Tag Archives: runner

The Wait

Well, it’s here. This is the final countdown to my first half marathon – a 13.1-mile scenic race filled with unbelievably steep hills in the mountains of North Carolina. It’s only 3 days away. And how do I feel? Prepared? Upbeat? Optimistic? Ready to apply all of these weeks of training to what I know will be an ultimate success?

Ha. I wish.

I am TERRIFIED.

I am wondering what the heck I was thinking signing up for this thing! People come from all around to run in this popular race. Real runners. People who have been running for longer than the measly year that I have been running. People who are fast. People who are fit. (People who didn’t just drink a Strawberry Sunkist for breakfast.)

I’m thinking I should have bought this to wear during the race:

Because that’s how I’m feeling right now. Can I really do this? Am I really prepared?

Anyone who has ever trained for a race knows that the last week before the race is what we call “tapering.” No more long runs. No more real “training,” per se. It’s basically just waiting. Yes, you can do a 2 or 3-mile run here and there. But those long runs that prove to yourself that you really do have what it takes to put the time and effort into it that’s required? Yeah, those runs are gone. It’s time to relax. Rebuild. And wait.

Sigh. Wait.

That, my friends, is something I am NOT good at.

This waiting is driving me crazy. I feel like I should be out there every day trying to run 13.1 miles to show myself that I can do it. I feel like I should go to the gym during every spare second of my day. I feel like I should only be eating tofu or something. Oh heck, I don’t have a clue what I should be doing. But sitting here waiting just feels…wrong. It goes against my nature. And it’s making me grumpy.

Here’s another shirt I need:

So, yes. It’s a rough week. This can definitely not be chalked up to the finest week of my half marathon training, that’s for sure. My positive mood and my warrior attitude is taking a temporary hiatus. But that’s all it is. Just temporary.

Because I know what will happen Saturday.

Saturday, I will be standing amongst thousands of other runners who have had the same kind of week I’ve had, more or less. Who have also had the ups and downs of training. Who have also, at times, doubted their abilities but yet rose above that doubt and walked to that starting line anyway. Just like I will. I will stand among fellow runners, fellow humans, fellow fighters. And I will do what I didn’t think I would be able to do.

“Tears streamed down my face as I crossed the finish line. I was a new person, a runner.”
-Thomas King

This will be me.

I will add a check mark beside the “half marathon” entry on my bucket list. And I will be proud. So very proud.

I am prepared. I am ready.

***

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”
– Napoleon Hill

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: blog, change, changed, half marathon, health, heart, inspiration, inspirational, marathon, motivation, motivational, New River Marathon, passion, photos, Quotes, race, runner, running, running shirts, writing. 4 Comments

Apr. ’13

Brutal Beginnings

Isn’t that picture just so darn cute?? Look at the wittle chickies… I could just sit here and look at their cute little selves all day long. Awwwww. Here chickie chickie chickie…

Ok, sorry. I’ll get to the point now.

So, I just finished the last long run of my half marathon training plan. I’m 10 days away from the race, so it’s time to taper down and do shorter runs to give myself some rest in preparation for the big day. I’m a little nervous since I missed a few weeks of training due to various life circumstances, but I think I’m ready.

There’s something I’ve learned in the past few weeks during these attempts at longer runs – if I can get past the first 3 miles, it’s all downhill from there. Well, not literally downhill…but you know what I mean. Because the beginning of a run? Whew. Let me tell ya. I don’t care how long you’ve been running or how far you’re able to go – the beginning just flat-out sucks. I’ve heard the saying a million times – the hardest step for a runner is the one out the front door. That is so incredibly true. (And those next few steps during the first couple of miles are no picnic either.) Yes, the beginning is definitely the hardest.

And, think about it. Isn’t it like that with most things?

For what was definitely not the first time, I began to think about the correlation between running and relationships.

Think about the beginning of a relationship. Now, I’m not talking about the dating portion. That part is usually awesome. Everyone is putting on their best masks and presenting the finest portion of themselves. So, of course, nothing can go wrong there. There’s nothing not to like because all the negative is hidden under the costume. So, no – it’s not dating I’m talking about here. I’m talking about the beginning of the relationship. The moment when you cross over into ‘potentially forever’ territory.

