So I've decided to train for a 10k. Not because I want to run a "10k", but because I figure I should have something to shoot for - a goal with benchmarks and measurable outcomes. (Normally I hate those phrases because, in my line of work, they are applied to spreadsheets of nameless, numbered children for the purpose of standardizing education). But for my purpose, it helps me to have something to work toward. My husband asked me if I am going to sign up for a 10k in the fall at the end of my eight week program. I haven't decided yet. I might want to do this just for myself. Then again, it might be nice to cross over and actually participate in the community aspect of running.
That is one area where I haven't spent a lot of time - the community of runners. Sure, I live with a pretty serious runner. And I have a sister who pounds out miles and miles each week on her bike or in her running shoes. It's just that I'm not sure I see myself as playing the same sport. They are playing Wimbledon tennis, and I'm playing backyard badminton. I like that the only person I'm competing with is myself - it's nice to be so evenly matched. But I also realize that there is a lot of support and insight to be found out there in "the community." For example, this past week I heard from three other runners who have dealt with insecurities about people seeing them run. None of them look ridiculous to me. It makes me wonder if most runners feel that way from time to time.
It is kind of a raw, exposed sport, after all. I mean, in other sports the uniforms are downright helpful, with pads and helmets. If you're scrawny they make you look built. If you're heavy, they make it look like it's all muscle. But in running...well, let's just say the attire is less accommodating. Furthermore, in running it's just you and the road (and everyone who can see you struggling). When you think about how exposed your fellow runners are, it almost seems selfish not to share your insecurities - to encourage each other. It's about all you can do for each other. It's not like you can wear someone else's shoes and run for them when it gets hard. But you can run next to them.
I guess that's why you see so many people running in groups these days. Most Sunday mornings, a group of wiry guys meets on my very street for a jaunt up the mountain behind my house. The other day I had to wait an excruciating five minutes as the town's ENTIRE high school track team bisected the street I was on like so many sneaker-clad ants. You see groups entering in themed races and color runs. Even on our own we seek community. We subscribe to Runner's World and Trail Runner just so we can read about people on the other side of the planet doing something as mundane as putting one foot in front of the other. My mom sometimes listens to Army cadence while she runs. It reminds her of running in basic training - running with the pack, if you will. The shared rhythm and purpose. The sense that there is, literally, an army behind you holding you to some sort of standard. I guess that's the value of plugging into the running community.
It still doesn't mean I'm going to run in a race. But I am coming around to the idea of running with other people. Will it be embarrassing to huff and puff behind more fit runners? Yes. Will I feel inadequate when they talk about their long runs? Yes. Will I collapse after mile three and need to be revived by paramedics? Possibly.
Luckily I've got a bit of a head start. I happen to know a few other moms who, like me, have kids, busy work schedules, and a lot of good intentions. My other sister happens to be one of them. We've kicked around the idea of starting a mom's running group for a while, and it looks like now it might happen! Hopefully being a part of a group will help me reach my goals - not only to run 10k, but more importantly, to find the encouragement, inspiration, and camaraderie I see other runners thriving on.
That is one area where I haven't spent a lot of time - the community of runners. Sure, I live with a pretty serious runner. And I have a sister who pounds out miles and miles each week on her bike or in her running shoes. It's just that I'm not sure I see myself as playing the same sport. They are playing Wimbledon tennis, and I'm playing backyard badminton. I like that the only person I'm competing with is myself - it's nice to be so evenly matched. But I also realize that there is a lot of support and insight to be found out there in "the community." For example, this past week I heard from three other runners who have dealt with insecurities about people seeing them run. None of them look ridiculous to me. It makes me wonder if most runners feel that way from time to time.
It is kind of a raw, exposed sport, after all. I mean, in other sports the uniforms are downright helpful, with pads and helmets. If you're scrawny they make you look built. If you're heavy, they make it look like it's all muscle. But in running...well, let's just say the attire is less accommodating. Furthermore, in running it's just you and the road (and everyone who can see you struggling). When you think about how exposed your fellow runners are, it almost seems selfish not to share your insecurities - to encourage each other. It's about all you can do for each other. It's not like you can wear someone else's shoes and run for them when it gets hard. But you can run next to them.
I guess that's why you see so many people running in groups these days. Most Sunday mornings, a group of wiry guys meets on my very street for a jaunt up the mountain behind my house. The other day I had to wait an excruciating five minutes as the town's ENTIRE high school track team bisected the street I was on like so many sneaker-clad ants. You see groups entering in themed races and color runs. Even on our own we seek community. We subscribe to Runner's World and Trail Runner just so we can read about people on the other side of the planet doing something as mundane as putting one foot in front of the other. My mom sometimes listens to Army cadence while she runs. It reminds her of running in basic training - running with the pack, if you will. The shared rhythm and purpose. The sense that there is, literally, an army behind you holding you to some sort of standard. I guess that's the value of plugging into the running community.
It still doesn't mean I'm going to run in a race. But I am coming around to the idea of running with other people. Will it be embarrassing to huff and puff behind more fit runners? Yes. Will I feel inadequate when they talk about their long runs? Yes. Will I collapse after mile three and need to be revived by paramedics? Possibly.
Luckily I've got a bit of a head start. I happen to know a few other moms who, like me, have kids, busy work schedules, and a lot of good intentions. My other sister happens to be one of them. We've kicked around the idea of starting a mom's running group for a while, and it looks like now it might happen! Hopefully being a part of a group will help me reach my goals - not only to run 10k, but more importantly, to find the encouragement, inspiration, and camaraderie I see other runners thriving on.
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