I did it.

Monday, September 30, 2013 at 7:15 pm (Writing by Ear)
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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

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Proud (in an embarrassed sort of way)

Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 4:35 pm (Writing by Ear)
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I debated whether to even write this post — I’m not looking for atta girls or anything. But it’s big deal for me, so I wanted to capture it…for me.

I actually accomplished something (well, two things) that I never could before and believed I never would. I jogged a mile (plus) and then 2 days later — last night — I jogged 2 miles (plus a smidge).

This is embarrassing because I know it’s not a big deal — or shouldn’t be — for someone like me. For most people, it’s about as remarkable as taking the training wheels off the bike. I’m not “challenged” physically or mentally. I have the use of all my limbs and always have. I’m not (much) overweight. I’m in decent shape. But jogging has been something I never, ever could get the hang of. Even when I was 17. Even when routinely walking 3 to 5 miles a pop, several times a week. Even when Nordic Tracking regularly; or doing yoga; or blasting through workout videos. Last year I tried following the Couch to 5K program (basically, interval training) and failed miserably. I couldn’t breathe, my shins hurt like crazy, I couldn’t muster more than 5 minutes or so at once, and then would need to rest (just walking) for a long time.

My niece the marathon runner tried to give me some tips — “Are you running too fast?” she asked. My answer, “I don’t think I could run any slower.”

Well, turns out I can run slower! And it apparently makes all the difference. I happened on the concept of Chi Running through a mention on a blog I follow. I didn’t buy the video or the book (yet), but just the couple of tips I gleaned from the website really helped. The fact that it’s based on Tai Chi principles and using the strength of your core (like yoga, Pilates) is really appealing.

So, definitely S L O W is my way to go. In fact, my pace is about the same as when I walk, which I think is hilarious. Although I walk fast (about a 14-minute mile, maybe a smidge faster, supposedly great for someone my age), I know that  pace at a jog has to look like Tim Conway playing The Old Man (google it, youngsters).

But you know what — I DON’T CARE! I’m so tickled that I actually did this…jogged 2.08 miles in 27.08 minutes…especially on a hot (mid-80s), humid evening…without my shins hurting or my lungs exploding, I can hardly believe it. (My first ever in my life mile+ jog a couple days earlier was in perfect conditions — cool, no humidity. That same night my niece ran 12 miles…so yeah, I have perspective.)

The best part…as I was walking up our steep driveway afterward, anxious to tell Mike what I’d finally done, the random song that came up on my MP3 player was O Bless the Lord — one of my favorites from Godspell (not Jesus Christ Superstar ha!) Perfect lyrics…all about prolonging feeble breath, healing infirmities, renewing the vigor of youth. And, thankfulness, definitely thankfulness. Oohhh yeaaaaah!    (And wow!…just learned via Wikipedia that Godspell originated as a Master’s thesis from a student at CMU and was first performed at CMU! How cool!)

“Random” coincidence?

After 30 years of trying, no (frickin’) way!

O bless the Lord my soul
His mercies bear in mind
Forget not all his benefits
The Lord to thee is kind



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