This is when it gets hard.

All of a sudden those things that were soooo cute before just aren’t so cute anymore. His precious spontaneity turns into inability to make plans. Her perfectly groomed makeup and hair turns into something that takes forever to achieve and makes you late for events. His carefree attitude that was so fun before turns into him not being able to take anything serious. Her loving adoration turns into suffocation.

Isn’t it funny how that happens?

The beginning is always the hardest.

Now is when you have to make the decision to proceed. Just the same as it is with running, you have to remember why you’re here and why you’re doing what you’re doing. You’re taking a chance. You’re putting effort into something that matters. You know? You wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t a reason. The things worth having usually don’t come easy. But, as it is with running, you wouldn’t be doing this if there wasn’t something inside you that knows that you need to. You wouldn’t be training for your first 5k/10k/half marathon/marathon, whatever, if it wasn’t something that you were drawn to. Something that you know deep down inside that you are truly capable of and something that you need to do in order to fulfill some part of you that has an empty space just for that.

See the correlation?

Don’t give up. Hang in there. This is just the hard part. Push through this part and prepare yourself for what you’ve earned on the other side. Like Dolly Parton says – “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” And a little rain is not gonna kill you.

That rainbow is going to be so worth it.

***

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
– Henry Ford

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: blog, change, changed, dating, heart, inspiration, inspirational, love, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, race, relationships, runner, running, writing. Leave a comment

Apr. ’13

And still.

The week goes on. New horrible news has filled the TV screen. We go back to work. We continue with our daily lives and go back to the way things were before we heard about it.

And still.

I continue to blog. I continue to write on other topics. But still it sits there. Waiting for more to be said. More to be done. But what? What can we do? What can we say?

And still.

Still the thoughts won’t go away. Won’t leave my mind. Something is begging to be said. But I have no idea what it is.

My thoughts keep going back to Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to ever officially run the Boston Marathon. (Other women ran, but weren’t allowed bib numbers to show that they were “official” runners and to have their results included among the male runners. Kathrine registered using her initials only and was given a bib number. Once the “mistake” was discovered, race officials stormed the track and tried to remove her numbers, but other male racers formed a barrier around her and her boyfriend shoved them away.) Kathrine is quoted as saying this:

“If you lose faith in humanity, go out and watch a marathon.”

On Monday when I first heard the news, that quote immediately popped into my mind. And I didn’t want that quote to be tainted by having it discovered that the bombing was intentional. But, of course, it was confirmed that it was no accident. Someone did this on purpose. On purpose.

And still.

Still, that quote was there. I couldn’t get it out of my head. But doesn’t this event erase that quote? Shouldn’t what happened serve to prove that humanity is somehow tainted now and Ms. Switzer’s words no longer stand true?

No.

No, it does not.

I have struggled so much with this. And I’ve finally figured out why that quote doesn’t want to leave my mind.

It’s still true.

“If you lose faith in humanity, go out and watch a marathon.” Yes. Watch the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. Watch what happened surrounding the horrible, unfathomable bombing that took place at the finish line. Watch how people immediately responded and started helping each other. Watch how perfect strangers lifted each other off the ground and carried each other where further help awaited. Watch how marathoners ripped off their shirts on the spot and used them as tourniquets to stop blood flow on the injured. Watch how Dr Vivek Shah, an orthopedic surgeon who was just ready to approach the finish line area when he heard the blasts, continued to run towards the scene and immediately began using his expertise to aid the victims. Watch how other finishers passed the 26.2-mile finish line and continued running an extra 2 miles to Massachusetts General Hospital where they donated blood.

Further still.

