The Journey
With special permission from my Dad, this post is coming straight from “the daughter.”
I trained, ran, and completed my first half marathon yesterday. (YEAH!!) But, as I look back, the accomplishment was not just crossing the finish line, it was all the training that I did throughout the past 4 months. I made the decision to run Tom King in November, but I had to decide everyday since then to run, to train, and to lift weights. Essentially, I decided to run Tom King 121 times. And to me, that’s as much of an accomplishment as finishing (if I do say so myself). It is about the journey.
It’s about the conversations that I had with my Dad on long runs–conversations about our week, observations we’ve made, frustrations, running pains, singing “I Feel Good” in the park on mile 7, the funny things that happened, and what it looks like to transition into “real life” with bills and a rent payment. Even on those runs when we didn’t have “meaningful” conversations, it was the “quantity” of time that we spent together, that leant itself to “quality” conversations later in the week, running or not.
It’s about the running metaphors for life–running through the pain, not avoiding it, not letting it get the best of you, just knowing that pain is part of it. –As my Dad told me after a hard run, “Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever.”
It’s about being healthy and feeling good about yourself.
It’s about taking your first Goo, putting on your first pair of Balega socks, and eating a Banana at the end of a long run.
It’s about the people that you meet along the way. The people at the Y that know you as the “Half Marathon Girl” because you run in circles on the track for an hour. The friends that ask about your training, I mean really ask and care about your response. The friends and family that get up early on a Saturday morning to cheer and watch you cross the finish line. The buddies that turn around and come back for you after they’ve already finished the race.
And so, to you, I say thank you, because you were part of the journey. You were there with me throughout the journey. You posted comments on this blog, encouraging me. Thank you for the support that you have extended to me throughout this journey.
March 16th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Congratulations on your 1/2 marathon!
March 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Just think of how fun it will be when the weather is actually favorable. You will LOVE the CMM 1/2.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Nicely said, Amy, and congratulations on finishing your half-m. I totally agree that running is much more about the day-to-day than any race. Not only is that where you actually prove your determination and toughness, it’s where the real benefits come from. And, i sense a kindred spirit with the Balega socks (they rock and are made in South Africa) and the banana after a long run.
Your dad and lived across the hall from each other in college for awhile. One day I’ll get to meet the rest of his family.
March 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Amy, so very neat!! Great thoughts, all.
Seeing running as a metaphor is a powerful perspective. It is, indeed, the choices we make each day that shape the character, not the “shining moment”.
And what fun time with your Dad!!
Good for you!! Hope you can continue to enjoy distance running!!!
March 17th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Way to go to both of you guys!!! That could not have been an easy day, I felt so bad for everyone running as I heard the thunder roll Sat am! Great job on all the new PRs, that’s awesome!!!!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Congrats on the race!!! I love what you wrote! I started my running with my Dad. Often we didn’t talk (because I was out of breath trying to keep up) but it was some of the most special times I’ve had with my Dad. He doesn’t run anymore, so we hike mountains when I’m visiting.
Thanks for brining back those great memories and I’m so glad you have them too! Aren’t Dad’s the best?! Congrats on your 1/2!
March 19th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Very well said. congrats on your 1st. many more in your future, you persevered on a very tough day
my dad got me started as well…………………….
March 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Congratulations, Amy – and what a wonderful post! You are right, it is all about the journey. I get the feeling that you definitely have caught ‘the bug’…yay!
March 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
What an awesome post!!! I love it! I am totally inspired. Congrats to both of you at Tom King!