| By Avery Beck | January 18, 2010 |
Five months ago, I couldn’t run a mile without slowing to a walk. Then I decided I wanted to be a runner—one of those long-distance runners you see trekking down the road in rain or snow, 100 degrees or ten. Much like writing, it’s a solitary pursuit with moments of accomplishment not many people seem to understand even while I’m feeling like a queen (Golden Heart, anyone?).
Two weeks ago, I ran twelve miles. Never thought I’d say that. This weekend, I’m running my first half-marathon and I am excited beyond belief. But while browsing online for a “13.1” bumper sticker (did I mention I’m crazy excited about this?), I came across a forum full of people yapping about how lame it is to be proud of finishing a half-marathon. As though anybody can roll out of bed and run thirteen miles without thinking twice. Who needs to train for that, and who would possibly brag about it?
I figure there are two schools of anonymous internet junkies with this attitude: those who couldn’t run across their living rooms if they tried, and elite athletes who have completed six hundred triathlons at record pace. While I admire the latter group, I still say to both crowds: *I* sure as heck am going to brag about it. Because five months ago I couldn’t run a mile. Because it does take training and dedication to work your way from non-athlete to someone who can run for two straight hours. I’m putting a sticker on my car and I don’t give a flying (bleep) if somebody thinks it isn’t good enough.
Seems I’m a masochist, because now I have two pursuits for naysayers to give me trouble about—I write novels, but just those “trashy” romance ones, and I run, but just “short” distances. Apparently I can only be proud if I write literary tomes and run full marathons every week. Somehow, I think even then, people would still find something to complain about.
What are you proud of, even if no one else understands why? Shout it here!
January 18th, 2010 at 3:05 am
Woohoo! That’s a great achievement!
I’ve just started doing the Couch to 5k program in an effort to be able to jog a bit. I have to start doing it indoors on an elliptical as I’m nursing a shoulder injury that killed my exercise last year but I’ll do it and then swap to outdoors eventually. And I’m proud that I’m back on the horse so to speak!
January 18th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Yay, Avery! Those people are nuts–that’s a wonderful accomplishment! It takes dedication and a lot of hours of hard work to get to a milestone like that! You absolutely deserve to celebrate it.
I’m happy that NWIB is back online in time to celebrate it with you–Hooray for us and thanks to the people who worked so hard to get us back up.
January 18th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Yes, thank you to everyone who fixed the virus mess! It’s an honor for me to restart the posting.
Melanie, I hear Couch to 5k is a great program. It really doesn’t take long to build up to longer and longer distances. Good luck!
Thanks, Deb!
January 18th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Welcome back NWIB and huge congratulations, Avery!
I agree–anyone who thinks running 12 miles isn’t good enough has a screw loose. I only started exercising recently after finally admitting typing was not a legitimate workout. So I am completely impressed by your accomplishment. Good luck in the race!
Being a writer is still the accomplishment I am most proud of and the one most people don’t completely get. Because, as you say, I only write those trashy books, and once you know the formula you can crank one out in a week, right? Oh, how I wish!!
January 18th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Avery, hold your head up high. Running a half marathon is an amazing accomplishment! There will always be naysayers who try to diminish our success or tell us we can’t do something. The key is to respond with, ‘Just watch me.’
I’m proud that I continue to write and practice martial arts. Although there are days when I feel my publishing dream is unattainable and other days when I drag a seemingly decrepit body to the dojo for a workout, I know that little steps will help me stay life’s path with few regrets.
Here’s to living our dreams and celebrating the blog’s return!
Gail
January 18th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Oh dear me, yes!
First: Ms Beck, super kudos on going from couch potato to marathon runner in five months–that is amazing!
I was telling an acquaintance that I’ve written over 170 reviews in the past couple of years–which means I’ve read probably three times as many books–and she said, “but those are all for romances, not real books.” Me, I’m still wondering how romances are less real than any other books, but… whatever!
January 18th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Alix–yes, if I could write a book in a week, I’d be living large too.
Gail, I’ve always been impressed with your martial arts. You should definitely be proud of that!
Hi azteclady! Love the “real” book argument. Are there words? Put together in sentences that form a story? Bought and distributed by a publishing house? Yep, real book. LOL
January 18th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Avery…CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Don’t let ANYONE tell you running twelve, let alone 13.1 miles, isn’t a MAJOR accomplishment. It is. It’s huge and you should be super proud of yourself.
I ran my first half marathon a year and a half ago. Ran my second exactly a year ago and planned to continue running them until I got sick last summer. That illness took me from running 13 miles to not being able to run one and having to relearn everything – how to breath, how to run, how to train. I can now do 3 miles without dying but my goal is 13.1 again in June when I’m signed up for the same half marathon that was my first. I’ve also heard from runners who say a “half” marathon isn’t something to be proud of. A “full” marathon should be your goal. But you know what? We all have different goals and limitations. I don’t want to run a full marathon because I don’t want to give up my entire Saturday to train. I’d rather be writing during that time…writing those novels, like you mentioned, some people also don’t think are ‘real”.