Listen to the stories that followed in the days to come. Listen to the story of Laura Wellington. Laura was one of the ones who did not finish and was still running when the blast occurred. She knew that her family and friends were waiting at the finish line and didn’t know if they were safe. Once she finally found out what was happening and, after wandering around alone and in fear for her loved ones, was finally able to contact a member of her party to confirm their safety, she fell to the ground crying with relief. By this point, a couple, one of whom had finished the marathon, was walking in the same area and stopped to ask if she was ok. She convinced them she was and, after explaining the situation, the man, who had just worked so hard to obtain the coveted Boston Marathon medal, took that very medal from around his neck and gave it her. Just like that. Laura put out a plea on Facebook as what she thought was a hopeless attempt at locating this kind man who extended such a humane gesture to her – and was able to identify him. Brent Cunningham from Alaska. Brent now joins the list among the many, many little heroes that surround this tragedy.

And still.

Even now, on a smaller scale, look around you. Odds are that you probably know a runner. And most of us, not having any clue what to do to show our support, have done all we know to do. We just run. Running isn’t going to fix anything (at this point, what can really?), and it’s not going to change what happened in any way, but it is our attempt to show that our spirit remains untouched. We put on our fake little printed out Boston memorial “bibs” and run in honor of all who were affected in any way – including ourselves. We don’t know what to say. We don’t know what to do. So we run. We just run.

And still.

And still humanity stands firm. We are still what we were seconds before those blasts occurred. We are human beings who love each other; who care about each other; and who rise to the occasion when we’re needed. We keep moving.

We just keep moving. A little shaken, yes. A little confused, yes. Feeling a little helpless, yes. But still moving.

Still.

***

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”– Mahatma Gandhi

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: accident, blog, bomb, boston, change, changed, death, friendship, heart, heartbreak, inspiration, inspirational, loss, love, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, race, relationships, runner, running, writing. 2 Comments

Apr. ’13

Little Things

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”
– Andy Warhol

(Let me start this blog with a disclaimer to my child. No, Kelly – this is not a tribute to One Direction and their song of the same title. Sorry, kid.)

Ok. Back to business.

Little things.

I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot recently. Especially over these past few days. A variety of “little things” have seemed to catch my attention more lately than they might normally do.

For instance.

I went to visit my grandparents in the nursing home this past weekend. They have both been recently admitted after battling pneumonia and, unfortunately, the prognosis is not a great one for my 96-year-old grandfather. Thankfully, they have been placed in the same room so they can spend this time together, although my grandmother’s failing memory makes it hard for her to understand what is happening. But even with his sickness, and her failing memory, they both periodically asked about the other and looked over to be sure the other was still there. To me, that was beautiful. A glance to make sure the one you love is still by your side? Yes, a little thing in the grand scheme. But so very beautiful.

Also, while I was there, it was mentioned that my grandmother’s fingernails needed cutting and she hadn’t been able to do it herself. So, I cut them. Cutting your aging grandmother’s fingernails? Definitely a little thing. But it meant something to me. In my tiny little way, I was able to help. Little things.

I watched my cousin Amy feeding my grandfather.

Putting a spoon to someone’s mouth when they aren’t strong enough to do it on their own? Yes, maybe a little thing. But is it so little? I think not.

Aside from the trip to visit my grandparents (and possibly because of it), other little things started catching my attention as well.

The man I love, for instance.

Now, for those of you don’t know us personally, let me start by explaining something. I am in love with the quietest man alive. It’s true. The spoken word is not his speciality. One of his favorite quotes is by Mark Twain: “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Smart man. Me, on the other hand? I never shut up. We are the proverbial Mutt and Jeff of verbal communication. Well, in public anyway.

But for the past few days, I seem to be “hearing” him much more clearly than I ever have before.

I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that he is letting me borrow a vehicle until I can get the insurance mess sorted out from my wreck and can get a new one. Earlier this week, the vehicle started overheating a little. So, what does he do? Gives me his own truck to drive to work so that he can keep it and check to see what’s wrong. He then fixes it and returns it – with new windshield wipers to boot because it was a rainy day. Little things? Maybe.

After dinner one night while the kids played together, I was overwhelmed with a sudden feeling of exhaustion. Usually I immediately start clearing the table after we eat (he cooks, so it’s the least I can do), but instead I asked if he’d mind if I went and laid down for a bit. Not only did he not mind, but he came and laid with me. We both ended up falling asleep and my daughter got this sweet picture of us:

A nap together as a break from a busy day? A little thing? Maybe.

