Runner’s High
Nearly, twenty years ago I was persuaded to walk a half marathon. Training for it, was great motivation to exercise. The energy the day of the race was amazing! I was hooked and decided I needed to up my game to running. The first day I went out to run I was totally pumped. I was in great shape from the walking. I donned my athletic shoes and headed for the door full of enthusiasm. In less than a tenth of a mile I had to walk. Dejected, I evaluated the situation. After a couple false starts, I realized I was trying to run too fast. If I wanted to be a distance runner I had to pace myself.
I’d been hearing radio ads for Team In Training. Team In Training, trains folks to run a marathon in exchange for raising funds for the leukemia society. I decided I would sign up, if I was able to run 2 miles non-stop within 2 weeks. Two weeks later I registered. Training was grueling but worth every step. On the long runs I could run for hours (literally) and completely lose myself in the run. I’d completely lose the sense of time and distance.
In all I ran nearly a dozen marathons, I started toying with the idea of an ultra. Instead I decided to go for my doctorate (a story for another day). I met so many amazing people along the way. I always found it difficult to set any speed records because I would meet someone struggle along the course. I would opt to keep them company and make sure they finished.
My younger daughter opted to run the Marine Corps Marathon years after I had run it, being the good mom I am I went to the course to cheer her on as my sisters and mom had done for me. The big difference, as she was heading into Hains Point it was clear she was struggling. I jumped on the course and kept her company for the next two miles. It was an incredible bonding time for us. Few words were spoken but it was thrilling to run side by side. She is a much stronger runner, and has clocked many more miles than I have. She’s taken it to the next level, taking up ultra-trail running. I’ve lost count of the number of ultras I have monitored her progress during.
Perhaps the biggest challenge of my recovery was learning to walk again. It’s nearly two years since the second surgery and my walking pace is finally getting back to what it was. Running on the other hand is still a challenge. The latest surgery setting me back yet again. However, my daughter and I have agreed we will run a half marathon together. Potentially, a marathon but reality is my joints probably wouldn’t appreciate that.
There are so many running legacy moments, that I share over time. And there will be at least one more running legacy moment in the future.
