Teaching by example, even it hurts

I'm quietly hoping to teach my children by example through my daily runs. I mean, having such a sporty mom, has got to mean something good for their education?

Right?
Right?!!

I want to give my children the present of running

I want to give them the present of running as a means to feel better, gain confidence and find balance. It's one of my better gifts, if I do say so myself. And it looks like I'll have to because nobody else does.

Is it working yet?

So one day I asked my eldest daughter hopefully:

'Hey Maartje, are you going to be as good and smart as mommy? You know, go running every day and all that?'
'No' she said decisively, 'because I think running is stupid.'

So I ran for half an hour to show her how well I deal with burning disappointment.

As a gift, you see.