I just hit the send button that officially makes me a participant in the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. Despite the shrill voice in my head that's screaming, "What in the world have you just done?", I have the biggest grin on my face and I owe it all to Patti Digh. I don't know Patti personally nor have I ever had any correspondance with her, but I've been reading her 37 days blog for quite awhile now and a couple months ago I picked up her delightful book, "Life is a Verb" in my local bookstore.
She has inspired me in a variety of ways, but c'mon, who in their right mind registers to run 13.1 miles on behalf of a stranger's invitation? Apparently I do and I'm pleased to say I'm not the only one who's said "Yes!" to joining Patti's team of "37 Days" runners. Several others are traveling to the mid-west to huff and puff their way through the half-marathon on Sunday, May 3. While Patti is running this event in honor of her upcoming 50th birthday later this year, I'm running it in celebration of turning 40 recently.
I've done plenty of spontaneous things before, but this one comes with a major caveat; three months of some serious stamina and strength training. I've been a runner for most of my life, but it's been quite awhile since I've gone past the three-mile mark and there's a BIG difference between three miles and thirteen! I've run a half-marathon once before and it didn't kill me so I know I can do this. However, that was nine years ago and right now (as I sit contemplating the wild-n-crazy decision I just made) it feels like there's a BIG difference between 31 years of age and 40. While I'm acutely aware that my body is older and it's likely that training for this run will be a bit more challenging than it was a decade ago, I'm still smiling.
It's time to stop thinking and take this body of mine (along with that voice in my head) out for a run. It'll be May 3rd before I know it and this is one 40 year-old who's going to cross that finish line with a grin on her face not a grimace.
p.s. A big shout-out to Rick Hamrick for introducing me to Patti's blog through his writings. In this case, when I say, "It's all your fault", it's a very good thing indeed.
Very very cool! I'm so excited that you'll be there! I'll be in touch this week with an email to all 16 of us who are registered so far! Thanks for taking the leap!
Posted by: patti digh | February 02, 2009 at 01:41 PM
You go, girl!
I'll be with all of the 37days team in spirit, and it is my plan to wear a team t-shirt that day (I'm hopeful that Patti will be offering them prior to the event itself).
By the way, on page 16 of LIAV, you will see the one and only attempt at art I ever intend to publish. After all, you cannot improve on that batting average: one piece, one published.
Posted by: Rick | February 03, 2009 at 04:09 AM
I am in awe. I absolutely hate to run - always have, always will.
Posted by: Angela | February 05, 2009 at 12:33 PM