One would never have described me growing up as the ‘athletic type’. In fact, almost every sport I played on or team I tried out for, my attempts were unsuccessful.
Although some would ask if I played basketball or was a runner, I would just giggle as I knew my co-ordination did not seem to accompany my height and long legs. In High School, I quickly seemed to excel in the music and arts and continued to pursue that interest leaving ‘sports’ behind. Let’s face it, the only running I ever did was to try and catch the bus, and those were not my shining moments.
I was approached a few years ago to play on a soccer team and I just went for it. Having played when I was very young, and again not being great…I figured I may have outgrown my ‘awkwardness’. Quickly I developed a liking for being active, and continued to engage in working-out on a more frequent basis. While at the gym, I was told there was a running clinic that would be starting. My initial reaction was “I can’t run, and I am not good at it”. Then I realized that every week, I run on an indoor field and this could improve my endurance and skills. The running group welcomed me with open arms, and I was off like a graceful gazelle with my Saucony’s, ready to take flight on the streets of Cambridge!
Sometimes you just need a little motivation to get you started, and being able to run with others was mine! I joined a local learn to run clinic and I was taught everything I needed to know. I went from thinking I had two left feet, to being told to ‘slow down’ because my stride was longer than some others! Aside from the social aspect of chatting and getting some fresh air, I started to really enjoy the challenges of running longer and going further. Stride by stride, I was training to be able to run on the balls of my feet and I felt lighter! Breathing became more natural, and I was now able to carry on conversations as I ran next to some fabulous women in the community. What used to be a dreaded activity, turned into something I looked forward to every time we would run. Then 5 minutes seemed like a breeze, and next thing you know my time and my confidence continued to build.
Weather always presented a challenge, but I was taught to take your time and adapt and that is what I did. We finished off these weeks by running 5K and once we took to the trails, that is where I felt the most connected with the ‘great outdoors’ and with running as a sport. After the clinic was over, we were encouraged to continue to run and I knew I wanted to take it further and partake in a race. Of course, there are some races where it is not timed such as the Electro Dash at Canada’s Wonderland, but it was a course none the less and I registered as a runner, not as a walker. This was my first goal to ease into a 5K and it was exhilarating to cross that finish line! Lights were all around, and the party was rockin!
I certainly have a competitive edge to me, but more so about myself. I like to do well…I think we all do. Running enables me that sense of freedom, and I continue to seek out the right ‘gear’ to transition into the colder season….jack frost has got nothing on me!
Whether it is running with a canine friend around the neighbourhood, hitting the trails, or exploring the local area upon business travel, I feel a sense of accomplishment and self discovery. Next step…a race that is timed from the Run Waterloo series! Thanks to my running coach, if it was not for her patience and leadership, I would still be just running to hop on that GRT!
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