Hello friends!
This week’s reason to run is both extremely timely and extremely awesome: THE OLYMPICS. The ancient Greeks in their wisdom were not content to simply come up with the idea of the marathon (and promptly let the first man to run one DIE); oh no, they also invented the idea of my absolute favorite international sporting event. Those of you who have spent any time with me (in even-numbered years during either February or August since, say, 1984) are well aware of my support (some might say “obsession”) with all things Olympian. The truth is I have always been in complete and total awe of all the individuals who have put aside other “normal” parts of life (school, relationships, children, etc.) to dedicate their lives to a sport in which they excel. As someone who, let’s remember, could not run a mile before she was 30 (with the hand-eye coordination of a baby sloth) this kind of expertise and dedication was almost beyond my comprehension – in a good way. I’ve always enjoyed watching athletes from all over the world gather, (mostly) putting aside their differences to show what the human body and amazing teamwork can achieve; it helps me believe in the good side of the human race for a little while.
On top of that, I do have to say that I have a slightly different perspective towards the Olympians themselves these days. Of course, I am not about to qualify for any Olympic event with my 10 minute miles, but I do now have a better understanding of what it’s like to train for one single event for months and months, putting aside other activities to practice, getting up before the sun rises (or after it sets) to run mile after mile in extreme weather while other people (wisely) are snug in their beds or watching TV. This is obviously a very, very tiny taste of the lifestyle spent by Olympic athletes over years and years of training, but I do feel a special kinship with them.
Now for a training update: this was another great week! Despite a crazy mid-week snowstorm, the roads were clear enough for some good runs on Tuesday and Thursday, and a fantastic 14.6 mile long run yesterday. I was joking to friends that from here on out I should change the 13.1 sticker on my car to whatever new number I’ve achieved. Don’t worry, I won’t, mostly because I don’t want my tires popped. ;)
Fundraising update: I am officially one third of the way done towards my $7,000 goal!! There is still a long way to go, but I am incredibly grateful to a few family members who made very generous gifts this week. Thank you thank you thank you, to all have given! To the rest of you: I will be (very slowly) coming for you, don’t worry! ;)
Until next week…. USA!! USA!! USA!!
Meg
This week’s reason to run is both extremely timely and extremely awesome: THE OLYMPICS. The ancient Greeks in their wisdom were not content to simply come up with the idea of the marathon (and promptly let the first man to run one DIE); oh no, they also invented the idea of my absolute favorite international sporting event. Those of you who have spent any time with me (in even-numbered years during either February or August since, say, 1984) are well aware of my support (some might say “obsession”) with all things Olympian. The truth is I have always been in complete and total awe of all the individuals who have put aside other “normal” parts of life (school, relationships, children, etc.) to dedicate their lives to a sport in which they excel. As someone who, let’s remember, could not run a mile before she was 30 (with the hand-eye coordination of a baby sloth) this kind of expertise and dedication was almost beyond my comprehension – in a good way. I’ve always enjoyed watching athletes from all over the world gather, (mostly) putting aside their differences to show what the human body and amazing teamwork can achieve; it helps me believe in the good side of the human race for a little while.
On top of that, I do have to say that I have a slightly different perspective towards the Olympians themselves these days. Of course, I am not about to qualify for any Olympic event with my 10 minute miles, but I do now have a better understanding of what it’s like to train for one single event for months and months, putting aside other activities to practice, getting up before the sun rises (or after it sets) to run mile after mile in extreme weather while other people (wisely) are snug in their beds or watching TV. This is obviously a very, very tiny taste of the lifestyle spent by Olympic athletes over years and years of training, but I do feel a special kinship with them.
Now for a training update: this was another great week! Despite a crazy mid-week snowstorm, the roads were clear enough for some good runs on Tuesday and Thursday, and a fantastic 14.6 mile long run yesterday. I was joking to friends that from here on out I should change the 13.1 sticker on my car to whatever new number I’ve achieved. Don’t worry, I won’t, mostly because I don’t want my tires popped. ;)
Fundraising update: I am officially one third of the way done towards my $7,000 goal!! There is still a long way to go, but I am incredibly grateful to a few family members who made very generous gifts this week. Thank you thank you thank you, to all have given! To the rest of you: I will be (very slowly) coming for you, don’t worry! ;)
Until next week…. USA!! USA!! USA!!
Meg