Be a competitor
Anyone can compete and win!
By Lisa Snider 01/28/2010
As I write this, my quads are screaming, my hammies are burning and I may lose a toenail. But I am smiling. You know why? Because I went the distance — 13.1 miles to be precise. I competed, and I crossed a finish line. I didn’t come in first, and I didn’t come in last, but I finished, and sometimes that’s what counts most.
My husband, Bill, is a distance runner, and every year he runs with his co-workers in the Phoenix Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon. This year, he talked me into walking the course with him. I had walked it a few years ago, so I knew what I was in for and gave myself a few months to train for the big day. Yes, even though I wasn’t running the course, I trained for the event, dedicating several Sundays to a long-distance hike. A half marathon is anything but a simple leisurely stroll.
In addition to following a training regimen, I made sure I had the right gear. My sneakers had a few too many miles on them, so I bought a new pair and broke them in. I also invested in several pairs of nylon socks. (A few miles in cotton will tear your feet up.) Stretchy leggings, a moisture-wicking tee and sunscreen kept me comfortable in long distances.
The night before the race, marathon runner and 1972 Olympic gold medalist, Frank Shorter talked to our group about what it’s like to go that far, to overcome nerves and to feel comfort in the knowledge that no matter how bad you feel, someone else is worse. It was reassuring to know that even an Olympian can have the same doubts and fears as the average person.
I started the race strong, but at about mile seven, I was feeling tight and getting a little tired. My husband handed me an energy gel packet filled with berry-flavored goo loaded with carbs and caffeine. Within 10 minutes, I was feeling good. I took advantage of all of the beverage stops to stay hydrated. And then the competitor in me took over.
Now, I’ve never been much for competitive sports. I was not an athlete and absolutely steered clear of all contact sports. But that day I wanted to race. And I did. I raced against myself so that I would set a new personal record. I raced against the clock. And every now and then, I set my sights on a face in the crowd (OK, a butt in the crowd) and set out to race him or her. This became a pretty fun game, with Bill and me taking turns deciding who we would pick off next. Sometimes we would speed walk, sometimes we would run. Now and then, we slowed our pace to recharge.
But, ultimately, we won, because we crossed that finish line!
There are a couple of races coming up in our area in February. All you need are a good pair of shoes, nylon socks and a competitive spirit. Will I see you there?
Register for the following at www.active.com:
• Sunday, Feb. 7: Simi Valley Half Marathon 5K and 10K
• Saturday, Feb.13: Ojai Classic Heart and Sole 5K and 10K
Lisa Snider is a local freelance writer. For more, go to www.LisaSnider.com.
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