I'm a Runner XV
Susan Tirch, SAHM, 37 (and holding) Texas
I never ran track in high school. I really wanted to, but my step dad at the time only allowed us to play one sport at a time and cheerleading won out. Funny thing is, I didn't want to run. I wanted to do the long jump. Ha!
As a kid I dreamed of being a mom. I always told my mom I just wanted to be a mom when I grew up. There was a time between 17 and 20 that I thought I didn't want to be a mom at all. I guess that just has to do with age an the love of freedom. I wouldn't trade my kids for the world now.
Almost everyone around me is a runner. I can't decide if suburban Austin, TX is just full of really fit moms or if I just coincidentally became friends with all runner moms. Either way, it's nice to be surrounded by like minded people.
Last year, I trained for a marathon during the summer months in Texas. I declared myself crazy, yet this year I'm back for more. Over the next couple of weeks my mileage starts to ramp up, and I'll admit, I'm getting scared.
When I run in the morning (which is most always) I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day. There's nothing like having a workout behind you at 7 am.
Running frees your mind to wander. Sometimes I'll be running and my mind will just go someplace else. Those types of runs are the best because they go by so quickly.
I've run 2 full marathons and 9 half marathons. I've come to accept that I'm a runner even though most days I feel quite inept compared to some of my peers. The point is, no matter how much slower I am than the next guy, I'm still out there running. 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles or even 1 mile. I'm a runner.
At the end of the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in 2011, I was exhausted. I wanted to walk to the finish line to see my friend Julie finish, but I had to just sit for a good 20 to 30 minutes before I could even convince myself to start moving. I'm glad I finally got up because seeing Julie finish her first marathon was a special moment I'll never forget.
Strength training helps me to be a stronger runner. I'm convinced as I've become more strong in the "weight room" I've become a faster runner. I don't think this is a coincidence.
After Reading The Long Run, I realized anything is possible when it comes to running and pushing yourself to go beyond what you even think is possible. Sometimes on runs, when I think I can't go one step further, I think of all of those who literally can't put one foot in front of the other.
If it were up to me, I'd give medals to the last three finishers in each age group (as well as the first). I mean seriously, who do you think has it worse? The guy out there finishing a marathon in 3:30 or the one that takes 7:00. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the 3:30ers aren't working hard because clearly they are. I'm just saying it takes an especially dedicated person to go against the odds and finish at the end.
0 comments:
Post a Comment