We are all an experiment of ONE. When I was a teenager, the goal was to find out how fast I could run a mile. Then I progressed to 5ks and 10ks. How fast could I run three or six miles? Then I found triathlons. How fast could I swim, bike & run? Then... the marathon. At first it was a matter of "can I run 26.2?". Then it quickly evolved into "How fast can I run 26.2?" "Can I qualify for Boston?" "Can I qualify for Boston... again?" That quest is still ongoing. My 5k PR is long gone, but I still feel I have faster marathons in these legs.
Of course, Ironman was on the list. Could I swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 and then run a marathon? Could I figure out the training, nutrition and hydration required? Did I have the mental game necessary? I celebrated turning 40 by reaching the Ironman finish line. Thoughts of that finish line, like my marathon PR, still bring back goosebumps.
Maybe I am maturing a bit or it's the clarity and perspective you get when you see people who achieve their goals in spite of adversity and obstacles. A dear friend of mine ran 7 marathons AFTER being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She trained through chemotherapy for several of those races. I have seen countless disabled athletes finishing marathons and triathlons. The stories of overcoming adversity are endless. I have seen friends and acquaintances struck down in the prime of life by ALS, Parkinson's, brain tumors, cancer... I am certain that they would love to be able to put on running shoes and head out the door. Who am I to complain?? How can I NOT live for today? Want to run a 5K or a marathon? What are you waiting for? This isn't a dress rehearsal.
So... now what gets my blood pumping?
The goal that intrigues me now is "how far?" The 50 mile, 100k, 100 mile races are pulling me like a magnet. The same curiosity that drove me to find out how fast I could run a mile when I was 15, drives me to find out how far I can run.
"Why??" In the words of my friend and mentor, Marshall Ulrich, "Why not?"
I am a runner. I find such fulfillment and joy from running.
How can I NOT pursue the goals of "how fast" and "how far"?
What is YOUR dream? Break open the cage and let that bird fly free!
Run Smart. Train Hard. Race Fast.
Listen to Coach Kevin each week as he co-hosts Pure Fit Radio. Listen online at www.PureFitRadio.com and subscribe for free at iTunes! He also writes the "MEMPHIS FIT" blog for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
Endurance running is not for everyone. We need training and some tune up running to prepare for the long distance running. As a medical pre-requirement, we need to have medical clearance from heart doctor and podiatrists
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