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"Running is a way of life - a joyful and thrilling way to pass the time, set goals, and see how far I can go." -- Keeping Pace
I was a runner, a very long time ago. I often think about trying it again. I went so far as to put it on my little 101 things to do in 1001 days list.
I'm not sure I ever loved running. I think I ran because it was a good excuse for me to get out of the house, on my own, just for a little while everyday. Some women do love to run, or they did...
"Someone kick my ass and make me love running again. Please." -- Angry Feminist Running Rants
Maybe I should try to kickstart my motivation by commiting to a fundraising marathon for charity, like Noah (the son of Blogher's Elena Centor).
Although I am raising money to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma foundation and running to help everyone who suffers from these terrible diseases, I am dedicating my training and marathon to the memory of my Grandmother, Rose Freed, who suffered from Lymphoma. Bubba Rose was an exceptional person, mother and grandmother. It is her stubbornness that I inherited, that will likely be the reason I finish on December 10th.
What I wouldn't give for the kind of dedication Nancy Toby has:
I'm a back of the pack triathlete and full-time mom of toddler twins - at age 49 all of this is new! I struggle with motivation and weight loss but keep plugging away. I've completed 9 marathons, 24 half marathons, 2 Olympic- distance triathlons, 3 half Ironman triathlons, and a few sprint triathlons. Now I've gone and done it - signed up for Ironman Florida on November 4, 2006. Probably I'll always be eligible for the Athena body weight competition category (150+), but I'd like to just barely qualify! I have a strong academic and professional background in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and biomechanics - now it's time to apply it to myself.
And, Blogher's own Marathon Mom, Grace Davis, has a spot in the NYC Marathon. Grace has gone a step further and offered herself up to help others.
"As a volunteer you are not expected to be a professional, or an expert on health or nutritional matters. Your role is that of a companion. You are there for safety, morale, conversation, fun and exercise...
In the early part of the race, you will be helping to set a steady, easy pace. When the pack catches up, you will protect your runner from the gung-ho by keeping him or her to the side, especially when drinking water. If you are with a wheelchair runner, you may have to run ahead on the uphill so you will be together again at the bottom of a downhill; or may also have to discourage dangerous downhilling.
Do not give any bodily aid, unless the person is hurting or exhausted and stops by theside. This is just a common-sense rule of running competitions, but it applies especially to the disabled. It is far more satisfying to push a wheelchair 2 miles alone than 5 miles with help.
Do run through the finish line with your runner, and afterwards make sure the baggage is found and there is a way home."
I've just subscribed to a dozen running blogs and am hoping to find just a little bit of inspiration, ok a lot of inspiration. Maybe I'll do something with my running shoes besides walk from the house to the car and back again.
~~Denise
Daily Dose of Denise and Fast Times @ Homeschool High
Image Credit: Running for Women