Another example – Mondays are hectic for me now. My daughter was cast as Annie in our local production and I am a chorus member. We have rehearsals on Mondays and she also has dance class on Mondays. It’s hard to be in all these places at the same time, mind you. So, what does that man of mine do? Helps. He picked her up from dance and brought her back to rehearsal so that I didn’t have to leave during chorus rehearsal. And this followed him keeping her for me over the weekend so I was able to visit my grandparents like I mentioned before.

Little things?

I’m telling you. Pay attention. Those little things speak loudly if you train your ears to hear them.

A few more before I wrap up.

I ran 11 miles yesterday in honor of all who were affected by the Boston marathon bombings. It was my longest distance to date as a runner. I wore my printed-out Boston runner’s bib in tribute. While on the run, a fellow runner saw my bib as he was passing, and reached out and high-fived me. A high-five from a stranger? Definitely a little thing, but it sure had a big impact. (Before the run was over, I got a few car honks as well.)

Also – a new friend of mine who is an ultra runner celebrated my 11 mile run with me as if it were her own personal victory. Did I mention she’s an ultra runner? She has run in a 130-mile race. Yes, you read that right. One hundred and thirty miles. And she celebrated my 11 like it was the greatest thing on earth. Little things.

A random sweet text from my son; an email from a friend saying that my blog has inspired them to start running; getting chills while listening to a room full of little girls singing songs at a rehearsal for Annie….

I have to make myself stop. This list could go on and on and on.

And isn’t that awesome?

Take the time to notice them. They’re everywhere. All of these little things are what make this crazy ride called life worthwhile. Unfortunately, we are sometimes too busy to appreciate them. But we need to stop that. These may be the memories that fill our minds one day when we’re looking back on our past – the same ones that we might forget to give a second glance to in the present. So, stop. Look around. Hear the things that aren’t being said – see the things that aren’t so obvious. Be grateful. Be appreciative. Be alive.

Now, go make your list of little things.

***

“Half the joy of life is in little things taken on the run…
but let us keep our hearts young and our eyes open that nothing worth our while shall escape us.”
– Victor Cherbuliez

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings. Tags: accident, blog, change, changed, dating, daughter, death, family, friendship, grandparents, health, heart, history, inspiration, inspirational, little, loss, love, memories, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, relationships, runner, running, theatre, things, wreck, writing. 2 Comments

Apr. ’13

Boston

As a writer and a runner, I feel drawn to blog about what happened in Boston yesterday. But honestly, there just aren’t any words. There just aren’t. I don’t know what I can say that others before me haven’t already said. How do you make sense of such useless violence at an event that is supposed to be filled with joy and pride and unity?

All I know to say is what I posted on Facebook yesterday in the midst of the first news coming out about the bombings, and what I’ve turned to myself many times before (including most recently during my little personal “disaster”). These words from Mr. Rogers:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”
– Fred Rogers

Knowing that good still exists is sometimes the only thing that gets you through things like this. Because it does. It truly does. For every nutjob, there are thousands of kind, good, caring citizens to help pick up the pieces from the destruction they leave behind.

Today, I will join the many runners across the nation who will be putting on our makeshift race bibs (see picture below) and running in honor of everyone who was affected by what happened yesterday – the victims, the injured, the families and friends, the bystanders, the runners (both present at the marathon and otherwise), and anyone else whose heart was broken by this blow to humanity. I’m due an 11-mile run, which will be the farthest I’ve run so far. No time like today. Will you join me?

Print out the bib below and pin it to your shirt. And run. I don’t care if you run 0.5 mile or 50. Just run. Just run. Do what we runners always do best – overcome adversity by putting one foot in front of the other and keep continuing to move forward.

***

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: accident, blog, bombs, boston, change, friendship, health, heartbreak, inspiration, inspirational, loss, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, race, runner, running, writing. Leave a comment

Apr. ’13

Excuses = Fuel

I went for a 4-mile run this morning. This was only my second run since my accident a few weeks ago. I’m trying to take it slow and ease back in. But after today’s run, I have realized something.

