The photo above shows Glenda and I each after our own very difficult race. But the truth is that there is some point in nearly every race, and a lot of runs when I ask myself that question. And after 12 years of ups and downs as a runner, I find that once every couple of years I have a need to revisit my motivation, usually during times of stress when it becomes more difficult to find the time and motivation to continue...despite the fact that there is a lot to love about it.
So I am in a season of rekindling my motivation. One of the ways I do this is to revisit my running history and the reasons that I started and continued over the years. I'm sure there may be some more posts in the coming months, but here's a start.
I have run for a lot of reasons over the years. And I posted earlier the role my daughter had in my starting. But she was not the only factor.
At the time I began the journey, I was a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas, having returned after my daughter's accident and a leave of absence. I was working on my dissertation (lots of intellectual work every day, but very sedentary) and as you can see about 60 pounds heavier than now. Glenda and Melanie were both working out and racing some. I designated myself the "cheerleader" and was smugly "the world's greatest indoorswoman" and "would run if chased."
But if you have ever worked in a field that was sedentary, yet required a lot of mental effort, then you might have had the experience I did. That is, after several hours of concentration, my brain would hurt and my head would feel filled with mud. I had a long distant memory of a time in my life when I was quite depressed and had a similar "muddy-headed" feeling. Back then, I recalled, physical activity had helped. So what the heck? I sucked up my pride and told my family I was ready to try something....not running, of course. :) So I joined Curves, the women's circuit gym and I began to walk on a half mile track near our house. And I began to actually enjoy it!
Fast forward a few months. I was still working on my dissertation and I was still walking and doing Curves. Sometimes Glenda would walk with me. One afternoon in February or March (so almost exactly 12 years ago) we were walking and I blurted out (and to this day, I'm not sure where it came from) "Do you think I could walk a 5K?"
After Glenda picked herself up off the ground from the shock, she said told me that if I wanted to she would walk it with me. Later that day at home, Melanie said she would come out and cheer me.
Later that day I found the Runnin' of the Horns 5k on the University of Texas campus...April 1, 2006. And that became the race to shoot for. I increased my walks and set my goal (modest to be sure, but it seemed huge at the time) to walk this 5K in under an hour.
Race day came. I was nervous. It was hot in the way only Austin, TX can be in April....and I will admit that there were moments I didn't think I'd make it. It helped that Melanie was cheering at a few points and that Glenda was there beside me. But I finished in 57:55, so well within my goal. I wasn't dead last....but only because Glenda purposely stepped back at the finish so that I would finish before her!
When the race was over, we found Mel. We were all in high spirits...and I was tired and sweaty. Suddenly Glenda and Mel exchanged a look, and Glenda said "Oops! I think I forgot something." And pulled this medal from her back pocket. If you can't read the inscription it says Suellen's First 5k 4/1/2006.
It did not prove to be my last (and I added in the run/walk shortly after). Nor was this the last time that Glenda came up with just the right encouraging gesture at just the right moment.
Now, twelve years later I have done over 200 races and relays...more than 100 of them 5ks. I am much more fit than I was back then. And I am generally a little faster.
But far more important, I'm having fun! And Glenda is still right there with me...what better motivation could there be? Guess I'll keep going ...
a fine journey and a good path.. this is awesome
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful why-excellent!
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