Just when I was about to wrap up this blog, I got “tagged” by Nicole, a runner and mom from the Netherlands. I have to confess that I always wanted to be singled out for this on-line experience. Plus, I thought this would make a really nice final post for “Just One Marathon”.
The rules are as follows:
Tagging is easy. Just copy the following onto your post. The rules of the game are posted at the start of your blog post. In this case, I'm asking you 5 questions about running. Each player answers the 5 questions on their own blog. At the end of your post you tag 5 other people and post their names. Go to their blogs and leave a comment on their blogs telling them they've been tagged and to look at your blog for details. When they've answered the questions on their own blog, they come back to yours to tell you. Got that?
So here goes.
How would you describe your running 10 years ago
It’s strange to think that I’ve lived with a dedicated runner for more than 15 years but had absolutely no interest in the sport until recently. I thought of running as something other, more athletic, people did. I also thought it looked boring and painful.
About five years ago, my husband completed his first 10K race, I was amazed that people of all shapes and sizes were crossing the finish line and entering the mysterious tent labelled, “Athletes Only”. I wanted in that tent, and wondered if I could earn my entry by running my own 10K. One year later, I did.
What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Worst experience: Running a half marathon in February along the St. Lawrence River in Montreal. Though the temperature was minus 20-degrees Celsius, it wasn’t the cold that made things difficult – it was the surface of slippery packed snow that made me feel as though I was running backwards. Also, the course was a three-loop run, which meant covering the same ground over and over again. Plus, during the two-hour drive home, I was struck with gastro-intestinal problems that made it necessary to stop a couple of times. Having said that, I plan to do it again next year!
Best experience: Because I haven’t run too many races, every one has been a “best experience” for me. It always feels fantastic to cross the finish line. I haven’t (yet) wrestled with pain or injury during a race and since I am a relatively new runner, my times have improved on each outing. Having said that, completing my first marathon last month seemed like a culmination of all those great moments.
3. Why do you run?
Most days I really couldn’t tell you why I keep running. I am really and truly a reluctant runner, and it only takes a few skipped runs for me to wonder why I do it at all. Having said that, when I run, I sometimes feel moments of joyful, inner peace that I carry with me into my hectic (but also happy) day-to-day life. Running puts my head right.
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?
Last year, I was fretting because I wasn’t as fast as a friend and fellow runner. All that foolish worry was taking the enjoyment (what little there is) out of running, for me. My husband told me, “In the end, you’ve got to run your own race – no one else’s.” Keeping this in mind has helped me set goals that were right for me, run at a pace that’s challenging but comfortable, and feel proud of my own accomplishments and pleased for those of my friends.
I can’t recall any bad advice I’ve been given, but I do have a knack for ignoring good advice and learning lessons the hard way.
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
I hated turning 40 – went through a mini mid-life crisis where I dyed my hair blonde, got a tattoo and complained a lot. Four years later, I wouldn’t trade my 40s for any other age – I’ve got a great job, a wonderful family and I just ran a marathon! I still do manage to find things to complain about, though.
Now it’s my turn. Here’s who I’m tagging:
Thanks again, everyone and see you around the virtual water cooler, grabbing one last drink before heading out for a run.
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