I stopped by the best local running store in the world on Saturday. Technically, I was there to buy some socks that would keep my feet from freezing when I'm brave enough to venture outside, but mostly I was there to get a kick in the butt since the weather and the flu have sidelined my committment to forward movement.
While I was lamenting the lack of mileage in my life, my friend J (who works at the best local running store in the world) was telling me that she still has a nagging hip injury that flares up anytime she runs more than 18 miles. And, after smacking her in the head and suggesting that she stop at around mile 17, we moved on to discussing my neighbor, K, and the 100-miler he's planning to run this fall. Then we chit chatted some more about life in general and running apparel in particular (ultimately deciding that the $80 running shell was not essential to my happiness but would make a lovely Valentine's gift... which I need to suggest to the husband).
I left the store with my toasty new socks and the much needed kick in the butt. It was only after I got home and had a few moments to myself that I really thought about my running friends and why on earth it seemed normal to be standing around talking to someone about running 18 miles.
Remember, it was just one year ago that I started running. And by started, I mean started. Running two minutes at a time was barely conceivable, let alone two miles. I went to the best local running store in the world, bought some new shoes, made some new friends, signed up for a few races, and away I went. It's only now - a year later - that I understand why these new friends embraced me and my complete newness to running so completely.
They're crazy.
And they want to suck me into their craziness.
People, all my running friends are ultrarunners. Ultrarunners aren't satisfied with wimpy 13.1 or 26.2 mile distances... they want more! They run 50ks... 50 milers... and even 100 milers! They're completely nuts! Adorable... and funny... and supportive... but NUTS!
My running friends and community include:
W, the running store owner, who ran four 100 mile races in 2009.
B, my coworker, who ran her first ultra in October (a 50k - go B!)
J, my friend and running store employee, who ran at least one 50 miler in 2009
K, my neighbor, who wasn't a runner 2 1/2 years ago but ran his first 50 miler in 2009
No wonder I thought nothing of going from running for two minutes to running for 14 miles last year. No wonder I've decided two half marathons seems perfectly reasonable for my 2010 goal. I've been brainwashed!
And it only took me a year to figure it out.
2 comments:
You can do it!! I remember reading your blog last year as you posted about your first days of running...you have come so far in a year! AWESOME! I admire your dedication.
D~ Next up for you...Disney's Goofy Challenge. ½ marathon Sat AM then a full Sun AM. I've done it twice (2nd time just two weeks ago). It is a blast. I challenge you to do it 2013. That's when I'll do it next because it'll be the 25th anniversary for the marathon and the medals will be sweet. Not that they aren't INCREDIBLE now, but the anniversary one's are too awesome. Eventually I'll have a pic up on the blog. Good luck with your two half's this year.
Post a Comment