I can still hear the sound of my own annoying voice, blabbing on to whomever would listen, that if I ever quit smoking I would run a marathon.
Following 15 years of moderate-turned-heavy smoking, that day finally arrived Jan. 17, 2011.
It was the hardest thing I ever did and I applaud anyone who is venturing to kick the habit. I promise you won’t regret it.
Fast forward 3.5 years and I can finally say that I’ve survived my first attempt at a 10k race, after coming in 129th place at last weekend’s Footstock Trailblazers event with 61 minutes and 38 seconds of running, sponsored by the Cochrane Eagle.
My goal was 60 minutes and even if I had finished last place, the reward for me was simply to finish.
Congratulations to Speedy Gonzales, a.k.a. Travis Cummings, who came in first place at 37 minutes, 38 seconds. St. Tim’s budding athletes are lucky to have such an inspiration for a teacher.
I’m no marathoner yet, and may very well never be, but what I can tell you is that the experience was a mixture of accomplishment, exhilaration and feeling completely overwhelmed, matched by my continued belief that I look about as natural running as my awkward Corgi, Angie – the best running partner a gal could have.
While it felt selfish to run without her, a herd barreling through the off-leash dog park would certainly have been a terrifying and dangerous place for her.
Not an option.
Following a recovery program that involved ibuprofen and red wine, I can tell you that while I still can’t fathom a half-marathon, I can picture signing up for another 10k race.
That next race is looking like the 10k Stampede Road Race July 6, as per suggestion of my human running partner, Brenda.
Looks like Angie and I have some work to do over the next couple of weeks.
Join us?
