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Soles 4 Souls Results
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In A Rut
In a Rut
by Tina Bond
Here’s Jim on the trail! We had a great time riding into town. 4 miles round trip. One mile closer to Venus!
Since completing my 1,000 mile annual goal for Moon Joggers in December and running the marathon in January, I ran the Celebration Half Marathon (2 weeks after the marathon), the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k and half marathon in February), and the Sarasota Half Marathon (in March). With all that running my mileage has dropped significantly since January. It all boils down to the fact that I have been in a running rut.
The most I have run outside of those races was probably 3 miles at a time. I didn’t do any training for the races after the marathon. I didn’t train for Celebration, but I didn’t really need to since I just came off running a marathon. I maintained some higher mileage runs for the Glass Slipper Challenge, but I didn’t train at all for Sarasota. I think I was mentally and physically burnt out, tired of the same running routes and just needed a break from running.
Just this weekend Jim and I moved into our new house. Right from our neighborhood we have access to a wonderful running and biking trail. We’ve been talking for the past year about how we couldn’t wait to use the trail. We’ve dreamt about biking into town to go to the Farmer’s Market. We’ve talked about which races we were going to use the trail to train on. We had our first opportunity to use the trail Easter Sunday and took a break from unpacking and moving to take a bike ride into town to get dinner. It was awesome!! There were a lot of people out running, biking and skating on the trail. 
I feel like being in this new house and having this great trail to use will reignite my passion for running. I do not like being in a running rut because I have gotten to the point where I really do enjoy running. I just haven’t been able to motivate myself to get out there. Even when I was racing, before the Sarasota half even started, I just wanted it to be over.
Seeing other runners out there on the new trail will definitely will help get me motivated. As I write this, the Boston Marathon starts in 5 minutes! I can’t think of a better day to get out there and get some miles in to get out of this rut and to run for those who can’t.
Tina lives in Winter Garden with her husband and fellow Moon Jogger, Jim. When she’s not jet setting across the country with her job or running, or training for a race, or recovering from a race, she enjoys reading, photography, movies, music and going to Disney!!
Posted in Guest Post, Jogging, Moon Joggers, Running, Tina Bond
Tagged boston strong, in a rut, Moon Joggers, running, running rut
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Dear Mom
Meandering thoughts from the trail: Dear Mom
by Sheila Dawe
The following letter is intended for all broken Moon Joggers that are sidelined with an injury. My intention is that, despite this being a personal letter, that others can find some encouragement from the sentiments below.
Dear Mom,
Last Sunday one of my biggest fears came true when I came home to find you icing your ankle and informing me that you twisted it. Little did I know at the time that it was worse than you had thought or I had imagined. The next day after a doctor’s visit and getting x-rays done on your ankle we were informed that you broke your fibula. I know that this will be a tough six weeks adjusting to a completely different lifestyle than you are used to. Our plans for your first half marathon will need to be delayed, but let’s not use the word cancelled but rather postponed.
One thing that I want to make sure you know is how strong and determined you have been the last five years in your running journey. There are very few people that would attempt to learn to run at age 72. I know for a fact that you are a tremendous role model for both the young and old. Know that no matter how fit you are after your leg heals, we will be able to resume training. Granted you will not be at the same fitness level you were before the accident, but even if we start from square one, you will be able to train for the distance and you will be able to run your first ever half marathon.
Catherine shakes a fist at her darn boot as she is ready and raring to go.
There is knowledge that we have gained from the last 3 months of training. We now know that the training schedule was working. We found ways to adjust when weather made it difficult to run our planned route. Each week you gained confidence as the long run distances increased, surprising yourself as you were able to complete distances longer than you thought possible. We found ways to properly fuel and take fluid. The program was working. When we start the program again you will be coming from a place of knowledge and experience which should just further enhance the experience of training.
I miss our weekly long runs and every other day core strengthening exercises. It was rewarding for me to see you grow as a runner and know that you were gaining so much more besides physical fitness. But besides the good feelings I got from mentoring you, I also gained something much more unexpected…I too was getting stronger. One very important lesson that I have learned is that you don’t have to always run faster, or do more reps to get stronger. Consistency is far more important than increasing the difficulty. A thought to keep in mind as we will be starting with baby steps and work towards building physical strength. Remember you only can do what your body is capable of doing.
