I've wanted to run one - for a long time, but honestly was always just a little too scared. I don't like to think about getting hurt, or worse yet, of dying. People die in these things - and I'm a wuss - so I always back out of the idea of running that kind of mileage.
Every year when I train for the Riverbank Run I think "I'll just keep training from here on out and it'll be a piece of cake". Not so. Never in any of those 3 races did I cross the finish line and think, "Oh boy, now I can train for a race that's 10 miles longer!" Never. In fact, my inner voice shouts all the more louder that I'm sick of training and I'm done for the season. This launches me into a 6 month hiatus where I do essentially no running at all in protest until New Years where I commit to being in 'the best shape of my life'. This renewal guilts me into signing up for 25k and the cycle continues all over again.
My first year running the 25k with Meengs. I barely made it. Didn't walk, but didn't dazzle anyone with my mad running skills. Kerin had to basically drag me across the finish line. I did love the experience though and I knew that I wouldn't die if I decided to do it again.
My second year. Meengs was in Japan, but I decided to do it on my own (well, Ross did it too but certainly didn't run it with me - I'm downright slow). I had a great experience - loved it; perfect weather and shaved 15 minutes off my first race time.
Third year running the Riverbank. I was trying to think about why I didn't have any pictures of me at the actual race and then I remembered why this was my last Riverbank Run - it poured. From the beginning of the race until mile 9, the sky spewed forth a mighty turrent of water. I survived again, but had no grand visions of doing it again.
Last spring I did not run the Riverbank. I didn't regret it; I don't think I thought about it at all outside of watching it in May, but I missed running. I missed how it made my body feel - so strong!
This summer I decided to start running again and with the smallest idea of a marathon in my head, I got up each morning at 6:30 and headed into the humidity for another grueling run. Run after run, until - like today, I sit and anticipate an 18 mile run for tomorrow and think - I know I'm going to make it! Give me gatorade and GU and I'll survive.
Every year when I train for the Riverbank Run I think "I'll just keep training from here on out and it'll be a piece of cake". Not so. Never in any of those 3 races did I cross the finish line and think, "Oh boy, now I can train for a race that's 10 miles longer!" Never. In fact, my inner voice shouts all the more louder that I'm sick of training and I'm done for the season. This launches me into a 6 month hiatus where I do essentially no running at all in protest until New Years where I commit to being in 'the best shape of my life'. This renewal guilts me into signing up for 25k and the cycle continues all over again.
My first year running the 25k with Meengs. I barely made it. Didn't walk, but didn't dazzle anyone with my mad running skills. Kerin had to basically drag me across the finish line. I did love the experience though and I knew that I wouldn't die if I decided to do it again.
My second year. Meengs was in Japan, but I decided to do it on my own (well, Ross did it too but certainly didn't run it with me - I'm downright slow). I had a great experience - loved it; perfect weather and shaved 15 minutes off my first race time.
Third year running the Riverbank. I was trying to think about why I didn't have any pictures of me at the actual race and then I remembered why this was my last Riverbank Run - it poured. From the beginning of the race until mile 9, the sky spewed forth a mighty turrent of water. I survived again, but had no grand visions of doing it again.
Last spring I did not run the Riverbank. I didn't regret it; I don't think I thought about it at all outside of watching it in May, but I missed running. I missed how it made my body feel - so strong!
This summer I decided to start running again and with the smallest idea of a marathon in my head, I got up each morning at 6:30 and headed into the humidity for another grueling run. Run after run, until - like today, I sit and anticipate an 18 mile run for tomorrow and think - I know I'm going to make it! Give me gatorade and GU and I'll survive.
October 17 is the anticipated date - Grand Rapids Marathon. I'm signing up officially this weekend and am so excited to join the lesser crowd of individuals that call themselves "marathoners".
