Inspiration to do something special can come from many sources. Reading a good article. Swapping stories with fellow athletes. Or even seeing something in person that you brought a tear to your eye.
I know I can trace back my first moment of inspiration to run a marathon to nearly 7 years ago when I watched Team Hoyt compete in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Championships. What a father would do for his son is amazing, and Dick and Rick Hoyt have a very special bond.
I have had two discussions with my dad recently about my 39.3 quest. Positive, reinforcing messaging was expected. Conversation #1 went something like this - Ken: "I am going to run a 1/2 and full marathon in January in Orlando. A total of 39.3 miles". Dad: "What? Are you nuts?" Like I said - special bonding moments. I explained that as a runner, there are certain goals I want to achieve. This past week I had conversation #2, as we revisited the moment that is now less than 5 months away. Response from Dad: "You're going to kill yourself." Man, it doesn't get more inspiring than that. Now in fairness, I did tell my dad I was going to blog about his perspective, and therefore I get the final word. You see, when it comes to exercise, lets just say he favors finger exercises on the TV remote, so I should have expected this response!
This brings me to mom. The lifeline. Suffered through labor to deliver this athlete into the world. Ever supportive and reassuring since my first boo-boo many years (ok - nearly 40) ago. She wanted to "discuss" my 39.3 journey like any mom would. Enthusiastic, upbeat, inspiring conversation, right? Uh, that's a big negatory... Her first comments - "Have you really thought this through? I am concerned that you will have some sort of structure damage." Structural damage??? I am not bunging jumping, or running directly into brick walls here. Simply moving one foot in front of the other for hours at a time. Most people call that walking, or even running if there is any sort of pace to the activity.
Oh boy, now I am getting worried. I haven't even spoken to Grandma yet about this. I better block out an hour for that conversation. You know, back in there day they didn't have sneakers, and every road was uphill...I think the word maimed may find its way into that discussion!
Am I nuts? No, just a bit Goofy....the distant cousin of nuts, and I don't plan on having a conversation with him. Thankfully, Goofy is a pretty upbeat "person" and generally just nods a lot...
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2 comments:
At nearly 40 you are still a "puppy". Don't listen to mom and dad, though when your two darlings are doing something like this later in their lives you might say the same things!
That's a lot of miles son... pray for a pixie dust storm somewhere in the middle of the second day and think happy thoughts.
Structural damage... What, like to the head?
Did you tell her it's a bit too late for that now?
Ken, I'm going to put a link to your site on my (our) site so that those that read/visit mine (ours) will know about your worthy cause.
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