By Pamela Canning
A night at the beach is always a welcome adventure, bringing comfort and peace; the salty air along with the soft breeze of mid-May is just delightful. My daughter, her friend, my sister and I decided to train at the beach one night last week; the place was alive with children, runners and games of Frisbee. My head was clear as we began running along the seawall, but my training quickly became unpleasant.
As we’ve been gearing up for a June 5K, training has been hard, but up until now mentally it has been manageable. But as I was running that evening, doubt entered my thought process. The voice began, “You aren’t going to make it, there is no way you will finish a 5K, who do you think you are?” For the first time the music in my earphones couldn’t bring focus. I was irritated and honestly quite pissed that I was being challenged. Even the catchy rhythm of Lionel Richie singing with Rascal Flatts, Dancing on the Ceiling couldn’t bring a smile (listen to the remake before you judge).
I began running because my oldest daughter and sister wanted me to join them in their new found joy. Never being one to exercise or have a competitive nature, something flickered within me and the answer was, “Yes, I want to join you.” What the running has become is a personal challenge to my spirit. What I have come to understand is the beach run was a test, one of ability, confidence, determination and success. I accomplished the training, but something was different. I pushed my body beyond what it knows, with that came an emotional and physical break. Never having been a runner, I don’t quite understand it, but what I can say is that nothing looks the same. I have a new sense of determination and focus.
On Saturdays we train with a group led by local runner Nancy McCarthy. A few runners meet on Low Street to work together toward our goal of running the 5K. Eight a.m. sharp, we begin. The headphones go on, the music starts, I look to the sky, feel the warmth and we move. This begins the ritual of acceptance and approval, each foot pounding on the pavement reminds me to look forward, not back. I run for the five year old child whose father walked out on her family. I run for the scared 15 year old girl whose search for love leads her to a bathroom stall with a positive pregnancy strip in her tiny hand. I run for the mother who lost her painful battle with cancer. Finally, I run for those who can’t. I accept the challenge, every step, every breath; every single movement is in gratitude for the ability to do it. I challenge you to do the same, step outside your comfort zone- do it for yourself first and then for those around you, become the person you want to be, today is a perfect time to start.
The spirit is an endless source of joy only made limited by our own thoughts, let it soar…..wonderful things are waiting for you.
You did it and you continue to do it! We completed a 22 minute run last week and you ended it by saying, “I couldn’t have done another minute”. We completed a 25 minute run just two days later and you ended it by saying, “I couldn’t have run another minute”. And, we ran last night… You ran for 40 minute and you completed the entire 5K June 14th race route! What was that about not being able to run another minute?
You accepted the challenge, shook its hand and said, “See you at the finish line, Sucker!”
I am so very proud of you and look forward to evey training session I have with you and auntie! Job well done!
I am thinking the same about you. My body is hurting today, but that is a good thing. It needs to be shaken up a bit…..LOL!
You did it and you did not let it beat you. I heard you say last night as we finished with a cool down walk back to the house “I am now officially a runner” and that you are. You know that you can do what it takes to accomplish that goal of finishing a 5K. We will continue to train and some training will be harder than the other however what you now have is that feeling of accomplishment and knowing how to finish the goal that you set for yourself that day you emailed both Sarah and Ito tell us that you were in for the Couch to 5K training. I am personally proud of you, for going out and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and saying “I can do it and I will not quit”!!
I just love our training sessions and look forward to them each week with both you and Sarah. See you on the pavement and now we can say at the finish line too.
Great job last night.
Right back at ya, College Grad!!!!!! See you tonight!!!
great article, so inspirational! Congrats to the group who completed the 5k run!
Thanks, Erin. We run again tonight. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing, it feels good to test this body to see what it can do.
Woo Hoo!
Wonderful post Pam…..loved it and way to go!!!!
The ladies are trying to talk me into the Yankee Homecoming 5K, but I am not committing yet. Thanks, bstnonice.
Oh, you’re doing it!
Saturday the run was in honor of my good friend and fellow writer Phyllis Twichell who passed away Friday night. She was a dancer, actress, writer and Peace Corps veteran .