So have no fear. We shall return to our favorite streets again. We will revisit our scenic route and then slowly advance to other areas of town. We will sign up for a half marathon. We will finish a full 5 months training, getting to run the farthest distance you have ever run. You will get to experience that horrible sleep the night before your first half marathon. We will make it to the start line. We will run together, and I am sure you will hear the familiar words from me “slow it down a bit.” We will get to the point where you will think “I’m doing this!” Then another 5 km later you will have the thought “Why am I doing this?” But we will keep on keeping on and eventually we will hear the sound of the announcer and the cheer of the spectators. Then we will finally turn the corner and there will be that finish line. Yes, I will be annoying, as I try to push you to go a bit faster. We will finish together, strong and with a big smile on our faces and perhaps a tear in my eye.
We will run a half marathon. A broken leg is not going to stop you; it is just going to delay the inevitable. And possibly you will be a better runner for it. For now you have all the experience of our training we just did and we will appreciate each day that we are able to run. Here’s to our next half marathon, it will truly be something special.
Love your daughter, coach, and running partner
Sheila.
Biography: Sheila being 49 years old, single, with no kids has the perfect lifestyle for becoming an obsessive runner. Her 77 year old mother, Catherine Campbell (another Moon Jogger) moved in next door to her in 2000. After cheering Sheila on at multiple marathons, Catherine finally caught the running bug. Sheila taught her to run in 2009 and this year is very significant as Sheila is training Catherine to complete her first ever half marathon. Sheila works for the Government of Canada as a fish health technician but longs for the day when she can retire and dedicate even more time to her passion…running.
Posted in Guest Post, Half Marathon Training, Jogging, Meandering Thoughts from the Trail, Moon Joggers, running for health, Sheila Dawe
Tagged broken leg, half marathon training, injury, running, running injury
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Motivation
Rocking on the Roads: “Motivation”
By Hector Romo-Parra
I have never thought that I was going to say this:
„I have been thinking seriously to untie the laces, trash my shoes and stop running definitively”
Motivation is the driving force that causes the flux from desire to will in life, it is a crucial element in setting and achieves goals. Is the voice inside that drives you to behave in certain way, is that thought that keeps you going on, training formally and reaching the finish lines.
While some of us run for fitness, competition and for healthiness I, like many others, have been running for special purview. Is not matter of a first place medal or been on the top 10 list from my age is more a race with no finish line, with no prize nor diploma; where the PR, time or pace are not important…it is just a run for running but more important: is a war against myself.
Every morning is a fight that I have been trying to overcome, some days I stay on bed only with my thoughts and dreams. Other days I woke up beaten the debility and the dullness, and go out for a run. These days sometimes I feel rejuvenated but sometimes I am weak again…coin flipping: either head or either tail, after some kilometres on my GPS, at least, there is something in my mind: “I won this time”.
“The Monster G., let´s call it like that, is growing inside me… there… in the movement-connection; hidden in my mind but present in my muscles, and, with every step it is eating each part of my life. It has no rush, I can clearly see this, and slowly but constant, is conquering any single item in my everyday…”
Next day a new a new battle starts and as every time, as every morning, I could win but also I could lose; is a coin tossing… at some point I do not care at all, however at the same point I convince me that I should care more and must push forward … dialectic rules my fitness.
Many people are fortunate people, who can tight the laces, go out and move along the pavement or fields. In contrast, many others have obstacles (disabilities and injuries) that impede them from enjoying a run or even an event. The two faces of the coin. In any case both groups have something in common: there is a desire and a will, there is the need to step the floor, to run. They both are looking for some motive to keep on going and to push through; to go running, to be healed again, to be healthy… to have the right conditions to stay on track.
I have never thought that I was going to say this:
“Tiredness has become my new status but I will not permit the lack of motivation to be my new anthem “
Dear reader the coin is in the air, why do you run for? In my case I want to win every morning…
Héctor is a runner during mornings and a Neurophysiologist during days. He lives in Germany and he runs for three motivations: his 5 year old Son who is living in Mexico, to raise funds for “The Myasthenia Gravis Association” since he has been diagnosed with this disease and to fight against this disease.
