A couple of weeks ago we had a health fair at work and, aside from a couple of hours of goofing off, we also were able to paricipate in some health screening (cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.). The good news is I received some really good numbers. The bad news is, because of some of my risk factors, I'm as healthy as a woman of 53!! How depressing is that?!! Not that 53 is old or anything, but it's almost 8 years older than I am. Not good.
So, while I was at the health fair, I signed up for a 15k. Luckily, it's not for several months, so I have plenty of time to train. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually do it. It's been about five years since a ran a race and it was a horrible experience.
At the time, I was actually training for a marathon (I think I must have been crazy, but that's a different story). It was suggested that running in smaller races, and working up to longer ones, would be good experience. So I signed up for a 5k and did my best.
It was the first race I had ever paricipated in, so it was a little intimidating. But I kept telling myself to just do my best, don't let faster runners (or walkers!!) intimidate me, and the goal was just to finish the race.
Heading to the finish line, I was feeling so good about what I had accomplished. And then the announcer's voice came over the PA system, "Oh my, we still have a runner! Where have you been??" I was completely humiliated and could have collapsed right there, 40 feet from the finish line, and cried. But he added (I think to redeem himself), "Come on, give her some encouragement," and the crowd began to clap and cheer. I think my time was roughly 45 minutes. I decided that day, races weren't for me.
So why have I signed up for this race? Well, I've wanted to do the race for years AND it's the same week as my birthday. But for just a little more incentive, RL and I are going on a tropical vacation this summer, so I have to get in shape for that too. Hopefully, by then, I'll be in shape for both and not look or feel like an old woman.
6 comments:
I think its awesome that you are going to do a race. I certainly am not up to that sort of challenge!
You definitely do not look like an old woman.
I envy your desire to start training for a race. I never was much of a runner, despite trying a few times. Starting now gives you plenty of time to train wisely.
And ditto. Seriously, you don't look old at all!!
That is great...you will do fine.
Claire signed me up for the Goofy Challenge in January...that is 1/2 marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday. Good thing I love her...and am still trying to win her heart.
Good for you, that's some challenge! How's the training starting out?
And If I didn't know nothing I'd guess you was no more than 35 or so. In fact, before I had read far that's about where I woulda pegged ya.
Wow, have fun! I'll be rooting for you.
A tropical vacation AND a 15k! That sounds like a great summer. I hope it goes well.
Nine miles is a looong ways! Good luck with the training. Don't worry about other people -- The great thing about running is that you are always competing against your last time.
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