Today, so many people began a journey they know nothing about. They don't know that if they stick to the program and believe in themselves, even at the toughest moment, they'll achieve so much more than just the "ability to run". They'll realize that by taking the first step, it will give them more than they ever asked. They'll probably meet a friend and once they meet a few, SO MANY will just appear in their life without them even knowing it! And it will continue for the rest of their running adventure in life.
Today, as I sit here all cozy next to a warm fire, I wish I could have been at the Culver Road Armory, welcoming those people as they begin a life changing event. Roughly one year ago today, that was me. I was alone and scared beyond belief while walking into 5K orientation. I pretty much had the mentality that I had just paid $100 for a program to confirm I was NOT a runner. Even the merchandise in Fleet Feet intimidated me. It was cold outside, much like today and boy did I have my doubts! (Even then my mind was already trying to beat me down... what the heck?!)
Today, I can't imagine how much I would have missed if I didn't participate in in some sort of running program. Doing things you never thought you could, for the first time with new friends, creates such a special bond. I'll always remember what it felt like the first time I ran 5 miles with Pina... or 7.5 miles in Mendon with my girls Carrie, Tanya and Melinda. It's hard for me to describe how it feels, but I'll never forget it. It's emotional and crazy and hard but somehow you look forward for the chance to do it again...even if you hated life the entire time while you did it last time! (Okay, maybe it's just me, but it's my blog, ha!)
Today, 7 miles was on the "to do" list for the Half Marathon workout plan. It's been done before and will be done again. Last week I had issues with the cold, my stupid PF that's hitting my left foot something fierce and my MIND. (Why can't I just leave my mind in the car before a run and then pick it back up as I buckle my seat belt?) I was angry that Pina and I only got to 5ish mileage on our GPS watch when SEVEN was the set plan.
Today, mile 5 was again tough. It was like deja vu, only add a shooting jolt pain in my right calf. I wanted to just stop... and I did. I walked a handful of steps to get my momentum back up and to see where I was with the pain. I sucked it up, and then tried with all my might to get back in the groove.
Today, thanks to facebook, I didn't have to do this seven mile task alone. If I wanted to avoid running in the frigid temps tomorrow, these seven miles had to happen today. Pina wasn't free this afternoon so I reached out to people in this "Moms on the Run" facebook group to see if anyone wanted to run. A coach from NoBo and a complete "virtual stranger" said "YES". I was super lucky and very appreciative!
Today, I had some great company and when we needed to stop for a bit to walk around mile 5, they were there to help keep me motivated. We turned around and headed for our cars. When we got near the car, Christine checked in and asked about the pain. It was still there but I wanted to keep going. I HAD TO. And so we did. Thanks to her and the awesome support from Leah, we ran passed the cars. We only had a little more than a mile, and by that time it seemed doable. The weather was crazy at times, the snow kept falling and we kept running. I was pretty lucky with the company I had the whole way through and look forward to running with them again! See... that's what I meant when I said before that other runners, (soon to be friends), will just appear in your life. They too are on their own running adventure and once in a while you get to share the same path. It's pretty darn cool!
Today, mile 5 was again tough. It was like deja vu, only add a shooting jolt pain in my right calf. I wanted to just stop... and I did. I walked a handful of steps to get my momentum back up and to see where I was with the pain. I sucked it up, and then tried with all my might to get back in the groove.
Today, thanks to facebook, I didn't have to do this seven mile task alone. If I wanted to avoid running in the frigid temps tomorrow, these seven miles had to happen today. Pina wasn't free this afternoon so I reached out to people in this "Moms on the Run" facebook group to see if anyone wanted to run. A coach from NoBo and a complete "virtual stranger" said "YES". I was super lucky and very appreciative!
Today, I had some great company and when we needed to stop for a bit to walk around mile 5, they were there to help keep me motivated. We turned around and headed for our cars. When we got near the car, Christine checked in and asked about the pain. It was still there but I wanted to keep going. I HAD TO. And so we did. Thanks to her and the awesome support from Leah, we ran passed the cars. We only had a little more than a mile, and by that time it seemed doable. The weather was crazy at times, the snow kept falling and we kept running. I was pretty lucky with the company I had the whole way through and look forward to running with them again! See... that's what I meant when I said before that other runners, (soon to be friends), will just appear in your life. They too are on their own running adventure and once in a while you get to share the same path. It's pretty darn cool!
Thanks No Boundaries (for the 365th time and counting). Running changes everything!!
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