{Sigh} I joined the blogging ranks. I tried to fight the urge, because the activity seemed irrelevant and self-aggrandizing. But the encouragement of a few friends, the example of a few others, and, essentially, the fact that I have too much time on my hands all helped tip the scale. So, welcome!
This blog plays off the title of a 1978 novel by John L. Parker Jr. titled Once a Runner. Unlike the novel's protagonist, who laments and reminisces about having once been a runner, I'm using this blog both as reminiscence and inspiration. My first era of competitive running ended in my collegiate senior year, but I'm now trying to reclaim a semblance of that racing physique and mentality. It's tough as hell. I'm 28, consistently sore, considerably less agile, and far more ornery and unmotivated. I have no coach. I have no team. I have no--well, I never had fans, so that's no change.
Anyway, I'm inspired to do this by two athletes and good friends, who also have blogs of their own(see links at right). Zach Winchester and Molly Nunn are both highly disciplined and self-motivated competitors, with specific goals in mind. Zach wishes to make the 2010 Olympics in the men's triathlon, while Molly wants to make the Olympic trials in the women's 5k. Their blogs chronicle their training and performances, so I encourage you to read and follow their endeavors.
Unlike these two kids, I'm not looking forward. I don't have any definitive goals or lofty expectations, nor do I plan to treat my body as a temple, high-performance machine, or [insert witty analogy here]. No, I'm running now to recall the great memories, friends, coaches, training, heartbreaks, and highs. My life has revolved around running in some way since 7th grade, and I can't divest my life experiences from my running ones. Thus, this blog is mostly for me, but I trust that if you're reading this you'll find a part of yourself in it. I hope you'll find something helpful or inspiring. I also hope you'll find something frustrating or shocking. I'm going to write what I recall and feel, "warts and all," as they say in the Deep South. Feel free to respond, disagree, or denigrate--just know that I reserve the right to burn you down (verbally, mind ye).
And with that, we're off!
14 years ago
I like this blog. And I feel compelled to point out that you DO have a team. At least a team that you race with once a year. A team with which you can compare daily mileage and other running/racing notes. Having wanted to re-create the team experience for some time, it's as close as I've been able to come. That said, I suppose it can be disappointing and not quite as motivating or supportive when you are far and away the faster runner (pre-Zach, anyway).
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