I’m ready.

My half marathon is 3 weeks from today. This wreck did slow me down, I’ll give it that. But it’s not going to stop me. I’m still going to do what I had planned to do. No excuses.

While running, I was thinking of all this and this random phrase entered my mind:

Turn your excuses into fuel.

At first, I’m not sure where that phrase came from or even if it made any sense. But as I thought about it more, it started making perfect sense. I started thinking of all of the excuses I’ve used in regards to running and all of the ways that I’ve turned those excuses from hindrances to motivators. And if you’re a runner – or even if you’re just a living breathing human and have considered doing anything ever and have let excuses stop you – you might relate to some of these. Here are some examples of the excuses I have used in the past, and the responses I found to give myself:

I can’t run because I am overweight. Oh yeah? Well awesome. Running will help you lose weight. Go run.

I can’t run because I don’t have the energy. Oh yeah? No energy? Awesome. Running will help you find that energy. The feeling after a run is hard to beat. You’re energized for the day. Now go run.

I can’t run because I’m too tired. Awesome. See above. Running energizes you. That tired feeling will be gone before you know it. Run.

I can’t run because I have kids. Really? You have kids? Awesome. Teach them that staying active and healthy is important. Show them that if you can do it, they can do it. And you might even get to the point where you do it together. So go get started. Go run.

I can’t run because it’s taking too much time away from my kids. No, it’s not. It’s taking some time away from your kids – not too much time. And you know you need some time alone. And besides, you’re teaching your kids that time alone is important too and they’ll know to make it a priority one day themselves. And that’s something that they really need to learn. Go run.

I can’t run because I don’t have time. Yes, you do. I used to say the same thing and, believe me, I am extremely busy. I live over an hour from where I work and I have two active teenagers. I found the time. You will too. You make time for what’s important. Run.

I can’t run because it’s raining outside or it’s cold or there’s a tornado or a hailstorm or whatever. Awesome. Good reason to finally join the gym. And you can do more than run there. There are weights and machines and everything. And if you try hard enough you can even figure out how to use them. True story.

I don’t have the money to join the gym. You don’t? Awesome. That will make you cut your expenses in other places like you know you needed to do anyway. It’s amazing how much you can save when you turn those lunchtime McDonald’s runs into lunchtime gym runs.

I’m going through a relationship breakup. Yeah, I know. That sucks. And it makes you sad. But guess what? Now you’re going to have even more time to run. Taking time to spend with just yourself is more important now than ever. Take this new time and use it. You’ll amaze yourself with how strong you are. Now go run.

And now we got back together. Oh yeah? Awesome. Now you have your running buddy and cheerleader back. And he understands and supports you training for this half marathon. Don’t worry about taking the time you need to train. He gets it. And he’ll be there at the finish line. How awesome is that? Now go run.

Now I have all these man-hating songs on my running playlist… Awesome. Replace all the dude references with references to your old self instead. It’s amazing how motivating those songs can be when you dedicate them to the old excuse maker that used to be you. Show that chick who’s the boss and who’s going to rise above it all. Go run.

And finally…

I can’t run because I had a wreck. Yes, you did. And it was scary and it sucked. And you got hurt. But it won’t last forever. It took a little out of your training schedule plans, but that’s ok. There’s nothing written in stone that says you had to follow every single step of that training plan. Two days before you got in that accident, you ran 10 miles. TEN MILES! Girlfriend, you got this. That wreck did nothing but make you stronger than you were before. Because it served to show you that NOTHING is going to stop you.

So, yep.

Turn your excuses into fuel.

Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Glad I thought of it.

Now, go run.

***

“It is wise to direct your anger towards problems – not people;
to focus your energies on answers – not excuses.”
– William Arthur Ward

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: accident, blog, change, changed, dating, exuses, friendship, health, heart, inspiration, inspirational, love, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, race, relationships, runner, running, wreck, writing. 3 Comments

Apr. ’13

Back in the Saddle

Today I decided not to be a wimp.

