I’m no couch potato, but when it comes to running, I might as well be Mr. Potato Head.
I’ve always admired runners. For spring break a couple of years ago, I somehow managed to talk my mom into signing up for the first annual Disney Princess Half-Marathon in Orlando, Florida. Neither of us were runners. In fact, my mom hates going to the gym, and due to a knee injury, I had been excused from running the obligatory gym-class mile since middle school. So what exactly was I thinking?
Looking back, the half-marathon was a great experience. Yes we were tired; yes we were sore; yes we were almost disqualified because we were so slow. But we did it, and we have fancy purple and gold tiara-shaped medals to prove it. After walking/running for 13.1 miles sans training, my mom is hesitant to consider another race in the future. I, on the other hand, was motivated more than ever to get in shape and give it another go.
Of course, this is easier said than done. I’ve been trying to become a runner since sophomore year, but unfortunately life has gotten in the way, and I am no closer to being ready for my next half-marathon – or a 5K, for that matter.
But next year, I will be a senior – my last year to take advantage of the spectacular trails on and around campus. My last year to have running dates with friends. My last year to join the throng of student runners at Wake.
There is no time like the present: I tested the waters today, clocking 15 minutes on the treadmill—alternately walking and running. It felt good. At the grocery store, I bought the Runner’s World “Special Beginner’s Guide” magazine, hoping to pick up some training tips. I also promised my friends that I would train over the summer and build up my speed and endurance so we could go running together next year. Now I really have no excuse.
I’m not saying you have to be a runner, but this mentality can be applied to any fitness and nutrition goal you have for yourself. Want to cut back on sweets? Start today. Want to improve your flexibility? Sign up for a yoga class today. Want to eat more fruits and vegetables? Swap your French fries for a salad at lunch today. What are you waiting for?
But a word of caution: goals aren’t achieved overnight. You will have to be patient, take it one step at a time and eventually it will happen. Am I going to be ready to run a marathon by this weekend? Yeah right. Are you going to be able to give up chocolate chip cookies cold turkey? Dream on. It’s a gradual process. But it’s worth it.