I’ll admit it- I hate running. Every time I lace up my running shoes, a sinking feeling settles into my stomach. I hate the sound of my breathing. I hate the sound of my shoes smacking the pavement. I hate the way my lungs, head, knees, hips and feet feel. And in Boulder, this is a crime. Every third person on Pearl Street is a pro triathlete or multi-marathon runner. But what I could never understand is why? What makes them tick?
I recently decided to figure out why. A sprint triathlon seemed like the perfect goal- I love biking, and I can survive swimming. But the measly 5k run loomed over my head like an approaching tidal wave. I bought running shoes, fancy socks, and an IPOD shuffle, all in efforts to try to enjoy running. I ran on trails, I ran with friends, I ran for short periods of time and for longer ones. Nothing made me like running any more.
Feeling mildly unprepared on the day of the race, I went on a quick warm up run to get my heart moving. When I returned, I felt like I wanted to run more. I rode that wave of excitement all the way down to the beach, as I stood, wetsuit, cap and goggles on, waiting for the airhorn.
The race went off without a hitch, and each section had me looking forward to the next. As I passed multiple men and women on the bike, my confidence increased, but I was still nervous for the run. For the last mile of the 5k, I picked up the pace a bit, the finish line in sight. I crossed the finish line, feeling strong, energized, and amazed that I wasn’t dead on the side of the road. I had also finished 15 minutes faster than I guessed I would.
A New York Times article said that when running, ”you let your hair down, reveal yourself, acknowledge your vulnerability, and show your humanity.” As much as I want to agree, the only thing I acknowledge is how sluggish I’m moving and the only thing I show is the pain on my face. So although the triathlon was a success, my running career is not, and it will take a lot to get it moving. I have yet to figure out the why’s of running, and I’m not sure I ever will. So as every pro athlete in Boulder passes me like I’m standing still, I’ll be the slowest one out there- but I haven’t given up- not yet.
If you are a budding triathlete in need of some guidance, check out this site: Max Performance. It has tips about setting up your transition to learning what a wave is to bike course no-no’s. You’ll complete your first race with confidance.
Congrats! I think the sprint distance of the triathlon is the most fun because just when you get tired of one sport, you get to do something else.
Sometimes running takes a while to win you over. I view it as my moving meditation and a time when I’m able to sort through the noise in my head. Plus, I play a fun mental game when I run that involves thinking of my ancestors and how running must have played a big part in their communication processes. Maybe not the most useful tip, but it helps me.
If I think of any other running aids, I’ll be sure to let you know!