I registered for my first 10K run, and then ate a donut
I am sitting at my desk writing to you today, and I think I may be dying. You see, I just ran 3.5 miles around our neighborhood park. Historically, this is not a sentence I would utter. I am not a runner.
Colorado, however, has something of a legacy of running. It is a runner’s paradise, full of possibility and fun, and steeped in tradition. Or so I have always been told. As I said, I am not a runner. I have never really understood the appeal of punishing your legs, mind, and dare I say soul, by hitting the pavement for mile after mile after mile. Dredging every last bit of will out of your body to complete the course you have arbitrarily set before you.
Recently however, in a plot twist none of saw coming, all of that changed. Blame the new year. Blame the fact that I’m now in my 30s, and apparently embarking on this fourth decade of life means I’m more athletically ambitious now. (Does that sound like science? Is there a scientist in the house?) Whatever the reason, last weekend I registered for a 10K. And then I ate a donut.
To many, a 10K is easily conquered. It’s only six miles after all, what’s the big deal anyway? But for me, a person who has never really participated in an organized run of any length, let alone six miles in quick succession, this might as well be my Everest. (Yes, I am piling on the hyperbole today. Did I mention the 3.5-mile run? Send medical help.)
The 10K in question is the Bolder Boulder. This race is about as iconic Colorado running as it gets. It loops in and around the city of Boulder, and ends in the football stadium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. (My alma mater. Fun fact: I never attended a football game while a student there. I didn’t get the memo about being a normal college kid.) This year will be the event’s 40th anniversary, and what better time to dive into organized running than that? Am I right? Am I wrong? Submit your votes.
The Bolder Boulder takes place in May, giving me five months to train. So let’s talk strategy. And by that I mean, please share your running tips and tricks, and possibly even your advice for relocating to a different country and assuming a new identity. Whatever you think might be helpful.
SIGNED, anya elise
6 Comments
Marianne
I like your “go for it” spirit! If you can run 3.5 miles now, you’ll be ready for 6 by May. No problem. Besides, I hear that the sheer energy of the crowd carries you quite a way. (hearsay…I’m not a runner…) AND, I love your blog’s new look!
Anya Elise
Thank you for your enthusiasm! Want to come run it with me…. (And glad you like the blog facelift! I’m enjoying it so far as well.)
David
The Bolder Boulder is a glorious community experience. Bring your camera! Some tips from my 88 races over the decades: Get really good running shoes. Find a good time to run and keep that time period sacrosanct. Train 5 days a week but with varying distances, so that you can recover. Always run slower than you would in a race, Watch where you are running; there is so much to see that even bicyclists miss. Never run in pain.
The more you run, the more donuts you can eat! Coffee is a runner’s friend. As is meditation. ????????♀️
Anya Elise
David — That is quite the running resume! Impressive indeed. And I appreciate your tips! (Especially the bit about the donuts and coffee… 😉 ) These are very helpful; consider them noted!
Emily
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Love, your ever-supportive sister.
Anya Elise
😛