with me in Atlanta for the long weekend. And just like last February when we were setting out to run, we went running together again today along the Chattahoochee River. In all honesty, we did a lot more walking and talking than running, but it was 6.6 miles that reminded me why running can be so happy. I remembered her victory from a year ago and how special it was to see that medal around her neck. To no longer be in the shadow of my dad as a runner, but for her to be THE runner.

People may not change. But we do evolve. It has been incredible to watch my mom evolve and to see the strength, empowerment and happiness that running and exercising have brought to her life. Even more special is that her new passion has evolved into something new we can share together.

And speaking of running happy, I took my new Brooks Ravenna 4’s for a test drive today while out with my mom.

Although I’m a Brooks Pure Cadence gal at heart, I’ve run 2 marathons in the Ravennas (as well as last year’s half marathon with my mom) and was excited to test out the newest model. The Ravenna’s are part of Brooks’ core line, which includes shoes for neutral runners, those who need more guidance/support (me! me!) and those who need full-on support and stability. The Ravenna’s are considered a guidance shoe – designed for over-pronators like me who need support and stability, but not as much as their most supportive shoe, the Adrenaline GTS (which is what I ran my marathon PR in back in February 2011).

Here’s what I really liked about them:

• I love the new bold color. The hot yellow shoe laces with the strong purple make me happy even before I start running. There’s something about just feeling cool in a shoe that gives you some extra pep in your step. Seriously. (And yes, I wore a coordinating hot yellow tank and purple running jacket for supreme coordination. Cue all of you making fun of me.)

• I like the flexibility and breathability in the toe box. I remember my 2011 Ravenna’s feeling a little narrower through the toe box. Since I prefer a bit more room there, the adjustments that have been made are really nice.
• My feet and ankles felt very supported. I was running on dirt and gravel today and felt good traction and stability.

My mom and I are both running races within the next 3 weeks. She is running a 5K in Florida, and I’m running my first trail race in Mississippi. We won’t be together, but it is something we’ll be able to share, no matter the distance. Here’s to running happy with the people we love the most!

Disclosure: As a Brooks Run Happy Ambassador, I receive compensation and free Brooks products to test. The thoughts and opinions I express about Brooks and their products are my own and always will be.

Is running a family affair for you? Do you run or race with your parents, significant other, brother or sister? What is the best part?