The Challenge - A
Running Story
I triple-dog-dare ya!
The coup de grace of all dares, the sinister triple-dog-dare,
the dare you heard echoing the playgrounds of our youth, the dare that
all young boys feared to be subjected to, is what I faced seven years ago this
month.
Three colleagues who were preparing to run the River Bank
25k suggested that I needed a new challenge, one that even I at the time never
realized the impact it would have on my life. Back in 2005, my friends stated
that training for this race was going to start before Christmas and end five
months later during a cold and rainy May morning in Grand Rapids
Five months of training?! You're kidding right? There is no
way I could even begin to utter the words of acceptance, but I knew that little
voice in my head kept repeating those famous words..."I dare you, I
triple-dog-dare you..."
Much to my dismay, I couldn't believe my own lips uttering the
words...."ok, let's do it."
Excuses, Excuses,
Excuses
Before I continue, I would like to offer you all an
understanding of how I was before taking this challenge. I hated running, I
dreaded running, in fact, I did all my power to make excuses to not even be
around those who ran. I didn't get it, I didn't quite understand why someone would
want to inflict such craziness to their bodies and daily life. Up to that point
in my life I would only run because it was a direct result of punishment in
other sports or because I was running away from something I shouldn't be doing.
And when I say "run"...if this distance was any farther than the
length of a football field I was offering a colorful response to the question that
its just "a little run".
Not only did I despise running, looking back at it now, I
found that I actually didn't know how to run. Yeah, I said it, I really didn't
know how to run. I never knew that running distance took a whole new approach
on technique like breathing and leg strides that I had no experience with. I
figured it was a simple sport, put on your shoes, go out and run back as fast
as you could. As similar as to getting new shooting mechanics from your basketball
coach when starting to play on an organized team after years of playing pick up
ball, running isn't properly taught. Unless you have a parent or sibling who
ran competitively you probably haven't the slightest clue on foot strike or
proper arm swing. I don't believe during gym class I was offered private
tutelage on how breathing in a masterful rhythm with your stride will in fact
give you more power and lessen the stress on your body.
The Challenge and
Aftermath
The challenge of running my first race was an amazing
experience. I remember the first six mile run I had to do according to my
training guide. It was the most interesting run in my life to this day. At the
time, it was the hardest and most rewarding thing I had done on my own. All I
wanted to do is stop and walk. Thankfully my friend who suckered me into the
thing would not allow it. After the run, I realized that this thing was going
to be a life changer. I had never expected the mental challenge which running
provided. The scary thing is that we would still need to run over additional nine
miles for the race. Oh, that frightened me. The training continued and
eventually the race was at hand and I couldn't believe I was looking at my
racing bib with my name under the stenciled black numbers. I can still hear the
noise of the crowd, the cold rain on my shoulders from that morning, the
assorted colors of shirts and shoes. The race became the victory lap of the
months of training and as I crossed the finish line I knew this challenge was
going to change me forever, but in no way as much as what it has.
Running has led me to some amazing experiences, but nothing
more important as being able to coach the most amazing kids in cross country
and track. A few years into my running life, I was offered the job of coaching
cross country and I was still quite hesitant about it. I knew nothing about the
sport and on most days I didn't even consider myself to be a true distance
runner. 5k?! How far is that? How many people run the race? Do I need a
whistle? These were the questions I blindly asked and trip over in the
beginning. But soon enough, I found the truly special bond running brings to
people. It demands our best and no matter what our running ability looks like
running needs to be respected...it can defeat the best of the best.
Here's the thing, I was that person who didn't get it until
I tried it. My worn out basketball shoes eventually led into purchasing running
shoes, my over-sized sweatshirts turned to Dryfit pullovers. Now I worry more
about the weather because of my run rather than the effects it may have on a
golf opportunity. I don't know why it did, but all I know its been the most
remarkable change that I went through, and one I continue to go though. What's amazing is that you will discover how
strong you really are. What it means to get up at an hour before a typical
workday to get your run in, what it means to run in every element nature can
through at you and smile right back at her. To run with a friend, your favorite
four-legged buddy, or simply alone with your thoughts, all makes this experience the most
rewarding.
If you stop and honestly look inside and tell yourself,
"Today, I am going to challenge myself" you too to may get this
amazing life altering change....
....I triple-dog-dare you.
The Triple-Dog-Dare Challenge
Today is the "official" kickoff to the River Bank
Run in Grand Rapids
Happy Running.
AA
Training Guide:
www.53riverbankrun.com/trainingclinics.php
Great Tool for any runner:
www.mapmyrun.com
Awesome place for clothes, shoes, and any related to
running:
www.runningwarehouse.com
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