Well, I thought it might be about time to dedicate a post to this latest project of mine: running a 5K race. For someone who understands that running and cycling share a lot of the same qualities, you'd think that I might take to it quickly, and enjoy it. Well, there's a hidden quality they both share, and that is that TRAINING SUCKS. Yup. Training is where the hard work is done. That's where you run, even if you don't want to, even if you can't stand the pain, even if you know you look like an idiot out there, even if your legs are about to fall off - you keep doing it. The rewards are the races, but the training? No, the training is where you do the hard work, and for me, that hard work - on the bike or on my feet - will never be "fun." It's training, and it hurts, and that's why I don't like it.
But in the last couple of weeks, a few things have happened. See, the Fat Kid's girlfriend LIKES to run, and convinced me that doing a 5k race was a good and important thing. She's right, of course - running is a good thing for me to do. It's healthy, it's easier to do wherever I go, it's relatively low-cost (if you want it to be) and I can still wear most of my biking gear while doing it...so it's really a smart thing, as it also works other muscle groups and is good for my lungs, etc. I know all this, but the facts remain: I have never run a distance of 3.1 miles in my life, and up to now, have convinced myself that I could NOT do it. In fact, I've been afraid of it, hiding behind excuses like "flat feet" (which is true) "shin splints" (which is true, but I've likely exaggerated it) and other such things. So, registering with her for this race is a way for me to face this rather silly fear of running.
And it turns out that "silly" is precisely what it is. I mean, really? Afraid of running? Who does that? And I remembered something: I used to be afraid of hills, too. Now I just don't like them a whole bunch, but I used to be afraid to even try them. Now, I see a hill and even though I know it's going to hurt, I do my best to ride up it anyway. Why? Because I don't want to be afraid anymore. I don't like that guy who fears hills. Just like I don't like that guy who's afraid to run.
So, with that in mind this week, I've been running regularly, and on Tuesday, something pretty incredible happened: I ran the first mile without stopping. Previously, I'd been running about 1/3 mile before having to stop and rest for a second, or at least walk just a little. Not on that day. I finally completed the first mile. For the first time since starting this exploration into running (which started about 6 weeks ago with occasionally running with my girlfriend) I could look at what I did, and be mildly pleased. Oh hell, I was ecstatic!!! I - me - the Fat Kid - RAN A MILE. I don't think I've ever run a mile before in my life. Ever. And here I am, doing it. Still not necessarily "enjoying" it...but DOING it.
Now - for a quick dose of reality, one mile's not going to get me far in a 3.1 mile race. Not in the least. So I should only be just "so proud" of 1 mile. But it's that first mile that's the hardest to conquer. I know if I can do one mile, I can eventually do two, and if I can do two, I can eventually do three. The only problem is that I have until the 25th to be able to do those three. Damned time limitations. But that's a good thing, because it doesn't let me hide from it. I'm forced to do it, to own it, to push myself, in an endeavor that is good for me. And I'm telling you all about it because that's me not hiding from it either. Who knows? There may be a day when I become "The Kid Formerly Known As Fat" and I get to make my name into just a symbol. Ummm...Don't hold your breath on that one.
In other knews...I'm getting even with her, and making her prep for a ride-to-be-disclosed-later. Maybe we can both win!
Thanks for Reading,
The Fat Kid
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