Making strides
When I moved to Nashville, I had two goals: to play at the Bluebird Café, and to run a half-marathon. Let me say it again: SQUEEEEEEE! But the running thing is still… how should I say… in process.
I hate to run. The other night, I tried to go running, but called it quits after a mile and a half. I am not “Chariots of Fire” material; however, should they ever make a movie called “Lazy Lass,” I will be the leading lady. I think that God created me with the spiritual gift of lying in bed watching “Oprah” and drinking wine – it’s in my genes. Every ounce of energy that I expend is a battle – one that I am willing to fight, but not something that comes easily.
But my friend Hunter tells me that anyone can be a runner.
A few weeks ago, I heard about a running group that meets on Wednesday evenings in East Nashville, and runs a 3-4 mile route. That’s farther than I’m used to running, but thinking that I might find more motivation by joining a pack of people than doing it on my own, I showed up last night.
The route was 4.32 miles. I need to say it: GOOD LORD. I had never run that far in my life. But when I looked at the clock, and then did the math, I realized that I was going to HAVE to run the entire thing – no walking, no resting – because I had the Handy Graham coming over at 7:30. And if I was going to make it home in time, I had to RUN.
As one who doesn’t have many opportunities to “achieve” or “accomplish” in her everyday work-life, it was a HUGE satisfaction to run, and finish, and do something that I didn’t think I could do. I ran – I ran slowly, but I ran. I was home in time. And I felt proud.
By the way, if you live in Nashville, hire Handy Graham. He’s great. AND, he was voted “Best Handyman” in the Nashville Scene – see? I know. I have impressive friends.
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you can totally do this .
I went for a run the other night in a wind storm and was attacked by a rogue (and might I add, very invisible, probably because it was dark) tumbleweed. Good work on the 4.32 mile achievement! That’s like from the fly shop to Wal-Mart AND BACK. What can I say, I think in local terms.
I totally understand. Yesterday I said to Jon “So, more and more, I just want to curl up and read a book or watch a show and now leave the house…is that bad?” There’s a good chance that as I was saying this, tucked under my favorite quilt, he was lacing up his running shoes.
The longest run I’ve done is a 10K…and I must say, that the rush of crossing the finish line in a race is so worth it! So, maybe one day, I’ll run again…oh, wait, I think I have bad knees. Maybe I’ll stick to reading about running.
P.S. When do we get to see each other?
So I am WALKING a 1/2 (Rock and Roll in 3 weeks), and the furthest I’ve walked is 3 miles. So you’re in way better shape than me:)
Funny, I was thinking about possibly making a goal for myself to run a race one day. I ran/walked 2.5 miles this morning and thought I was doing well… but 4.32, I have a long ways to go. I have a friend who ran 2 Chicago Marathons, the Detroit Marathon, and the Niagara Falls Marathon… She’s my hero and now I can add you and Kimberly to my list! You ladies are awesome!!P.S. I’ve never been a runner. I tried to get out of gym class with “asthma”.
4.23 miles is so ridiculously far! Way to go. Once again you inspire me!
Good for you! I hit a mental barrier when running right around a mile, I just can’t get past that. I can walk 7 miles, or pretty much endlessly, but for some reason running just seems to psyche me out. Maybe I should try a running club also.
Good for you! I hit a mental barrier when running right around a mile, I just can’t get past that. I can walk 7 miles, or pretty much endlessly, but for some reason running just seems to psyche me out. Maybe I should try a running club also.