Backseat - From Where I Sit

June 2006

By: Michelle

Letting Life Run Its Course

I am not sure where it all began. Maybe it was my ever-tightening jeans. Maybe it was reading one too many of those healthy-type women’s magazines displayed at the check-out of the grocery store that always catch my eye when I am reaching for my Snickers bar that convinced me that I can “have it all”. Or maybe it was just another delayed mid-life crisis. Whatever it was, something in my brain fired up and made me say out loud “I am going to run a half-marathon” this Labor Day in Virginia Beach.

For those of you who may not know it, a half-marathon is 13.1 miles. This is approximately 13 more miles than I have run in total over the past 25 years. That coupled with the fact that I am not so much a “go and get it” person as I am a “meet it half way” kind of girl makes those who know me look at me with that combination of amusement and doubt that I am way too familiar with.

Before a couple of weeks ago, getting me to run was about as productive as kicking a turtle. The only “runs” I went on were on motorcycle poker runs for charity. It didn’t take me too long to figure out that these two events have absolutely nothing in common with each other besides the terminology. The only wind in my face when I am running on two legs instead of two wheels is my own hot breath. Trust me, its not nearly as pleasant.

Once my brain made my mouth utter those irretrievable words, it became apparent that careful negotiations between my various other body parts needed to take place. After much debate from my knees, my lungs and my feet, (we won’t discuss those “other” body parts that I haven’t been on speaking terms with for years) a consensus was reached and I was off and running. Of course, I define running loosely as any upright non-walking activity that sort of propels you in a forward manner.

The first 10 minutes felt like death. After that it was less like death and more like plain old suffering. I figure over time I will work my way toward mild irritation and eventually I might reach some sort of blissful numbness. Supposedly, many people find running stimulates their creative juices. I decided to carry my little tape recorder with me less I be struck with one of those precious pearls of wisdom that might visit me in between my gasping for breath. I am convinced there are wonderful thoughts just waiting to be released probably just before I lose consciousness.

I believe I will eventually get the hang of this whole thing. I figure if nothing else, the thought of how I would look in shorts and a running top compared to the other runners on the beach will keep me motivated. Heck, the thought of me in front of a full-length mirror now, is enough to send me running in the streets. Hmmmm maybe I am on to something. So if any of you see a faster-than-walking woman on the trail beside the Fairfax County Parkway trying to get away from a guy on a bicycle with a mirror attached to one side, give her a wave. It’s just me - in training. Stay tuned…

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