For the past five days since my accident, I’ve been moping and whining thinking that I’m not going to be able to run again anytime soon. Now, yes, I know running should be the last thing on my mind after what I went through. But the fact is, it’s just not. It’s very much in the forefront of my mind. Running has been my best friend for a while. Call me crazy, I don’t care. But that’s just a fact. When everything around me was changing, running was always there to turn to. Friends came and went, circumstances changed sometimes at the drop of a hat, family emergencies took place, etc. etc. But still. There was running. My old pal, my old confidant. It never left me.

So, to feel like it was going to be gone for a while made me pretty sad. Almost depressed even.

Especially given that this happened right in the middle of my half marathon training. As most of you know (since I mention it every other breath), I have my first half marathon scheduled for May 4. That’s 25 days away. I mean, if I were counting. But I’m not. Because ya know. It’s no biggie or anything….

MY FIRST HALF MARATHON IS 25 DAYS AWAY! AHHH!

And here I am sitting around missing valuable training days because of a dumb ol’ accident.

Well, today, I decided I’m not having that anymore.

Now, I was careful, mind you. I’m wasn’t going to jump back out there and run 10 miles again like I ran last week. But I did jump back out there. And I ran 3.5 miles. And I’m pretty darn proud of myself, even if I do say so. Man, it felt good. And I even did it on my lunch break from work. Even better.

As I ran, one of my favorite “I am woman, hear me roar” running songs came on my playlist, and the lyrics stood out to me more today than ever before. The song is Survivor by Destiny’s Child:

I’m a survivor
I’m not gonna give up
I’m not gonna stop
I’m gonna work harder
I’m a survivor
I’m gonna make it
I will survive
Keep on survivin’

You dang right. This girl is a survivor. Has been before, will be today, and will be tomorrow. That’s just all there is to it.

Today will be known as my “back in the saddle” day.

May 4 half marathon, here I come.

***

“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.”
– Arthur Blank

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: accident, blog, change, changed, health, heart, inspiration, inspirational, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, race, runner, running, wreck, writing. Leave a comment

Apr. ’13

10 Miles….

“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.”
– John Bingham

Ok. Today is the day that I’m supposed to run 10 miles.

What the crap? TEN miles??

I’m not feeling extremely positive about this right at the moment. After all, I struggled with just 3 yesterday. It’s amazing how different some running days are from others. Those runs fall into that whole “momma said there’d be days like this” category, I suppose. So, after having such a crappy running day yesterday, my mind is screaming at me that I’m just not ready for this 10-miler and maybe I should skip it. Maybe I should just wait and do a few more short runs and try the longer run later. Maybe it’s not time for me to step it up just yet and I should hold back a little. Maybe this. Maybe that. Excuse. Excuse. Excuse.

But then I remember something.

I’m not a quitter.

I’m just not. In other non-running areas of my life, I’ve always been very determined to see things through. My mom has always told me that determination is one of my finest qualities. (Although, I’m certain it’s also been the culprit of some of my downfalls at times…but we’re not talking about that right now…) Point is, if I can be determined in other areas of my life, I can be determined in this one too.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

Every increase in mileage in my training plan has caused this same fear in me. I remember when I did 5 miles for the first time. All I could think of was how I barely made it to 5, now how was I going to do 6? Then I did 6 miles, and had the same thought about 7. And so on. And every time, I stepped up to the challenge. Every time. Today will be no different.

Today, after a long, tedious workday, I am going to put my running shoes on, and I’m heading out the door. I’m going to get my playlist ready to play the strongest, most powerful running music I can find, I’m going to bring along my nifty little water bottle that straps to my hand, I’m going to clear my mind of any of life’s annoyances that might be bothering me, and I’m going to run 10 miles. That’s just all there is to it.

Oh, and besides, I have a fail-proof plan. I know I can run 5 miles. There’s no question about that. So, I’m just going to run 5 miles away from my car. Then I have no choice but to come 5 miles back or I can’t go home. See? I’m a genius.

