Why was this so difficult ?
I decided that I would back up a few steps and progress more slowly . I would reduce intensity and distance of runs to improve flexibility and build muscle strength , and I would begin regular visits to a massage therapist . Meanwhile my daughter was preparing for her first half marathon ( 21.1 km ). She looked great and said she felt wonderful . As I cheered her across the finish line at the Canmore Rocky Mountain Half Marathon I was so proud , but I had a scary thought — maybe I should be competing , too .
After eight months of preparation , I felt ready for my first 10 km run . The Cochrane Footstock event would be my running debut ! As my daughter and I moved to the starting area , my inner questions began . What was I doing here ? Why was this such a young crowd ? Will I be competitive ? As we began our run , it quickly became apparent that for many runners this event was simply for fun . I , however , had a little something to prove , if only to myself . I really wanted to complete this run in under an hour and I managed a time of 1:01:22 . I completed two other 10 km runs last year , each with a slightly faster time . Chip timing indicated who else was running in my age category and their times , so I could see that I was competitive in the male 60 + category !
The next challenge was the half marathon . I prepared a training plan that began on February first . I had decided that my first half marathon would be on July first . This plan included four runs each week with pre-determined distances . One run each week would be a long slow run to build endurance ; other runs would be shorter and faster . Swimming and biking would be my crosstraining activities . I had a plan !
July 1 arrived only too quickly . At 4:45 a . m . it was time to have coffee and a light snack in preparation for the 7:00 a . m . half marathon run . I felt fine , but a question ran through my head : why am I doing this ? I dismissed the thought quickly as silly and foolhardy . I had done my training , so I should manage just fine — at least in my age and gender category .
The first few kilometres were easy and relaxing . Most runners paced themselves appropriately and I followed their lead . I overtook a few runners , which lifted my spirits . Runners ranged in age from under fifteen years to over sixty years . With only fifty-three runners , we were a small group with little jostling for position . The pathways were wide and smooth , with the morning sun promising a lovely day .
At the five kilometre mark , the distances between runners had widened . I was not keeping up with the young threesome that I was pacing at the beginning . And where was that second water station ? Rhythmic leg and arm movements and smooth breathing had become automatic and I lapsed into daydreaming , but as reality returned , I again wondered if there might be a way to stop this activity . I could really use a hearty breakfast . Finally , the second water station appeared . I slowed down for a drink but continued to walk for sixty seconds . Walking felt so easy , so therapeutic !
At about the two-hour mark , I really began to wonder why I started this activity . With three kilometres left to run , my pacing had begun to slow and I was feeling exhausted with some unusual stomach pain — not too intense , just bothersome . A pancake breakfast prepared by the Lions Club sounded very good , but I really needed to finish strong .
As I approached the finish line , I heard folks cheering those crossing the line . My family would be there to see me finish , so I needed to do this and do it well . As I approached I saw and heard my family cheering . The announcer called out my name as I crossed the line — a moment of fame ! Quickly , someone put a cold water bottle in my hand and another draped a medallion over my head . I really did it ! news & views WINTER 2016 | 63