One year ago, while visiting my Dad on Father\u2019s Day, my sisters both arrived, flushed with excitement after finishing their Johnny Miles 10k race.\u00a0 Immediately, I wanted what they had.\u00a0 It was obviously good stuff!\u00a0 On that day, I made an impulsive pact with them that I would do the race next year.\u00a0 With their encouragement, I started the couch to 5k program.\u00a0 It is a 10 week program.\u00a0 It took me 16 weeks.\u00a0 The first day, I could not run the required 60 seconds without stopping.\u00a0 I was discouraged, but kept at it.\u00a0 Once I finally finished the 5k program, Kathy took me out for a 6k run, to push me into doing longer runs.\u00a0 There were times on that run that she actually ran backwards, coaxing me on.\u00a0 She really needed a slap \u2013 if only I could catch up to her!\u00a0 Kelly has a great understanding of the science of running and introduced me to farklets, which I have a love-hate relationship with today.\u00a0 Kelly is also a big fat liar!\u00a0 Well, she is not big or fat, but she kept reassuring me that she is slow, making me feel better about my times.\u00a0 I ran with Kelly for the 10k, and let me tell you, she is not slow!<\/p>\n
As feared, neither sister forgot about my commitment; both were prompt in reminding me to register for the race.\u00a0 Time flew by, and on Thursday I went to Mom and Dads to relax, and get ready for the big race.\u00a0 During that time I was pampered, and enjoyed every moment.\u00a0 Dad cooked his elaborate meals, and Mom and I went shopping, my favorite past time in even the smallest of towns.\u00a0 It was great to be able to sit down and chat with them alone for a few days.<\/p>\n
Race day came, and the flight or fight instinct kicked in.\u00a0 Apparently, I am on the \u201cflight\u201d end of that spectrum, and absolutely everything wanted to leave my body as quickly as possible, in any way possible.\u00a0 By the time the race actually started, I was sure I was going to vomit before I got across the start line.\u00a0 Kathryn and Scott came just to cheer me on, and that meant a lot.\u00a0 Mom and Dad were there, and Murray surprised me by showing up too.\u00a0 He was supposed to be away for a fly-in in Cape Breton, but came home early for support. \u00a0There was no way I could back out now, feigning a severe but short lived bout of leprosy or something urgent enough to garner sympathy and support for quitting.<\/p>\n
Kelly and Kathy were great during the race, and kept me on a consistent pace.\u00a0 Other than Kathy screaming at me to \u201cDIG IN!\u201d in and \u201cDon\u2019t you dare stop!\u201d on one particularly harrowing hill, I stayed on track.\u00a0 One hour, 4 minutes and 44 seconds later, I was across the finish line, 2 kilometers past empty.\u00a0 I had run out of fuel and motivation near the end, but somehow found just enough left to finish.\u00a0 If there is any fairness in the world, that energy came from belly fat.<\/p>\n
I never really knew what people meant when they said they hurt all over, until after the race.\u00a0 I was in agony.\u00a0 Sweet agony.\u00a0 Today I can hardly move.\u00a0 I think my hair hurts.\u00a0 My pride and self-esteem have never felt better, however.\u00a0 Next year, I don\u2019t know whether to try for a better 10k time, or go for the half marathon.\u00a0 What do you think, sisters?\u00a0 Are you ready for a throw down?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One year ago, while visiting my Dad on Father\u2019s Day, my sisters both arrived, flushed with excitement after finishing their Johnny Miles 10k race.\u00a0 Immediately, I wanted what they had.\u00a0 It was obviously good stuff!\u00a0 On that day, I made an impulsive pact with them that I would do the race next year.\u00a0 With their encouragement, I started the couch to 5k program.\u00a0 It is a 10 week program.\u00a0 It took me 16 weeks.\u00a0 The first day, I could not run the required 60 seconds without stopping.\u00a0 I was discouraged, but kept at it.\u00a0 Once I finally finished the 5k program, Kathy took me out for a 6k run, to push me into doing longer runs.\u00a0 There were times on that run that she actually ran backwards, coaxing me on.\u00a0 She really needed a slap \u2013 if only I could catch up to her!\u00a0 Kelly has a great understanding of the science of running and introduced me to farklets, which I have a love-hate relationship with today.\u00a0 Kelly is also a big fat liar!\u00a0 Well, she is not big or fat, but she kept reassuring me that she is slow, making me feel better about my times.\u00a0 I ran with Continue reading Run Like You Stole It!<\/span>