Reflections of Week #11

Ever since high school, I have had a disdain for running. I loved playing football, wrestling, and baseball throughout my secondary education. But, I always hated running during these sports. Practices were the worst; other than for conditioning, running seemed especially pointless! My legs were built short, giving me a permanent handicap against virtually every other person on Earth.

This past winter, before beginning graduate school, I buckled down and forced myself to start running to stay in shape. I am an avid bike rider during the summer months and have really come to enjoy the sport. But, I am not able to ride frequently during the winter months because of the unbearably cold weather. Running offered an excellent way to stay in shape while utilizing the local gymnasium at Frostburg State University to stay out of the cold.

At first, making the journey to FSU to start running was like crossing the Pacific. I dreaded making the trip all day at work, and especially had a hard time getting into a rhythm. The first two weeks were the worst; especially when the girl's volleyball team decided to do laps after practice...around me! I had never been so embarrassed; for the first time in my young life, I felt old. But, I was determined to become a decent runner and stuck with the arduous task for the remainder of the winter.

By March, I was not only able to run several miles in the gymnasium, but was also able to run up several flights of stairs and still maintain a strong pace. I started building confidence in my running abilities and considered myself...pretty good :-) I even kept pace with the men's winter soccer team for several laps one evening!

Now the winter of 2009-2010 has arrived. Much like last year, I dread the running. But this year I not only have the confidence to get in shape, but have goals. I have made a pact with a fellow co-worker to try and compete in two or three marathons this summer and fall. I plan to start out light with a 3K and then a 5K run in the spring and summer. Both are in Washington DC and will be on flat land. After these small challenges, I plan to race in the Great Allegheny Run right here in Frostburg and Cumberland. My cousin Chris Miller has promised to help me train, and my friend John Aiken has promised to run in the races with me. Hopefully this a productive winter :-)