Like many, I got into running as an adult. The year was 2009 and I was 37 years old. Shortly after relocating from NH to NJ, and taking on a new job, I joined the gym to participate in a men’s basketball league as I wanted to meet new people. However, the day after joining I fell on ice and dislocated my shoulder. I was sidelined before I even got on a team.
With a new pricey membership and my wife wanting to begin exercising as well, I did not want to be left behind. I went to the gym to see what they offered. Weightlifting and basketball were out of the question, so I stepped up onto a treadmill for the 1st time. There were plenty available and it appeared unintimidating. I started with a walk and advanced to a jog. I recall lasting about half a mile. As I was not in good shape at the time, I became out of breath quite easily. Seeing others running with ease and enjoying themselves, I figured this could be something to strive for.
For the next week I went back to the gym and worked on longer workouts and more jogging. It was at this point that something significant happened. I remembered that when I was young my father ran a couple of local races, so I wanted to find out what that was about. I spoke with my dad and did some simple on-line research and realized quickly that running and racing is actually a thing! A really BIG thing! Between local 5Ks to large national marathons, to training plans, charities, and so much more…I had a lot to learn.
I recall signing up for my 1st 5K in Philadelphia – Get Your Rear in Gear 5K. It was about 5 weeks out and I found a 5K running plan for beginners in Runner’s World Magazine. I followed it as closely as possible, while introducing my training runs to the outdoors, despite it being February. After a solid month of preparation, it was time for the 5K, which was in mid-March. My wife and 3 children came with me to Philadelphia to witness dad’s 5K. Of course, I am certain that participating in the race was much more important to me than it was to them at the time. They didn’t realize how much preparation went into this as a newbie; How many articles I read, how many minutes I ran in the dark on a cold morning, and how many times a doubted my ability to accomplish this.
I remember the race was larger than I expected. So many people on a cool March morning gathering to run a 5K race. I was assuming they all experienced the same trials and tribulations. And while I am sure a small percentage did, the overwhelming majority seemed to be on a casual and fun run or looked like they were in great shape as they smiled and laughed along the way. Me, on the other hand, thought I was going to die. I remember passing the 1-mile marker and I was totally out of breath. I had gone out too fast! I didn’t have a GPS watch or enough experience to know my pace. I was just trying to run with the crowd – who was obviously in much better shape than I. And as I began to drop back, obviously struggling at times, the amazing community of runners around me began supporting me with encouragement. “You can do it!”, “Your almost there!”, “Just one more mile!”, “You’re doing great!” Words of encouragement continued as I was jogging and walking, struggling along the way – and I even experienced stomach cramping because of the breathing. As I approached the finish line, I could see my family jumping and cheering while I was about to finish! I crossed the finish line and immediately fell to the ground when I reached a grassy area. My family was so proud of me as they were looking over me, but I wanted none of that. I just wanted to breathe again. I needed the burning to stop.
But wow, it did not take long to regain my breath and feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I was filled with joy and felt like I could accomplish anything the rest of the day. I was excited my family was there and was amazed at the support I received on the course. The experience was surreal and exceeded my expectations.
A few days went by and I did not run. In fact, I was sore from the race and had nothing to train for. I reached my goal and thought my running experiment had been accomplished. I set a goal and achieved it. Maybe now I can get back to basketball as my shoulder has been improving. But a few days went by, and something was missing. I wasn’t feeling happy or enthusiastic about starting my day. And I didn’t really know why. Come to find out, the power of endorphins that coincide with running is real! Later that week I was driving home and saw the Packet Pick Up bag on my backseat. It had a bunch of pamphlets promoting area races. I saw one for the Philadelphia Distance Run – a half marathon that was scheduled for mid-September – 6 months away.
So, guess what happened next…A new race, goal and training plan emerged. And a lifelong runner has been created!
Sixteen years later, I have achieved a lot more than I ever imagined. I have completed 4 Marathons (3hr.53min PR), 7 Half Marathons, dozens of shorter races. My 5K PR is 20 Minutes (winning a small local 5K) and I ran the Broad Street 10 Miler at a 7 Minute pace. I failed to complete an Ultra (improper training and significant cramping 27 miles in). I tore my Peroneal tendon, had plantar fasciitis (2 years), knee pain, hip pain and other minor issues along the way – all somewhat normal setbacks, but all temporary. Currently, I am running less and slower than peak years but enjoying every mile. Running has certainly been a positive piece to my life and I am thankful everyday to be a part of this community.