Just a little while ago, on this nondescript, cloudy Monday, I did something I never thought I could do or would do…ever. I jogged (very slowly) the equivalent of a 5K (3.1 miles). And in fact, I kept thinking “I better go a little more” just so there would be no question about the distance because I only measure it using my pedometer (a well-rated one, but still), and I ended up running 3.67 miles in 45.04 minutes. (That’s a blistering 12.27-minute pace, for those of you keeping score. I routinely walk 14-minute miles, so yeah, slow.)
Really, I can’t express how thrilled I am. As I noted here before, I’ve never been a runner, never been able to build up the endurance, find the rhythm, go the distance…whatever you want to call it. It was 2 years ago that I ran my first mile in my life. I’m still excited (and it’s still hard) when I occasionally run a full mile when I’m out on my regular “wogs.” My goal when I set out tonight was that since I hadn’t done my wog since last Wednesday, and presumably had fresh legs, maybe I could jog 2 miles and then call it a night, instead of my usual walk-jog combo of 3, 4, or (rarely) even 5 miles. So I just started jogging, and the mojo was right — at last. Of course I avoided the hills and stuck to the flat part of my route — that goes without saying. But dammit, I’m still thrilled. I accomplished something that’s, for non-runner, non-sports-competitive me (not counting badminton, jarts, and ping pong), a really big deal.
Did I mention I’m thrilled?
I considered posting this on Facebook, but it seemed too braggy and that no one would really understand where I’m coming from with this. All I really want to do is save this moment somewhere so I can remember it (and remember where I put it). And since almost no one reads this blog but a few friends — voilà — the perfect place. A mostly secret little accomplishment for me to savor and feel good about. At long last.
I know this is small potatoes for so many people. But for me it’s a big ol’ Idaho. And considering I am just a few days away from a big scary “0” birthday, you can add butter and sour cream to that spud. And what the heck, throw on some bacon bits and cheddar, too.
Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment.
~ Heywood Hale Broun
And sweet is the smell of that sweat! (Well, not really, but you get the idea.)
~ Writing by Ear
Writing by Ear 
facie said,
Monday, October 7, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Way to go! And who cares that what your pace was; you did it! I remember when I ran my first 5k after taking a few years off. I said I did not care if my jog was so slow; I simply would not walk. I am pretty sure some people fast-walked past me, but I was not walking.
mel said,
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 11:09 am
I am thrilled FOR you, and so very impressed!!! Congrats to you on a momentous accomplishment!