Ok. Here we go. This is happening.
I have decided that I am going to attempt to conquer a "can't" in my life. I am itching for a challenge lately, I don't know why, maybe my age (32)? I thought about conquering my fear of heights by jumping out of an airplane. I mean, it would be really cool to be able to say that I've jumped out of a freakin' airplane. That would be something very unexpected for this church-going, homeschooling, mother of four woman to do, right? But then I looked up "skydiving deaths" and it turns out that most deaths were caused by, not heart attack (which I thought), but... here it comes...hard landing.
So, I decided that jumping out of a plane might not be the smartest thing for a woman who wants to watch her children grow up to do.
Then it hit me, in November during the Rock 'n Roll Marathon mania here in Savannah, that I knew of several mom-friends running. a. marathon. But surely they were already the running type, right? No. One just had her third child and ran the full after running for about a year. Another had four kids (three boys then a girl, like me!) and had never run even to the end of her cul-de-sac before 6 months ago. She ran the half, and says running has changed her life. She'll be training for the full this November. If they could do it, so could I, right?
And now, I shall list the reasons I cannot possibly start "running," whatever that means.
I hate running.
I don't have time.
I don't have shoes.
I hate running.
I don't know anything about how to run. Is there a right way?
I am overweight, and will jiggle when I run.
I've had four kids, and will pee when I run.
I hate running.
I have big knockers. Enough said.
I have four kids and a busy husband. When would I run?
I don't have any running clothes.
It's not "me."
Plus, I hate it.
So, this seems like the most impossible thing for me to conceivably become, a runner. Someone who runs and is changed by running. Someone who might even, gulp, like running.
This is my impossible.
And I have gotten to a place in my life where I just don't like something being impossible for me. It makes me angry. Like I just want to stare down "impossible" and punch it in the face. Hard. And then have a good cry, because I did it, and I thought I couldn't.
I am going to become a runner. Now, the journey begins.
LOVE this !! I would be glad to start running with you too, if we can figure out the schedule together. Watching the marathon run by my house was so inspirational, and I would love to do the half next year. I'm here for you totally!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kimberly! Right now I am training on the treadmills at the Y. I don't know how I would stay on my schedule (90 secs jogging, 2 min walking) without it flashing in front of me. Should I buy a watch? What kind? Let's work this out because I'd love to train with someone one day.
DeleteThis post made me laugh out loud and tear up with empathy and excitement (and feelings of honor that you mention me as an inspiration). I am a huge fan of yours, Trish McKay, and I know you can achieve this goal. Quick words of advice: 1)Champion sports bras. Buy them at Target. Wear two. Unless you want really sore boobs. 2) Invest in Poise pads and never leave home to run without them. If you're in a cross training class that requires jump roping, wear a higher absorbency Poise pad. Unless you want to pee on yourself. 3) Let the jiggle fly proudly and giggle with joy when you see it getting smaller as you get stronger. 4) Be proud of yourself for setting this goal and working to achieve it. Investing in yourself is hard to do when you've got a family looking to you to be their stable foundation, but it will ultimately fill you up and make you a better mommy and wife. You are a ROCK STAR!
ReplyDeleteConfession: I cried when I read your running story on your blog. It (and Ben does life) is the inspiration for this blog. Thank you for your encouragement and for convincing me at that soccer pizza party that I could maybe do this! Now, question: you mentioned cross training classes; should I be doing more than my 3 day a week Couch to 5K schedule at this early point?
DeleteHilarious. And wonderful. I'm inspired. But I have an addition to the list for reasons why I will not start running yet. It's minus 15 degrees outside, for the love of Mike. I miss my exercise buddy, Trish.
ReplyDeleteI miss you too, Anna! I am always encouraged by you. Thank you! Now put on a snowsuit and promise me you won't freeze to death up there in Alaska!
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