Day of Hope #16

Sunday April 13, 2014

Goal: Complete an actual race and fail miserably

Quote: “So go ahead. Fall down. The world looks different from the ground.” - Oprah Winfrey

I have been walking a lot lately as it’s one of my items that brings me joy. I started walking on the Boise Greenbelt. Then I started running slowly. When walking on the path, I would run over and under all the bridges. It gave me the boost of confidence that I needed to do more. 

I downloaded the Couch to 10K app and followed it. It was the first app I had paid for. I also used the free RoadID app, which sends an email to a friend once you start, to track you until you are done, in case you get hurt or lost. Running is not for the faint of heart. It’s tough, I wanted the security of knowing that if I fall, someone might come get me. 

I signed up for the 10K, but only did the 5K. I had done a few 5K races, which are 3.2 miles and they had ended up just fine so, I decided to try the 10K, which is 6.2 miles. I chose the Lake Lowell race and planned to run the whole thing. It’s a great race, but I was not prepared. I did not train properly. It was hot, and there were long stretches of road and an awful (to me) hill at the end. I have been back there since that day, and I realized that the hill is not a big hill at all, but that day it was huge to me.  It was a good lesson to train, and to plan for the unexpected. On my bucket list I have decided to do 13 half marathons which are 13.1 miles before I turn 50. 

My uncle Rusty’s memorial was also today. It was in Utah. I had committed to do the race, so I did not go. I did, however, toast to him after the race. He was a lot of fun to be around and died at a young age. I miss him. 

I then went to my tried-and-true restaurant, Café Ole, for lunch. I got my usual shrimp salad and margarita. I sat and journaled at the restaurant for several hours about the race and other items I wanted to accomplish. I was not feeling defeated at all, I was proud of myself for showing up and trying and I was excited to try another one. 

My lesson of hope: Even if you fall short on a goal don’t give up on the goal. Finish your race and keep going as your future self will thank you.