I've never been a runner. I always thought it seemed like a cool thing to do and a great way to burn calories and get in shape, but every time I tried it, I collapsed into a red-faced, heaving heap. I couldn't breathe and I felt like throwing up.
Not really incentive to keep going.
But I'm a determined soul and about 4 months ago, I started running on the treadmill. Two minutes was about the most I could do without passing out. But I kept at it, doing run/walk intervals. The first time I ran for five minutes without stopping, I felt like I could conquer the world. When I ran for eight, I was pretty sure I had conquered the world (or at least a small section of my neighborhood.)
Then at RWA's National Conference during the end of July, I ran my first mile. Twelve minutes! A whole mile! Did this achievement make me a runner? I wasn't sure, but it felt like I was on the verge of something. A point of no return. A precipice.
This week I ran 1.25 miles. Fifteen minutes without stopping. I'm pretty sure I'm officially a runner. And by the end of next month, I hope to be running 1.75 - 2 miles. When the weather cools, I'll be taking the show outside - something I'm really looking forward to.
I sure didn't start out running a mile, but now that I have, I feel like there's no holding me back. I've even briefly entertained looking into the possibility of doing a 5k. I know! Who am I?
Writing a book is a lot like learning to run. It takes time, desire and constant work. Stop writing for a week and see how easy it is to get back into your rhythm. It's not. Just like running. You've got to keep pushing forward. So go. Push. Run. Write. If I can do it, anyone can.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Never Say Never
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Thanks for this inspirational post. You are so right to compare running to writing though I still can't run and I'm still uncertain at times on how good a writer I am but I'm still writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you going for it with the running and the writing. Go you!
Congrats on becoming a runner. I took this leap about a year ago... its liberating. You post was very motivating. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true. I was convinced I was not a runner either. But little by little I've done it too.
ReplyDeleteI've realized a lot of it is more mental than physical.
I try every summer. It just never sticks for me through winter, since I don't like the treadmill very much.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I like to walk fast but running has never been something I enjoy. I go to the gym every day and I rarely go on the treadmill...I like the elliptical and the cross ramp.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! =o)
ReplyDeleteAnd great post, btw. It reminded me this isn't a sprint. It's a marathon and there's no dropping out.
Good for you! You should definitely do a 5K. I walk and jog more than run and it's the best way I've found to clear my mind :)
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