“Move yourself for the one that can not move” support us: http://www.justgiving.com/Hector-Romo-Parra
Posted in Guest Post, Hector Romo Parra, Jogging, Moon Joggers, motivation, Rocking on the Roads, Running, running for a cure, running for health, Running With A Disease
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Following My Own Advice
Back of the Pack: Following My Own Advice
By Amber Hadigan
Last month I wrote about the need for people to stop comparing themselves to others and to take pride in their own accomplishments. A few days after I wrote that column, I came face to face with my own advice.
I’ve been training for a half marathon, which is in April. I signed up for a 10 mile race on March 9 as a preparation for the half. I went online and checked the finishing times from the same race last year, and my heart sank. The slowest finisher completed with a time average of 10:43 per mile, which is about 1 hour 47 minutes for the ten miles. I had never done 10 miles in under two hours. I had visions of being the last on the course and everyone gone by the time I crossed the line. I dreaded the race for weeks, not feeling good enough to be running it.
Race day came. I reminded myself of my own advice and took comfort in the fact that I could complete ten miles, no matter what the time. I joined the crowd in the room preparing, and found a couple women to talk to. I admitted my fears. They smiled and nodded, but were faster than I.
When it was time to shuffle out to the starting line, I made my way to the back of the pack. I found a couple ladies who said they would be running as slow or slower than I. One woman said she was fighting a knee issue and was afraid she may not finish at all. I hung back with her at the start.
I watched the entire pack pull away, and it was just the two of us in back. After about a half mile, I pulled away from the lady I was running with. So I knew I would not be last, which, no matter how much I talk about accepting ourselves, I still have my own insecurities.
The course was two laps of five miles. At the five mile mark, a friend of mine, who had finished the five mile race, was there to cheer me on. There’s something about hearing someone chant your name that gives a little kick to your step. I picked up the pace just a little. He high-fived me as I passed. At the time I still had one person behind me, but I could see someone ahead of me, and I worked on reeling her in.
The second lap was tougher, but I was running a little faster. At one point I ran an 11:16 mile, much faster than I usually run. I felt proud. And as I ran just a little faster, I managed to pass two people. I learned later that the two people I passed did not finish the race, but at the time all I knew was that three people were behind me. I felt some relief and used it to push myself.
There was one other person in front of me that I could see, and for the last couple miles we went back and forth; I passed her on the downhill, she passed me on the uphill. I got tired and slowed and got passed again after passing her. We must have done it half a dozen times. The last mile, she pulled ahead of me. At that point, I was happy just to be continuing. I knew I couldn’t reel her in, but was thankful to have someone close to me to challenge me and keep me going.
When I crossed the finish line, my friend was still there to cheer me on. It felt great to have someone celebrate my finish with me. I was disconcerted that they had started dismantling the finish line before I ever crossed, but forgot when my friend came up to hug me. I seemed to matter less about the time than it mattered that I completed it. The woman who had been running back and forth with me also came up to congratulate me and thank me for challenging her. That is the point of running a race, especially if you run in the back. We support and challenge each other, and appreciate it when the race is over.
My finish time was 1:58:04, much faster than any previous ten mile run. I was very proud of that time. And it gave me the feeling that my half marathon dreams will come true.
At the end of the day, finishing 74th out of 75 didn’t matter. Having the finish line partly dismantled didn’t matter. My fear of being last didn’t matter. Even if I was last, it would have been okay, because I challenged myself to run a race, a distance I had not raced before, and even when I felt the fear, I showed up. I am reminded: courage is not the absence of fear, but showing up even when you feel the fear. And I conquered. I won, just by crossing the finish line. I will never fear being last again.
Bring on the half marathon!
Amber Hadigan currently lives in Hyde Park, NY with her husband John and her two cats, Sobe and Scrappy. Originally from Wisconsin, she has lived in many different states. Now settled, she spends her time working, freelance writing, and writing and performing folk music. A runner as a child, she began running again in May 2013 and has rediscovered the peace and joy running gives her.
Posted in Amber Hadigan, From the Back of the Pack, Guest Post, Half Marathon Training, Jogging, Lessons learned from running, Moon Joggers, Running
Tagged 10K, half marathon training, running, running advice
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Week 13: Moon Joggers in Tutus!
Posted in having fun running, Jogging, Moon Joggers, online running group, Running, Weekly Results
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Running For 24 Hours
Running for 24 hours!!
