25th January 2009

I just got home from running 8k+ in -11 C weather! Wow! Nothwithstanding the short run I did on Friday with James, my last long run was 14th December 08 in Honolulu and it was in the low 80's F. What a change! Lol!

Nevertheless, it feels very good to be back. I have been too lethargic for far too long. At 45 years of age, I cannot afford to slip into laziness an complacency...it's a slippery slope...not unlike the black-ice that covered much of the roads/sidewalks this morning. And one fall could bring me down. And that is just not something I am prepared to endure or allow.

It's funny that I am taking up or on running. As a kid, I was a complete nerd/arts-brat and didn't ever do anything physical unless forced. I was not a jock and didn't do anything much physical until I was older and started going to the gym. Even that was a mostly a travesty. However, the last couple of years I have been edging closer and closer into running. And in 2008, I jumped in fully.

Last year I ran with Team In Training from July onward and ran my first official Half Marathon at the end of September (Scotiabank Waterfront 1/2 & full). After which I actually injured myself and didn't run again until almost Honolulu when I chose - against many people's recommendations/urgings - to go ahead with my first official FULL MARATHON! Wow...and was that an experience.

It's so funny, because as gruelling and physically devastating as that was, I got home a week later and immediately started looking up marathons in the world. I saw that there is/was a marathon in Madrid sometime in April 09 that totally inspired me. Now with the economy so bad and business being rather challenging, I am not sure that is likely...but it inspired me. What also surprised me was how eager I was for it.

Just Friday I signed-up for four races: an 8k, a 10k, a full marathon and a 5k, in that order. I will also sign up for the St Patty's Day 5k in March and perhaps a 1/2 marathon somewhere in May (perhaps the Women's 1/2 and full). I have become addicted.

Long distance running has become something of a test for me. For who I am. For I am committed to being. For what I want to accomplish with my life. I am a late bloomer or re-bloomer...and I am determined NEVER TO GIVE UP.

I am totally inspired to take risks, to push myself and my boundaries: emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally, artistically...in all ways I can. Life is way too short to spend it whining and complaining and/or wishing I had done something. 2009 is my year for ACTION. And running will be my gauge of how far I am willing to go. I particularly like the 'long distance' aspect too. It is a metaphor for the long journey's in life. For staying the course and making through to the end. Just like today, I wanted to quit a couple of times...but I chose to finish. I am a finisher! This is my new mantra. I finished the Honolulu marathon and although there was no record set by a very long shot...I finished...and I finished running! Thanks to my amazing coach!

So onward and upward!

My other physical goals this year include hiking, mountain climbing (Mount Kilimanjaro this summer), parachuting, biking generally and doing a bike rally specifically, at least 2 marathons and maybe a triathlon or two...at least a mini-if not full one! WOW...from couch potato to athlete at 45-years old. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!!!!