PUSHING MYSELF
Okay, I'll admit it, after a less than satisfactory showing in the two races I've run this summer, I'm more than a little apprehensive about the Great Cow Harbor Race on September 15th.
Sure, I did it last year when I was around 25 pounds heavier, but I still have a great respect for what is described as one of the most challenging road races in New York.
The 6.2 miles course is covered by very serious runners in an insane time. My very modest 73 minutes last year would have impressed no one outside of my family and then the big achievement was not the time I finished in, but the fact that I finished at all. Let's face it, running had not played any part whatever in the first 56 years of my life.
There's a practice run tonight, but I can't make it, so I worked out a course of my own nearer to home - starting in fact at the bottom of our drive. At 6.1 miles, it's a trifle short, but it's the best I could do without walking 176 yards up the block and actually starting from there.
I ran it for the first time this morning and clocked ... 73 minutes! - which I found pretty encouraging. I figure I can chip a bit more off that over the next few weeks and will do better still on the day of the race, so the bottom line is I should be inching closer to my 60 minutes goal when September 15th comes around.
Last year was my first attempt and this year I want to do better.
Pushing yourself to surpass the achievements of yesterday is always a good thing.
That's what we do with church too - but then most of you who read these pages have noticed that already!
I think it is Rick Warren who when asked by church members, "What are we going to do next year?", replies - Same things, only better!
That works for me - Loving God, Loving People, Serving Our World.
Sure, I did it last year when I was around 25 pounds heavier, but I still have a great respect for what is described as one of the most challenging road races in New York.
The 6.2 miles course is covered by very serious runners in an insane time. My very modest 73 minutes last year would have impressed no one outside of my family and then the big achievement was not the time I finished in, but the fact that I finished at all. Let's face it, running had not played any part whatever in the first 56 years of my life.
There's a practice run tonight, but I can't make it, so I worked out a course of my own nearer to home - starting in fact at the bottom of our drive. At 6.1 miles, it's a trifle short, but it's the best I could do without walking 176 yards up the block and actually starting from there.
I ran it for the first time this morning and clocked ... 73 minutes! - which I found pretty encouraging. I figure I can chip a bit more off that over the next few weeks and will do better still on the day of the race, so the bottom line is I should be inching closer to my 60 minutes goal when September 15th comes around.
Last year was my first attempt and this year I want to do better.
Pushing yourself to surpass the achievements of yesterday is always a good thing.
That's what we do with church too - but then most of you who read these pages have noticed that already!
I think it is Rick Warren who when asked by church members, "What are we going to do next year?", replies - Same things, only better!
That works for me - Loving God, Loving People, Serving Our World.
posted by Roger Blackmore | 1:19 PM
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