By Perry Newburn
After struggling for ideas on what to write about I thought lets cover what its like to run for 24 hours – for me anyway – around a 400 metre athletic track. This would not be most people’s idea of fun but I actually looked forward to it. Yes I know, a bit strange, but that’s me. I had several reasons for doing this run; firstly, it filled a gap in the calendar for me and was going to show me where I was fitness wise; secondly I wanted to use it as a launch for the USA run being 5 months out from the start date – yes it feels real now and exciting; thirdly it was going to definitely build on my mental strength. I set myself a goal of getting as close to, if reaching, the 200 km mark as for me goals are definitely important as something to strive towards.
After having done two 72 hour runs last year around our local motor racing circuit doing loops of either 4.5 km or 3 km I wasn’t too worried about going for 24 hours, even though the circuits were only going to be 400 metres – a minor mistake on my part and definitely a lesson learnt – I should definitely consider any distance to be covered as hard (but doable) as this can be a real mind thing. For example I have been out on runs ranging from 25 km upwards and my mind has been set to that distance. At the end of that distance if someone suggested let’s do another 10 km I have often said no – my mind wasn’t set to do more.
These days I can counteract that by setting the distance for longer than what is set. Also by running on the track I had presumed (wrongly) that it would be nice and soft and easy on the legs and body – the first 5 hours or so I felt great. However, as the time went on, there was a lot more soreness developing than at any time on the 72 hour runs and especially in the legs, glutes and the bottom of my feet. The track was definitely harder on the body than I had imagined. I have basically always been a road runner so the body is accustomed to that surface and really enjoys it – most of the time. This was also a good lesson – do the homework appropriately on what sort of surface /terrain you are going to run on. I had done half a lap on the track a week before and thought “this feels really good” !!!!
I managed to have people down at the track most of the time. However, between 8.30pm and 2 am I was on my own and this period became pretty tough mentally – but I coped and worked out the strategy of 5 laps and writing off the lap list – although a couple of times I had to do this after 3 as the mind was wandering a bit!!!
My strategy for the run was to start off by running 10 laps then walking 1 knowing also that this would likely drop back to 5 laps as the day went on. I also knew that there would be periods when I would need to walk a couple when the mind battles were going on. I always go into this sort of run expecting these sort of moments so when they hit they are not a biggie and I know I can work through them. This time I also had a few hallucinations – from the shadows of the lights during the night. I had seen a photo of a giant rat caught in a flat (I think Sweden ) the day before and there was one shadow on the track in the early hours that really made me jump. I managed to laugh it off fairly quickly though.
A good running mate came down between 7 am and 9 am and ran/pulled me along. This was just what I needed at this time (20 hours into it ) and there were some kms that we were going through at 5 min 10 sec pace. By this stage I had blocked out any pain and also I was having some very noticeable highs and lows – pace would drop back to 6 min km pace. However there were times when supporters would go and get me a Mcdonalds Burger and chocolate milkshake and boy would this pick me up again. Of course towards the end the customary Coke would help with the sugar hit that was needed.
At 11 am I realized I wouldn’t quite make the 200 km mark (prob about 198 ) so decided to cruise it ( if you can !!!!) and reached 195 kms. Interesting point was the first lap and last lap were timed ; 1st lap – 2 mins 4 secs, last lap 2 min 2 secs.
At the end I was definitely happy with the kms reached and there were some good lessons learned and reminded of – if there is a next time on a track I know what I can do now.
Recovery generally has been pretty good. However, the first 2 days I was definitely a lot sorer after the 24 hours on the track than I had been after both the 72 hour runs last year on tarmac. However, with a walk the first day and slowly getting back I have still managed over a 100 miles for the week since – in that sense recovery has been great.
Now that the mind is totally focused on the run in 5 months – less now – I will have big mileage weeks for half the month and drop back ones for the others – can’t wait and so looking forward to meeting and running with a lot of you.
As always – keep looking after yourselves and keep on having funz!!!!!!
Perry Newburn is an ultra-marathon runner from New Zealand and the current leader of Moon Joggers. At the time of this post he has already logged 5,247 miles for the year and has plans to complete even more before the year is through. Next year, to celebrate his 60th birthday, Perry plans to break the master’s record and run across America in 50 days. That is an average of 58 miles per day! To follow Perry on his journey and to support him along with way, check out his blog at Perry’s Run: America in 50 Days.
