I completed another 10 km. run this past Sunday morning. I’m still so excited to have done it. Although I recently turned 65, I jogged the whole 10 kms. without stopping. I’m not very fast, mind you, but I did it. I’ve been comparing myself to the tortoise in the fable. Slow and steady, watching for the km. markers, gaining energy from the enthusiastic volunteers providing encouragement along the way. The stamina and physical strength that I have spent years regaining and boosting is tested again.
Because I have done this run several times now, I don’t worry so much about my ability to complete it. Instead, because of my poor balance and coordination, I actually worry more that I might trip over the unevenly mended pot holes, the sections needing to be repaved because of construction and heavy vehicles, and the expansion joints in the roads over the railroad tracks. I didn’t fall, thank goodness. Especially in the sections where the pavement is reasonably smooth, I tried to keep my head up, noticing Toronto’s landmarks, the runners and walkers around me, my breathing, being in the moment.
Actually, I couldn’t remember how many of these runs I’ve done so far, so I took a suggestion and lined up the branded t-shirts – a tangible reminder from each year, as well as self-esteem booster when others notice and comment. Last year took me longer than previous years, but this year I shortened that time by a whole 46 seconds! Yahoo! Again, it turned out to be a lovely, sunny May morning; the perfect temperature for running without being distracted by too much sweating. Emotion bubbled to the surface as I began and ended the run. I felt so happy, so excited, that I had dared to believe in myself – that once again, at 65, I have the physical stamina, the mental fortitude to do something that 15 years ago would make me shake my head in disbelief and denial, knowing that I could never be a jogger. Once again, it gave me a lift, made me smile inside, cheered my heart to be surrounded by people of all sizes and ages, all sharing a common positive goal of pushing ourselves, mentally and physically, to make it to the finish line 10 kms. away. The stamina and physical strength that I have spent years regaining and boosting is tested.
Also, I get a kick out of recognizing and passing the sequence of familiar streets and landmarks of Toronto, my native city, watching the people who are watching us. Somehow, I never have time or reason to walk these streets anymore. I live a suburban life, shackled to my car. I feel uncomfortable using my vehicle so much, but mostly I have no choice. the sprawl and lack of competitive public transit means that, despite the frustrating negatives – exasperating and sometimes scary commuter traffic – my vehicle becomes my home away from home as I drive to work and to take care of my mother.
On Sunday, however, as I jogged down Toronto’s main street and then parallel to Lake Ontario as I got closer to the finish line, I didn’t think of any of that. I enjoyed the moment, the power of my mind and body that kept me moving forward. Maybe the highlight of the run this time was when an elderly gentleman, briefly running alongside me, shouted, “You’re doing great!” and we gave each other a high five. It made me smile and even more determined to once again cross the finish line. Of course, I will do it again next year.
How are you doing today? What are you planning for yourself that will make you smile? Let us know in the comments.
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