People, I am starting to question my sanity. How else to explain the fact that I am now registered for two races and trying to get into a third one?
Bear in mind, I’ve been running for only four months or so and have yet to run a distance further than two miles and that’s with one or two short breaks in there.
The first race (the one that I don’t know yet if I’m in) is a 5K at BlogHer in August. It starts at 6:30 a.m. — an early start after what will surely be a late night of socializing – and will either be a lovely run through Central Park or down Broadway (two options are available). I have not yet run 5K either in whole or in parts and I’m hearing rumors that tutus are encouraged. Um, no.
Then there’s the 4-miler on September 4 that I already told you about. You know, the one where my running posse includes a marathon runner and a triathlete. Oh no, Rubenesque Jen won’t look AT ALL ridiculous trying to keep up with two svelte athletes.
And then there’s a 6K in early October. Naturally, having never run a distance of 5K, I have also not yet run 6K.
I am, in a word, insane.
But, I am a determined insane person, so I’m getting up at 6:00 three or four mornings a week, lacing up my sneakers, and hitting the road. I’d run every day, but when I tried this a few weeks ago, my knees, shins, and feet all staged a highly-organized, simultaneous revolt. It was actually kind of impressive how efficiently all my lower body parts worked together as a team to bring me down. I’m sure there are some revolutionary groups out there that could use this level of organization and energy. My body won out over my brain — I could barely walk for two days afterward — so now daily runs are not an option. My brain is still mad about this.
[Side note: I love it when I'm talking with someone and mention running and I can see them sort of hesitate and they're obviously thinking something like There's no way in hell that this overweight middle-aged mom is a runner. It's actually kind of amusing to watch.]
Now, I will be the first to admit that my enthusiasm can be a bit much at times. Like, when I first learned how to knit, I suddenly owned dozens of knitting needles in a wide variety of sizes and miles and miles of yarn in a rainbow of colors, yet all these years later I still can’t do anything more than knit a scarf (rectangle) or a blanket (square). Rectangles and squares — no triangles, circles, or actual articles of clothing that would be useful.
[Yes, scarves are useful, but a person only needs so many and, honestly, most days I don't want anything encircling my neck and causing me to sweat.]
Or, when I got Bubbles last year, I was suddenly reading biking magazines and cruising the aisles of the bike store with the enthusiasm of a junkie in the evidence room. Luckily, my love affair with Bubbles has continued and I don’t see us breaking up any time soon.
So, given that I’ve been running only since late winter, it’s natural for me to worry that my enthusiasm will wane.
Which is exactly why I am signing up for all these races. I am paying good money for them and by golly I will not waste my hard-earned cash. Ergot, I must run regularly in order to be able to get through those races or else I will die on the race course.
See? There is a method to my madness. It’s just not always readily apparent.
Jen! I’m so excited for you!! I just returned from a glorious vacation where I read Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run. You *have* to read this book! I wanted to get up and run every single morning (and I did!) but it just ratcheted up my enthusiasm to a new level. I absolutely understand the need to set deadlines (races) as motivation. I do it all the time.
You’re going to have a blast.
I have NEVER been able to run. My knees started deteriorating at age 15. I can WALK 5 miles, but definately not run.
I think it’s a great idea that you have a goal to reach. My BIL started running last year and barely survived his first 5K. He’s almost up to 7K, now.
I will knit you another pair of socks if you wear a tu-tu and there is photo documentation of said tu-tu.
I’m telling you, you’re becoming Eddie Izzard. Just minus the transvestite part, and the stand-up comedian part. If you continue on this trajectory, you’ll be doing 43 marathons in 51 days by next spring.
Go for it!
Ooo, paperdiva, I”ll contribute to the tu-tu wearing! How about a gift card to the book store of Jen’s choice?
And yes Jen, you’ve officially lost your marbles. : )
You can do it! If I can do a 5K at 290 lbs in less than an hour, you can definitely do it. Faster than that. You are awesome Jen! Although I draw the line at tutus tootoo.
Having never been nor having wanted to be a runner I can’t imagine what has gotten into you. However, if I lived on that side of the country, I would go to your races and cheer very loudly and wave silly signs at you.
Run, girl, run!
It’s good to have a goal to work toward! That’s the type of thing that would keep me motivated instead of giving up the first time it rains.
Ixnay on the ututay.
I’m right there with you – on the edge of insanity
I keep trying to become a runner. I ran track in junior high, played soccer in high school. Had to run for conditioning as a college dancer. But running just to run? HATE IT. I want to be a runner, though!! I don’t get it – running when I play with my kids is fine and fun. Running to run – hurts. I can’t breathe.
Is it all mental? Have you had these setbacks? What motivates you to keep going? I would LOVE to sign up for a 5K but I’m scared I won’t follow through and then hate myself.
Knitting – you can make rectangles, then sew the ends together to make a cup cozy. Or you can learn to knit in the round (so easy with joined needles, I could give you instructions) and then you won’t have to sew the ends together.
Or you can knit 2 squares or 2 rectangles, one long skinny rectangle and then sew them together to make a cute little hippie pouch. Use wool and wash it in hot water and it can be felted!
Pot holders. Wash cloths! Don’t buy any more dish/kitchen towels or pot holders. Just knit up squares in whatever leftover yarn you have and that way you’re being green.
I am by no means a running expert, so keep that in mind when I give any advice. I have done a handful of 5ks and miraculous in June 2009 I ran a half-marathon and did not die, which is the same thing as winning in my book. What has helped me when pushing up in distance (like that push you need to make from 2 to 3 miles for your 5k) is to run intervals. I like to jog three minutes, then walk for one minute. That way, I am getting a little break, but it is timed and controlled and my break can’t turn into a “I’ll just finish this up with a nice brisk walk.” When you no longer need the breaks, you can switch it up so that it’s job three SPRINT one. I personally am not that hardcore. But sounds like you are well on your way to being Ms. Hardcore Runner. As one Rubenesque running to another, xoxo
Where in “job” equals “jog,” just FYI.
Research shows that people are committed when money is involved. That said, I don’t think a million dollars could turn me enter a runner–I’m just not built for it–every step is pure torture. I’ll be walking a 10k on the 4th of July.
Good luck!
I cannot wait until you start collecting stamps, Jen.
Power to you to keep running. The goal of those races are a great incentive, but THREE now? I am BLOWN AWAY. Run, Jen, Run!
You’re crazy. But I admire you for your strength.
Good for you. I know you can do it! Why not jump in with both feet, right?
Woo hoo! I hope you run on the Blog Her weekend!!!!!! Yes, do them all!!! That’s what will keep you going!!!