Posted in Guest Post, Moon Joggers, New Zealand Runner, Perry Newburn, Running in New Zealand, Ultra Marathon Runner
Tagged 24 hour run, Perry Newburn, runner, running, ultra marathoner
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Running Emotions
Sole Running: Tales from the Trails: Running Emotions
by Bob Nicol
It took me until Monday night of this week to remember one of the biggest reasons why I love to run. No, it’s not for the accolades or the medals that I receive when I cross that finish line, for that matter it is not for the physical benefits of health either, though those are pretty sweet too. For me it is that emotional high or release that I get when I see someone I helped who thought they could never achieve their goals accomplish them, or to help with a good cause. That sweet feeling of knowing I helped out in some small way, either by moral support and encouragement during the run, raising awareness to a good cause or charity, or by assisting in a new runner’s training prior to their big race. This puts a smile on my face and more times than not brings a tear to my eye every time, yes I am an emotional guy and damn proud of it.
Is it because I am more in touch with my emotions since my bare feet are constantly in contact with the ground…..that I cannot tell you but I do know this, I would not change a thing.
On Monday night, I was honored and privileged to deliver the key note speech as the guest speaker at the Manitoba Runner’s Association Hall of Fame Inductee Gala. This was not something I was taking lightly as two of the inductees are good friends of mine and major inspirations in not only running but also in my life as a whole. My presentation revolved around the Manitoba running community and some of the events that this province has to offer as well as some of the great things I have been so privileged to be involved with. I had nothing really prepared other than some picture slides that I was going to utilize for topics and just see where it went from there.
I had a packed room of over ninety people to keep entertained for 35 to 45 minutes, no pressure right. As soon as I put up the first slide, I entered this place that I just cannot describe with words; it was just me talking about what I love to do. Stories just started spilling out, the emotions, and the passion of the events came back to me and I know it was very apparent to all those in the room that I was talking from the heart, because it was very apparent to me. I started with this, “I know I will probably never win a race, unless I am the only entry, but that is not why I enjoy what I do.” I love to encourage and show people that if I can do it, they can too. You are limited only by yourself, if you dream big enough you can reach the stars….but only if you truly want it…that is the trick.
At one point when I started to talk about my Charity Run, The Grizzly Ultra Barefoot Challenge last year and the events surrounding it, the emotions overcame me and I broke down with tears coming down my face…..and I didn’t care. Yes, the tough barefoot runner who runs over gravel, rock, glass, fire, snow, ice, cacti and apparently can run on water at will too was shedding tears and didn’t care who saw it. A good friend of mine, actually the race director for the event that my charity supported, jumped in with an assist to help and gave me the moment I needed to compose myself to carry on. I swear there was some tears in the audience as well, emotion creates and encourages emotion, which brings us all closer together as one.
The emotions almost overcame me once again, when I described my involvement as a pace bunny at one of the half marathons that I ran last year. This was by far the most incredible experience I have ever had and will so do it again. I had such a blast running and leading a group to their goal times, I must have been doing something right as my group continued to grow throughout the race until the very end. I still remember the tear it brought to my eye watching MY group of runners cross the finish line with their arms reaching for the sky; in fact six of those runners finished their first half marathon. Absolutely magical and a memory I will cherish always.
Another great memory was when I ran the Bismarck Marathon in 2011, I went down on a whim to run the half marathon but decided I would run the marathon instead, in fact I signed up the night before the race. The first half of the race, which was two loops, I focused a little more on hooting and hollering with the volunteers, in fact I think I had my picture taken with every single volunteer along the course, I was the first barefoot runner ever to run this event and apparently I was a bit of a novelty. The second loop, it was all about the runners. I played Duck, Duck, Goose with a bunch of runners who were struggling but giving it their all. I used my favorite line….”You are not going to let a barefoot runner beat you now are you?” You would be surprised how much this motivates people. Once again the emotions rang true as I helped a relay runner cross the finish line with her longest run ever to the ecstasy of her teammates. Sweetness the sounds of those cheers and the smile on her face, I will remember always.
