6-miler

Thursday, March 27, 2008
I’m not a dog-lover. I don’t dislike them; I just don’t want to be around them. However, Monday day I had my first on-the-street dealing as a walker-in-training with a dog. I was confronted by an “Odie” type of mutt, seemingly begging for a head scrub. Even though he began with a bark, a quickly unleashed wagging tail and slobbery tongue let me know that he was a playful sort. However, I had a goal--survive walking SIX miles…no time to stop and play.

It was quite an experience, the 6-miler. There were 3 significant points at which I entertained the thought of stopping. But no; I've quit quitting. I was determined to keep on keeping on (as long as it wasn’t detrimental—as Coach Danny exhorted, pay attention to what our bodies are telling us—use common sense). It just so happens that this old body can take more than I want to admit. Afterward I was stiff and sore, especially my knees! Getting up the stairs to bed that night was a step-by-step challenge. Whether Tuesday was a rest day or not, it was for sure that I wasn’t going to do any exercise, other than getting out of bed and sitting up straight. After all of this pain, I now look differently at cookies…they are not quite as tempting as before.

Wednesday night I overcame the “it’s too late” excuse and went to the gym for my 3-miler. It felt so good (overcoming the excuse, that is. The 3-miler is still a challenge). I got home around 9:15. Usually I am so tired, I just go home, shower, and crash on the couch. Tonight at the gym I encouraged myself more than once to not quit. I've “quit quitting.” I will “keep on keeping on!”

This coming Saturday in training team we are only doing 4 miles. I’ve never before used the terms “only” and “4 miles” in the same sentence. Three months ago, for me to think about walking 4 miles (let alone at an 18 minute pace) would have been nothing more than a good laugh.

I am different now. I actually feel that I am beginning to walk the talk. It feels wonderful! And…I don’t need a calendar to time my 10k any more.