I recently joined a group on a forum entitled-"
Long Distance Runners."
Back in 2009, while going through a very rough season in my life, I somehow decided I was going to run a marathon. I was 23, going through the pain of a failed marriage, unemployed and living with my mom. I needed something in my life that would keep me sane and from feeling like a complete failure. I discovered that running made me feel alive. I have enjoyed running off and on over the past 10 years. Never to a marathon extent, though. I thought a great day was 3 miles if I managed it nonstop. I had no hydration pack. I wore 30$ tennis shoes and I had no idea there was such thing as running without music blasting through my headphones.
I do not remember the exact moment that I decided I was going to attempt the Portland, Or marathon but, it was right after I ran 5 miles for the first time. I remember thinking
I use to think 1 mile was hard, then 2...3...5 but with every breakthrough it gets easier. That's when I decided I had all this time on my hands so why not try for 26.2.
During this period of time I started running on country roads around the house. With no shoulder and fast cars whizzing by, I thought it would be safer to run without music. It was hard at first. Hearing your labored breathing and your thoughts so clearly (GIVE UP!), is difficult to overcome. However, when you are left to overcome your own thoughts for an hour, amazing things start to happen. I noticed the smell of berries and cold water on hot earth. I felt the sun soaking in and the slightest breeze cooling my skin. Every car that made room for me on the road, felt like a small encouragement. I decided I liked it.
I began to use a marathon training program. Every time I ran a further distance I had so many questions. Initially, my feet hurt. I decided to do some research on shoes. That was it! I needed more expensive shoes.
I got so thirsty once, I was in a farmers field trying to get water from a sprinkler, mid-run. I found out later that they make hydration belts and I should be running with one. I bought it. My shorts rubbed me raw and were not comfortable for longer distances, they make special shorts for running...who knew? My sunglasses would not stay on my nose when I got sweaty, I found sunglasses for running with grips over the nose or ears. I had no idea that Wal-Mart running gear was not quite sufficient for my conquest. It was a huge learning curve for me.
I trained pretty faithfully for 3 months, then life happened. I started working full time and I got really sick. I lost about 3 weeks of training time because of it. I decided to not do the race. It was a good decision and a bad one. Good because I had strep the day of the race but bad because I didn't finish what I had started.
Since then, life has evolved quite nicely. I hurdled through huge obstacles in my path and am ready to set new goals. My first athletic one is, to run the Rock n' Roll half marathon in PA, with my husband, Defryn, in September. I am not as fit as I was 3 years ago so it isn't as grandiose as my previous failed attempt, but it will do for me. I have bigger aspirations but those will be unveiled as little milestones are passed. I am so thank full to my husband for being so encouraging through this season in my life. He is a rock when I need to be anchored, a light house when I need guidance and an accomplice when I need trouble.
I recently joined our local library. I had heard of a book called "Born to Run" by Chris McDougall. It came highly recommend by several online sources and the reviews were outstanding. I picked it up and for 2 days could not put it down except to eat, run and sleep. The story was suspenseful, the research was easy to understand. Even though I do not believe in evolution, I took so much from both the science/research side and the actual experience he had with the Tarahumara and this epic race that not many know about. I like the ideas about shoes actually hindering our performance. It didn't push "Barefoot Running" but it was very insightful. Some time I would like to learn how to do it properly. I have run a 1/2-1 mile, barefoot, on pavement before, but I want those vibram 5-finger shoes and some training. Maybe next year when I have built up strength and have more distance under my belt.
The flame for running has been rekindled in my heart. I am excited to see where it takes me this year. With a strong desire for exploration, miles of rich farmland, roads, paved and unpaved paths, beckon to me.