Ok, people. Today is the day I become a double-digit runner. Let’s do this.

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Freestyle Writings/Musings, Running. Tags: blog, change, changed, determination, health, heart, inspiration, inspirational, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, runner, running, sharing, strength, writing. 1 Comment

Mar. ’13

Favorite Race (so far)

This is a picture I took at the Shamrock 4-miler, a St. Patrick’s Day theme race my son and I ran in Abingdon, Virginia, last night, March 15, 2013.

Now, granted, after every race I do, I seem to think that it was my favorite race. And this was no exception. But I have a feeling that this one may remain my favorite for a while. And I’ve decided to list the top 10 reasons why.

*** 10. The St. Patrick’s Day theme.
This was the first race I’d ever been a part of that had a theme. And themes are awesome. The atmosphere was completely different…everyone was in such happy spirits and seemed to be just a tad friendlier and a little more chatty than in other races. I’ll definitely be searching for theme races in the future.

*** 9. The cowbell.
Oh yes. There was a cowbell. About a half a mile in, there was a random guy standing on the side of the road with a cowbell. And, of course, the guy who was running beside me yelled, “Hey – we’re gonna need more cowbell!” as we passed. Teehee. That made me laugh all the way up the hill we had to climb right after we passed the cowbell man. I needed that.

*** 8. A pooping dog.
Yes, you read that right. A pooping dog made the top 10 list. And here’s why. One of the runners decided to run in the race with her dog. Around the 1.5 mile mark, nature called. She was standing, embarrassed, on the side of the road letting him do his business while other runners passed. Eventually, runners started high-fiving her as they passed. That was pretty awesome. Lots of laughter came from that. And laughter during a race is always awesome. So, thank you pooping dog for your contribution to my list.

*** 7. This guy:

Yeah. Meeting that guy definitely made the list. Duh.

*** 6. Being passed (yes, passed) by a man running the race while pushing his TWO kids in a stroller.
While going up a hill. Yes, I know. How did that make the list of reasons why this was my favorite race? Well, just because. People are awesome. That’s all.

*** 5. Remembering to thank the people at the water stations.
I always forget to do that. Always. This time, I remembered. There were three separate water stations and I remembered at every single station. I finally forgot my own misery during a race and just remembered that there are awesome volunteers sitting out there for long periods of time just making sure that we have the best race we can. And how cool are they? They deserve more than a simple “thank you,” but that was all I had to give at the moment. I hope hearing me say it made them feel as good as it made me feel to remember to say it.

*** 4. My time.
My MapMyRun tracking device told me that I ran 4.08 miles in just over 40 minutes. That’s less than a 10-minute pace. Best I’ve ever done. Heck yeah, baby! For this fairly new runner, that was something to be proud of.

*** 3. My kids’ dad.
Whoa. I know, right? How the heck did my ex-husband make this list? I think you’ll soon understand. Kevin (that’s his name) has Becker muscular dystrophy. He is lucky to still be walking because the prognosis long ago was that he would have been in a wheelchair before he was 30. (He’s 38.) As I was leaving for the race after picking up my son, Kevin said something that stuck with me. He said, “You guys do good. I’d run it with you if I could.” All I could think of after he said that, was this quote I saw once:

“I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can’t run, what they’d give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.”

That quote went through my mind many times during this race. And now I have a feeling it will go through my mind in many more races to come.

*** 2. Memories
I had run a 5k race on this course once before. It was last year. I was afraid that running it again would actually make me feel sad because the person I ran it with wasn’t with me this time. But you know what? It didn’t make me sad at all.

The course was filled with memories at every turn. At one point, I remembered how we both felt when we saw this dreaded hill looming ahead and realized just as we got to it that the course veered to the left and we didn’t have to actually run up it. When I saw the hill this time, I just smiled. Yep, no sadness. Just a smile.

I remembered how we stayed at each other’s pace and he refused to leave me during the brief time that I had to stop to walk, when I know he could have gone on ahead easily. When I got to the place that I had to stop and walk that time and the memory filled my mind – again, I smiled. (And went faster.)

