Monday, February 9, 2009

I said, "RUN"!

Today is the official start of my training for the Skyline Challenge half-marathon on May 2. In killing 2 birds with 1 stone, it is also the start of my training for the Marine Corp Marathon in October.


I say 'official' training in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. It's as official as I can make it. I'm just a run to make me feel good kind of runner. Not really a competitive bone in my body - but I really like the T-shirts. And in retrospect, I like knowing that I've completed an organized event. I like the free food after a race. I like the feeling of being with kindred spirits and knowing that all of us runners are a unique kind of odd. It's funny - even though I'm burning up all kinds of calories when I run, I eat better when I run. Because I figure if I'm going to be kind to myself, I'll be really kind to myself.

Training for something also gives me an answer. For when non-runners ask me why I run. As if a 46 year old grandmother is an anomoly (and it is not). And 'just cuz' as an answer and is the truth - just doesn't fit well with some people.

Seems that some folks need to have a concrete answer for every type of behavior. But not me, I'm anal in other ways but not in reasons. Just cuz is fine with me. Because I like to. Because it's time alone and time to think and when I run (as opposed to walk) I'm going too fast to worry about all the silly little things that I probably ought to be worrying about.

I've seen stories about some really inspiring people over the weekend. Last night on Dateline, there was a segment about Tom White, a runner who voluntarily had his foot amputated so that he could continue his sport. I understand that. Lots of people don't.

There was a story about this woman who started running when she was 80 and continues to marathon. Can't remember her name and can't find the link but in searching for it, I see that she is not an anomoly either.

I think right now when the economy is where its at, it is nice to have a hobby that is low cost. And not only is healthy mentally but physically.

1 comment:

A Wild Celtic Rose said...

T-Shirts...

You think you like T-Shirts...

Wait until you get hardware.

It's all about the shiny!!!

Busy summer

So much for keeping up with this blog! Seems like there is always something to do and for that, I am very grateful! We finally have rain - i...