Well, I may have done something very stupid the other day. This being said - here's the back story...
I got inspired at my last Weight Watcher's meeting. The topic of "activity" came up. (WW doesn't like the word exercise for some reason.) My meeting leader basically said we become active for one of two reasons. Reason 1: We actually like the activity we do, i.e., dancing with some Zumba, relaxing with some yoga, hitting the trails on your bike, etc. Reason 2: We don't necessarily like the activity, but we like the reward. I guess I never really thought about it that way. I realized the reason I bike: I like it. The reason I run: I like the reward.
The other integral event in this story, the Tallmadge 5-K Memorial Run. I'm used to going to races to watch the Viper run. But this run was different, a friend of mine who popped out a baby less than a year ago ran. She wasn't a runner, she hadn't run before her pregnancy, she just did a couch to 5k program. She ran, she finished and she was very happy. It reminded me of how I felt when I started running - the sense of immense accomplishment from hitting one mile for the first time, then TWO and so on... Something inside of me was stirring, my word - was it MOTIVATION?
After all this my head was wondering, "Could I run a half-marathon?" I never thought I could run a 5-K, but I did. I bounced this idea off Viper, he had nothing but the utmost confidence in me. That's when I realized - "If he thinks I'm so damn able, then let him be in charge of this whole endeavor!" Hence, a coach is born.
So, this is where I am. I am in Akron, with my man, coach, Viper (Note: We are not married, we live in sin. Hopefully, this will change. ;-o ) I have no real idea why I'm doing this but I just feel like I need to do this. I will run the Akron Half Marathon and I will finish. Damn skippy.
I leave you all (and myself) with some happy words of motivation from Marathoning for Mortals.
Who you can be doesn't depend on who you have been.
And a cute pic of Dobson.
Dobson must have exhausted. Congrats on signing up. Each week will be a huge accomplishment, and you will be able to eat!
ReplyDeleteAnd tell Viper you NEED a heart rate monitor so you can track your activity points correctly.
;)
I know the general sentiment gets said often, but I truly do mean this--if my chubby half-greek ass can run 13.1 miles, so can you.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I hate YouTube and its stupid annoying international copyright laws. I can't see anything! :(
way to go! good luck training and i'll cheer you on with bloody mary in hand!
ReplyDeleteI mentioned this over at the viper's blog, but I'll repeat it here. Check out John Bingham: http://www.johnbingham.com/
ReplyDeleteand George Sheehan:
http://www.georgesheehan.com/
Bingham is the patron saint of the back-of-the-pack runners, his books and commentary make for great inspiration for adults just starting out.
Sheehan is more of a philosopher, who might help you find the joy of running.
Hope this helps, and enjoy!
Josh