So shout your success from the rooftops. Find that 13.1 sticker and put it on your car, your facebook page, your website. And then go do something else those people don’t think is real and write those awesome books that are keeping the publishing industry afloat these days.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Avery, you rock!!! Congratulations! I am so proud of you…and jealous because this is something I have wanted to do for a long time! How did you start? Right from your driveway? Did you find a friend to run with? Curious minds want to know. I think a half marathon is WONDERFUL! I love running on the treadmill and recently I had finally worked my way up to 20 minutes without stopping (I did 30 minutes just once) but when I run outside it’s different…harder…tougher…I feel like I can’t breathe. Are the first few miles the toughest when you run or the last few miles? How many miles do you run every single day? Sorry for all the questions but I am really interested and would love to get the details of how you’re feeling when you’re running.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the great post to come back to! Go AVERY!
January 18th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thanks Elisabeth!! I thought I’d once seen something on your blog about running, but I couldn’t remember if it was a half or a full. I can see a full *maybe* a few years down the road, but I don’t want running to become a chore–right now, I do it because I love it. To do a full I’d have to spend way more time training than I have available, and I’d have to lose approximately a million lbs. No thanks. LOL
January 18th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Theresa, I’ll be happy to share the whole shebang, in fact, I plan to after it’s over. I’ll probably post the story on my blog next week. I’ll send you a link.
But yes, I started from my driveway, alone. It has become the thing I want to do most when I’m in a bad mood. The mental benefits are even greater than the physical ones. Thanks for your interest and excitement! LOL
January 18th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Avery – I once asked my running partner (who runs marathons) if she loses a ton of weight when training for one. She said no, that she ends up taking in more calories to make up for what she’s expending.
My sister in law is currently training for a full marathon the 2nd week of Feb. This is a girl who never ran before in her life and yesterday she ran 21 miles. For her it’s an accomplishment thing – proving she can do it. I’m super proud of her, but that’s not my goal. For me and my schedule, 13.1 is much more attainable. And 13.1 miles is TOUGH. Anyone who’s ever run one knows that to be true.
Theresa – I have a running partner who pushes me. I wouldn’t be running without her. I get bored after about 20 minutes, and even the ipod doesn’t keep me interested. But having a running partner to chat with along the way is key for me. As for what’s the hardest…for me it’s all of it. LOL. Though I think after I get past about 3 miles I tend to settle in and stop wondering, “how much farther?”
January 18th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Avery, I think a half marathon is fabulous and I just wish it were me out there competing!! I love running and most of my good plot ideas come to me about 2 miles in. It’s all the oxygen to the brain, my sister says. LOL I’m not a long distance runner (12 miles) like you, but am totally happy with three miles, three times a week. I’ve been off my routine since moving to Kentucky, but stated again last week at a gym, along with a yoga class.(my very first one–I liked it!)
So, I say, to heck with those kill joys, and YEAYEAYEA for you!!!!!!
Loved the post—it was a real pick me up!
Hugs,
~Caroline
January 18th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Eli, I agree, it’s very tough. Congrats on the two you’ve finished. After I did 12, I spent most of the rest of the day in a recliner. LOL!
Thanks, Caroline! 3 miles, 3x/week is great. I do anywhere from 3-6 on weekdays and save the long ones for weekends. Yoga is fun too. I like the stretching. Goes well with running.
January 18th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
I can’t speak for anyone else, Avery, but I for one am damned impressed by your 12 miles, seeing as I can’t RUN more than 20 yards. I am proud that I finally got up off my tush and joined Curves and the days I don’t work out there, I’m walking.
January 18th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Excellent, Laurie! I’m a fan of all exercise, no matter what it is…Curves sounds like a great plan.
Thanks so much, everyone, for your support. I will remember this on Sunday, at ten miles when I think I’m dying—that I don’t want to look like a big wuss when I’ve told everybody I’m going to do it. LOL!
January 18th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Hi Avery
That’s so amazing & something to be proud of. You can run thirteen miles. Elisabeth can talk & run at the same time. I’ll put this in perspective for you. I play tennis 3 – 4 times a week. Half of a tennis court is 39 feet x 36 feet. I play mostly doubles so most of the time it’s half of that. Ok in 90 minutes I’m covering it over & over again but there are 5280 feet in a mile. Do the math. I guess I can be proud that I can run holding a racket? (& chew gum at the same time LOL)
January 18th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Hi Mary! I can’t play tennis or talk and run at the same time, so it’s nice to know we are all uniquely talented.
January 18th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Awesome for you, Avery. I know how hard you must have trained and how deep you had to dig within.
January 19th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Avery, good for YOU!!! That is one amazing, brag-worthy accomplishment. In my book, you’ve earned the right to plaster bumper stickers everywhere — congrats!
January 19th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
I’ve been with ya’ll in spirit. Avery, well done. The discipline you show in your writing and your running. It all starts with baby steps. Look how far you’ve progressed! My DH runs marathons. He started out running two minutes, walking one minute, and worked his way up. Looks like you’re doing the same!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:11 am
L.A. and Marilyn, thanks for popping in.
Donnell, does your DH think I’m a weenie? LOL It’s great to hear he started out small, though. Don’t we all?
January 20th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Avery, my husband things I’m a weenie and he thinks you are a rock star… and so do I! Great job.