So take it from this barefoot runner, running with emotion is a good thing and nothing to be ashamed of, in my opinion let it all out…..the tears or screams of joy as you cross that finish line or the fist pump and leap of celebration as you pass that distance goal. Make sure you encourage and take the time to help those fellow runners in need; because one day that fellow runner may be you…..and wouldn’t you like to hear those words of encouragement……I can tell you I would.
Bob is a barefoot runner from Canada who has been lucky enough to discover the passion of running. From running 5 km around his neighborhood with his faithful husky Hazel to running 100 mile Ultra-marathons over nasty terrain, Bob runs with a smile and an encouraging spirit. You can also follow his ramblings at Canadian Running Magazine Online (http://runningmagazine.ca/blogs/bare-my-soles/ ) and his personal blog, http://winnipegbarefootrunners.blogspot.ca/.
Run Strong, Run Hard, Run Happy and Run Free……………….
Posted in Bob Nicol, Guest Post, Jogging, Marathon Runner, marathon running, Moon Joggers, Running, Running Barefoot, Sole Running Tales From The Trails, Ultra Marathon Runner
Tagged barefoot runner, bob nicol, grizzly ultra, manitoba runners, running carefoot
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Decide What to Be
Both Hills and Valleys: Decide What to Be
by Michelle Roberts
Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try. I’ve never been one to mull over a decision for long and don’t have much patience for people who do. I’m working on that, by the way. I meet customers all the time who want to weigh all their options, see every product available and think on it awhile. There are definitely times when they benefit over impulsive me but I can’t say making a flooring selection is usually one of them. Choosing a spouse or buying a home deserves at least a little thought. I guess.
So for me making a decision to start is easy. It’s making that same decision every morning that’s difficult. Eating healthier for a long term life style change not a diet? Absolutely. Done. Until the kids are enjoying brownies at the end of a long work day. Committing to putting in the miles every day toward my annual Moon Joggers goal? Of course. Can’t think of a reason not to at the moment. Until it’s raining in the morning and there’s soccer practice for my son in the evening.
Thanks to Moon Joggers like Felix, Melissa and my very own cousin, Paul, I’ve found the answer. A streak!
These Moon Jogger role models have committed to their own daily goals and don’t let any excuse get in their way. Felix posted pictures of his busted eye and skinned knee earlier in the year but logged his minimum of one mile running anyway. My Toronto cousin’s trusty elliptical machine broke in the dead of winter and he found a quick replacement the next day to avoid breaking his streak. And Melissa has joined the United States Running Streak Association (USRSA) Face Book page to cheer on others and help her stay strong in the face of her own daily struggles.
So March 1st I decided I’d run/walk at least a 5k every day of the month. Of course it doesn’t hurt that March in Tallahassee is the beginning of an early Spring and longer days filled with beautiful azaleas and soft cotton breezes. (I say this with my deepest apologies to our northern Moon Joggers still living with snow.) When I didn’t have the time in the morning because of an appointment or coffee with a friend it just meant I’d find the time after work. After enjoying buy-one-get-one-free margaritas with a friend at our new neighborhood Mexican restaurant, walking seemed the better choice but I still logged the miles. And the full day of rain last Friday, just three days before the end of the month, only meant I had to put on a jacket with a hood and head out.
A streak can be whatever you make it. I include walking miles because it’s the distance and activity every day that I wanted to fit into my busy life of work and family. The USRSA requires at least one mile of running but that doesn’t mean my streak hasn’t served the same purpose for me as it does for anyone else. It takes away the choice. Frees me each and every morning of that daily decision. No matter my mood, the weather, sick kids, long day or work obligations my answer is always YES to my daily 5k. The decision has already been made. It’s a promise I made to myself but disguised as an imaginary accountability partner. “The Streak” accepts no excuses so neither do I.
We’re all reliable and trustworthy friends who would never think of letting others down by going back on our word. We’re there when we say we’ll be there. We do what we say we’ll do for others. It’s those promises I make to myself for my own health and well being that are often forgotten or pushed aside for one reason or another. My first streak has made me understand that’s not okay.
If we can rely on anyone in life we should be able to rely on ourselves, every day, without fail. And for those days that are especially difficult, Moon Joggers are lucky enough to have each other to push them out the door. What Iva likes to call “a nudge”.