There were many more memories throughout the race. And many more smiles that accompanied them. And that made me realize something. I think something has healed. And that’s a beautiful thing.

*** 1. And hands down, the #1 reason why this was my favorite race? This kid:

That’s my son. Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve ran a race together. But this is the first time that he finished the race well ahead of me (as usual) and instead of waiting at the finish line, he turned around and came back on the course to find me. I finished the race with my son by my side cheering me on.

So there. The list is complete.

So, see? How could this not have been my favorite race?

Oh, wait. One more notable mention.

Another reason this was my favorite race? I wrote this whole blog in my head while I was running it. Combining two of my passions is a beautiful thing.

So blessed to be a runner.

***

“Methinks that the moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow.”
– Henry David Thoreau

Posted by Melissa Edmondson. Categories: Running. Tags: blog, change, changed, friendship, health, heartbreak, inspiration, inspirational, love, motivation, motivational, passion, photos, Quotes, race, relationships, runner, running, writing. 3 Comments

Mar. ’13

Milestone

“I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened.”
– Wilma Rudolph

This week I hit a new milestone in my running. I ran 6 miles without stopping.

So I titled this blog “Milestone.” Heh. Get it? Milestone. Oh, witty witty me.

Anyway…

So, yeah. As you can see from the stats above, I’m not the fastest runner. Not at all. And, it was a treadmill run rather than an outside run (which people say is “easier,” but I beg to differ…). And I know I still have a long way to go before I’m fully ready for this May 4 half marathon I’m signed up for. I know there are more advanced runners looking at my accomplishment with a knowing smile remembering what it was like way back when they hit a little milestone like this.

But enough of that. Enough trying to downplay what I just did.

Because, let me tell ya something.

While yes, there may be more advanced runners watching me way back here on my journey (while nevertheless cheering me on like I’ve won the lottery – because that’s how we runners roll), there’s also someone else watching me.

The March 2012 version of Melissa.

Oh yeah. That girl was standing outside that gym with her hands cupped around her face looking through the window at me on that treadmill running 6 miles….and her jaw still hasn’t come up off the ground. She’s astounded. She would have never dreamed that this could be possible. She couldn’t even run from the car to the front door of her house when it was raining outside to keep from getting soaked. So, how on Earth could she be staring in this gym looking at this girl who just ran six miles? SIX MILES? And yes, it took her an hour and four minutes to do it. But holy cow – she just ran for over an hour without stopping. Ran! For over an hour! Hello?

Oh, that chick is proud. Astounded, yes; flabbergasted, definitely; but oh so very proud.

And do you know who else is watching?

The Melissa of March 2014. She’s one of those advanced runners I mentioned before. She’s watching me with that all-knowing little grin on her face, wishing that I know now what she’s going to know then. She wishes I could see that I am working towards such amazing and awesome things that my little mind can’t even comprehend them. She wishes that I could know that everything is going to be great – my runs, my life, my heart – all of it. She knows all of that, and just patiently smiles at me as she waits for me to catch up.

She knows that I’ve got this in the bag. That no matter how long it takes, I’m going to do whatever I need to do to succeed. She knows that I’m not going to let her down. I’ve made promises to her that she knows I fully intend to keep.

She knows that I’m going to make it.

In honor of the ‘theme’ of this blog entry, I want to share something that I saw on the “Run Junkees” Facebook page:

Met a fellow runner named Chet over the weekend. He was an old school marathoner, completing his first in 1987. While running a marathon Chet happened along side a fellow runner who was best described as short and stout. Chet engaged the runner in a brief conversation and said “How’s it going?” The runner confidently said “Great! I’m running at world record pace”. Chet inquisitively replied “World record pace, huh?” The runner answered “Yep. My world. My record. My pace.”

Yep. That’s what running is all about, isn’t it? Creating your own world – your own goals to reach, your own mountains to climb…your own personal milestones.

Ok. Enough chatter. Time to get back to work.

There’s someone in my future waiting for me to make her proud.

***

“The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep,
and miles to go before I sleep.”
– Robert Frost