I decided to name my blog "Still Running Against the Wind" for several reasons. First of all, I love Bob Seger and his music, and the fact that he's a Midwestern boy done good. Years later the song was prominently used on the Forrest Gump soundtrack. I can relate to the Tom Hanks character very well.
One day, Forrest just started running across America, then went back and did it again. And again. He really had no goal in mind. Aside from getting fit, and wanting to use my feet to help others, that was me three years ago. And I still don't really have a big goal or uniqueness!
Runners are very goal-oriented people in general. For the fast ones, it's getting an elusive BQ (a time good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.) Many people want to join the "50 marathons in 50 states" club. I know one gentleman that wants to do every marathon in the state of Wisconsin. My good friend Michelle is trying to do a race in every county of our state. I've seen people running and juggling at the same time, and I read about an excellent runner that became the world's fastest Elvis. While I have run several races as my superhero alter-ego "The Blue Blazer" she's not a part of my permanent ensemble.
I do try to do races for causes that may not be earthshaking, but are important to the people involved, like equiping fire engines, and playground equipment for domestic abuse shelters. I also enjoy very small town races: most practically give you the key to the city in your goodie bag! But neither of those are terribly organized goals either. So I am very open to suggestions.
More importantly, I called it "Still Running Against the Wind" because it also applies to my life. I have always been my own person, and have not always done things the conventional way. Marriage and the baby carriage just hasn't happened for me. I have many different interests, and friends from all walks of life. I certainly don't look like a runner either: I tend to surprise people when I come barrelling across the finish line. I've never had a trainer or training partner, and have basically learned by watching people who do know what they're doing. Sure, there's always a few militants that get irritated when they have to wait for their medals until I cross the finish line. But most runners are very supportive, and that's why I fell in love with the sport. As I'm already 42, I'm not sure how long I can keep going, but I will keep going against the wind as long as I can.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
An Unexpected Not-So Side Benefit to Running
When I first laced up my sneakers for my first race in 2009, I had a few fairly reasonable expectations. One was to lose weight and to improve my stamina and overall fitness. After 70 pounds gone and after almost 150 races including 12 half-marathons, I think that is mission: accomplished. I quickly found another reason: to help others raise funds for a variety of causes throughout the state. I've walked and jogged many steps for everything from Paul Newman's camps for kids, to horse therapy and catastrophic medical expenses for the uninsured.
But I never expected racing would be the answer to a poem, a prayer almost, that I wrote in 2006, back when I weighed 250 pounds and could barely waddle across the living room. At the time, my best friend since childhood and I were estranged. Written on an old legal pad it said:
Wanted: another friend. Must be trustworthy, understanding, on time, and willing to take feelings seriously. Treating me like a queen is optional, but nice.
While we have mended fences and are still dear friends, physical distance will probably limit our visits to once every year or two. It's the same with more of my wonderful friends: they all live at least 45 minutes from me, and many are busy raising their families. I just really missed having someone to hang out with and see fairly regularly (it doesn't have to be every day.)
That first year on the circuit I was still pretty out of shape and embarrassed to even be there, so I pretty much kept to myself before and after races. But it seemed I kept popping up at the same races as this younger blond woman. Near the end of that first season, we smiled at each other, and in 2010 we just started comparing notes on different races. Not much later, a gentleman about 10 years older than me started doing more races on the circuit. After one particularly rough 10K I had a year ago, they each gave me a high five at the finish.
Little did I know that each fit the description in that "want ad" to a T! Both of them have inspired me to become a better runner, and more importantly, a better person. Instead of going to thrift stores and buying everything in sight (I still go in moderation), I'd rather be hanging out with them after a race, riding a Ferris wheel, eating chicken wings, or just plain gabbing. I hope they have learned something from me as well.
But I never expected racing would be the answer to a poem, a prayer almost, that I wrote in 2006, back when I weighed 250 pounds and could barely waddle across the living room. At the time, my best friend since childhood and I were estranged. Written on an old legal pad it said:
Wanted: another friend. Must be trustworthy, understanding, on time, and willing to take feelings seriously. Treating me like a queen is optional, but nice.
While we have mended fences and are still dear friends, physical distance will probably limit our visits to once every year or two. It's the same with more of my wonderful friends: they all live at least 45 minutes from me, and many are busy raising their families. I just really missed having someone to hang out with and see fairly regularly (it doesn't have to be every day.)
That first year on the circuit I was still pretty out of shape and embarrassed to even be there, so I pretty much kept to myself before and after races. But it seemed I kept popping up at the same races as this younger blond woman. Near the end of that first season, we smiled at each other, and in 2010 we just started comparing notes on different races. Not much later, a gentleman about 10 years older than me started doing more races on the circuit. After one particularly rough 10K I had a year ago, they each gave me a high five at the finish.
Little did I know that each fit the description in that "want ad" to a T! Both of them have inspired me to become a better runner, and more importantly, a better person. Instead of going to thrift stores and buying everything in sight (I still go in moderation), I'd rather be hanging out with them after a race, riding a Ferris wheel, eating chicken wings, or just plain gabbing. I hope they have learned something from me as well.
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