Just like anything else in life, it’s all in the decision…
ABOUT: Michelle Roberts lives in Tallahassee, Florida, with her husband, Paul, and two children, Ashleigh (10) and Philip (8). She ran her first 5k in October of 2012 and her first half marathon in February of 2013. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001 and maintains a healthy balance without the use of medication thanks to a job she loves, a supportive family, regular exercise, her writing and therapy. A wonderful life of “Both Hills and Valleys”.
“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”
Helen Keller
Posted in Both Hills and Valleys, Guest Post, Jogging, Michelle Roberts, Moon Joggers, Running
Tagged florida running, Michelle Roberts, Moon Joggers, run for life, running, running for health, running in florida
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Beginnings
Beginnings
by Shirlee Webb
Since we were born, we have had beginnings. We had to begin to walk with all its falls and scrapes and bumps and bruises. We learned to talk,some early some late, but we all began somewhere.
We began school at 5 and spent the next 13 years having ups and downs, successes and failures-good times, bad times. We began to drive at 16–Watch out world!!! How hard was that? Actually it was pretty scary to me.I’ll never forget my first try at a U-turn an parallel parking-what a laugh-what a failure.We began college, we began jobs. Oh my goodness what a memory! I worked a lot as a child , the household chores, babysitting, picking berries and fruit around town-for years!! But beginning a job I had to apply for and interview for my first time was as a grocery clerk. I worked at a store that didn’t mark its prices on its products so I had to memorize the whole store beginning with the cereal row. I had nightmares. Produce prices changed all the time and they each had a code-can’t believe I succeeded at that, but I did, gradually. I look back at that beginning and wonder how did I ever do that? No one could have started that job and knew every price from day one-IMPOSSIBLE and yet possible to gradually be able to do it. What about marriage and motherhood? I am speaking as a woman here guys. We surely did not succeed at these all at once! As much as I had always looked forward to having children, it was an absolute shock to the system and I knew at that moment I knew nothing about mothering and being successful at it all. For me it began almost 40 years ago and I can say now, through trial and error, and great adversity, that I came through it pretty well and my children survived me and have turned out pretty well adjusted! (Have you kids?)
Well that brings me to running-we all begin somewhere. We don’t decide one day to run a marathon and run one!!!! I was 31 and just had my 5th child, who happens to be the great “Angie Webb” as you know here. I was 220 pounds and a friend asked if I would like to start jogging with her. I thought she was nuts to even ask me but I thought, “if she was so kind to ask, I will be kind and try.”
We ran at night and I gave a 2 week commitment. I had blisters on my blisters, lost toenails, I thought my lungs would burst (that after only after a minute or so of running). My shins and legs just ached! I was so competitive I would not quit even though I was always in pain. After 2 weeks she dropped a boom on me by telling me she needed to run in the mornings . I was converted enough that I didn’t want to quit but I had NEVER been a morning person. So I changed myself and that was the beginning of years and years of getting up at in the morning no matter what the weather and running and I loved it!
That was 32 years ago. I have had so many failures and disappoints and many wonderful successes. I believe I will continue to do so. But I have learned to take these experiences with joy and gratitude for all I have learned on this journey. I need to run as much as I need to breathe and to eat, it is that important to me. Like learning to walk, I first did 5k races, then 10k and I was actually 45 when I ran my first half marathon and then I did my first marathon that same year. I have now ran many many halfs and several marathons including Boston when I was 60. I use only myself as my competition. I always try to do better than I did the last. I keep lofty goals without a deadline—I only know I am going to try and never give up on myself. There will always be someone who is faster, thinner and much better than I and yet to some (at least a few) I am the faster, thinner and better. So we can see that our only source of satisfaction should be our self. We only need to BEGIN and to enjoy the journey with all it’s hills and valleys, and every once in a while to be able to say I DID IT! and repeat it often enough to know that we are all winners!
Shirlee Oscarson Webb, 62 years young mother of 8, grandmother of 13 (so far). I love running, zumba, swimming, volleyball, sewing, cooking, reading and serving others whenever and wherever I can, and I never, never plan to give up, no matter how hard the hard gets and believe me, I know hard very personally.
Posted in Guest Post, having fun running, Jogging, Lessons learned from running, Marathon Runner, marathon running, Moon Joggers, Running, running for health, Shirlee Webb
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