Monday, June 8, 2009

A non-runner.... Training for a marathon

BookJacket1

'You can do this, if you want to. the only prerequisite is that you really want to. You don't have to be in shape - you don't even have to like to run. You only have to be willing to make yourself a priority equal to all the others in your life for 16-20 weeks. If you follow the training program as outlined in this book you will finish a marathon! And it will be an experience that will change you forever.'***

Sounds to me like a sales pitch for an MLM program... right? Or perhaps the intro to a self-help book. Perhaps it is that... according to the authors, the program outlined in this book when followed, will not only ensure that I finish a marathon, but that by the time I do so, I will have raised my self esteem too. Now really.... I mean, I have been running for a couple of weeks now, and if what I've felt, the pain not withstanding, at the end of each run and for hours after that is anything to go by, I highly doubt that I'll be able to hold my body up, let alone my self esteem. But that must be one of those voices of self doubt that the authors claim I have to shut out. Mhhmmm!

Anyway, so here I am, bogged down by strained calf muscles and frustration from my inability to breathe in any functional manner after just a half hour of running. The realization that I am not a runner did not come as an epiphany.... noooo... Actually I've known it all along if I should care to look back... I mean, that I once hid in the rafters of my dormitory to avoid running cross-country back in primary school is proof enough that I am not...... And that after four years at Kavau, my required P.E. uniform was still crisply folded at the bottom of my box... still new and unused.

So, why the marathon? One may ask. Actually, I am not sure..... I jumped onto this particular wagon in the same manner that I've pretty much done all the other wagons I've jumped on in the past.... without giving much thought to what the hell it will take. Of course if I had stopped long enough to realize that nanowrimo would demand more from me than a couple of hours a week and that I'd be expected to write 50,000 words.... Wait, I knew all that beforehand. O.k. If, perhaps, I had known exactly how many, 50,000 words really are... Or, if I had known how daunting door to door sales were when I allowed myself to be talked into into selling Cutco knives... Or if I had thought about all I'd be losing by getting into my last relationship, and the one before it, and the one before that other, then maybe I would not have gotten into any of them in the first place.

But I don't have that luxury... of thinking ahead that is. I see a challenge, and I think I am up for it. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Apparently, as a human being, I have this inherrent desire to test my limit.... hmmmhhh! I don't know about that..... in search of how far I can go. And that the avenue of this testing is limited only by my imagination, my fear threshold, and my financial resources. Now, that last one did ring a bell.... I honestly would rather be traveling the world, drinking and dancing my life away... but I lack the resources.... so marathon it is for this non-runner.

***The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
- By David A. Whitsett, Forrest A. Dolgener and Tanjala Mabon Kole

14 comments:

3CB said...

Luck, the good kind in oodles. So that I can brag and say my pal ran the marathon **grin**

joyunspeakable2011 said...

KK....i feel you..i think am wondering why i hated running so much...now with a katumbo am fighting so hard to finish it through gym and 'marathon' in the morning....at first i was so hard i would just run for 5minutes...then i discovered i needed not compete with any one except me....so i trot or easy-run for lack of a better word...

i hope you succeed....

Sleek said...

i suck at long distances but the hype got to me and i went for 10km 'race-for-life' last year...went with me roommate and i trudged on..i really think u can do it but running wit sam1 else helps a lot; try getting sam1

KK said...

Thanks peeps for the encouragement... I will need it for sure. Sleek, you don't suppose I could borrow your roommate for the next four months or so.. do you?

NIKolaS said...

i have one word. FAIL.

but seeing that you have your heart set on this all the best my friend. has fun while at it.

pinkm said...

Just like nanowrimo I'm behind you 100%.

All the best KTwice.

KK said...

thanks guys.... Chapter two tells me that support from my friends will be invaluable in the quest to overcome myself. Pink, I'm guessin u don't mean that literally... I cld use a joggin partner considerate enough to stay behind me.

Shiko-Msa said...

Sometimes it helps not to think too much before engaging in stuff. As long as it's not dangerous. Spontaneity is the way to go. All the best in your run. Keep running. I shall cheer you from here.

Anonymous said...

I do hope that you got someone to work on your muscles cos that there would be a proper incentive, no?

KK said...

Thanks Shiko... u better be loud.

FG.. if u offering then the answer is no, I do not and would really love to try out your services:)

Anonymous said...

hahaaha *blushing* seriously

Maua said...

What time do you do this thing? I'll do it exactly the same time on this part, I'll get on the phone with you for as long as we are ...ticing. Now, what ore support do you want?????

I'm a gud coach, except not sporty.

wambui jr said...

we say alot about how certain sports are mental, but I believe running fits the definition best..good luck with the training!

savvy said...

Some of us too, were clearly never meant for running. I start hemming and pufffing after 5 minutes! That being said, I can't wait to hear your success story.