PAST
I hated running as a child. I can remember in third grade begging to participate in a one mile race for school. After two laps, I got a running cramp, didn't finish, and received a healthy dose of grade school humiliation. For me running was a chore, something you did to to escape responsibility or the police.
Then in my mid twenties, tried of the gym, I was looking for something to do for exercise. Something that can be done anywhere, anytime with minimal investment. I came up with running. So I opened the door and put one foot in front of the other. Again, I was incapable of running one mile. So I asked some friends...
They all said the same thing, "slow down." So I did. And I started to put together a three point five mile run around the local golf course. Also, I started to sign up for local 5k and 10k races. The races were motivation to keep running. I gotta admit, I love my medals and bib numbers.
PRESENT
I have come to enjoy running. It allows me to clear my thoughts, provides me with energy, and challenge myself. I started with a 5k and moved up to a 10k, 12k, half marathon, and marathon. I find myself committed to longer distances. I won't get out of bed unless I am planning to run five miles or more. It is a great feeling to know that I have this kind of endurance, power, and strength.
Running isn't just about physical strength; it's mental and emotional too. Any distance will test you, ask more of you than you think you can give, try to break you. The days that I don't want to run are the days when I know I have to. Because if I don't, the third grader who couldn't finish one mile will win.
FUTURE
Tomorrow I will participate in my first triathlon. It's a sprint triathlon. Much like a 5k race; it's a first step into a great unknown. I am excited with what this represents; a larger challenge, dedication to training, balancing life, family, and work.
I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I am ready.
EPILOGUE
The triathlon was amazing. I was strong in the run and bike, and totally gassed in the swim. I finished around one hour and twenty minutes (unofficially) and am waiting for the official results to post. Now I am researching local gyms with pools, triathlon bikes, USA Triathlon and Ironman International memberships. I think a triathlete was born.
