TNT alumni
and quietly laugh at the absurdity of it all.
less than a year ago i sat in that meeting. a completely naive, clueless girl, that thought it'd be cool to be a runner... so hey, why not run a marathon??!!
good god what was wrong with me?!!!
but i was there. i sat in those seats, i looked at the coach, the alumni, the experienced ones... the runners... and i longed to be one of them. i looked at them in awe... i still do. i wondered what it was that they had, that i didnt, that allowed them to run for 2, 3, 5 hours at a time... and could i be one of them? did i really even want to be one of them?
what would it take? mentally? physically?
to have experienced everything that i have, in such a short amount of time.... to have pushed myself through so much.. physically, weekly, doing things i never thought possible... and finding with-in myself, mentally, someone so strong and so capable. to have grown, so much, in the few months that i've been running... to have fallen down, broken, and gotten back up again, time, after time... week after week.
its craziness.
and now... to be on the other end? to get to be the alumni. it just makes me laugh... thinking of how inspired i have been by the runners around me... by the amazing people i've met thru the RBF...
its hilarity to think that some poor misguided soul at tonights meeting might look at me the way i look at people like running chick and jeff... wil and ali... noames, rae, and josh.... and so many others... but the way that i look to them for inspiration, guidance...
to have someone then look at me?! well. thats crazy. i mean completely absurd.
but i totally love it. and i'll eat it up, standing there with my experience runner face on... all the while thinking its a bit like playing dress up, and man..if those RBF'ers could see me now......
Comments
DATE: 10:58 AM
Absurd? No! You earned it on those early morning runs and the long ones. You earned it by pushing onward as your knee hurt. You earned it.Will you get to speak? Are you going to tell them that it's hard work, but fun? That there's more inside each of them than they realize. That with discipline, they can perhaps be up there next year. That they can earn it, too.
Posted by: Scooter | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 11:20 AM
it's not crazy at all! you've definitely earned it. i mean, you've already signed up for RNR Sand Diego. As you've said -- you are a runner.And last Saturday, I was up and ready to come out -- until I stubbed my big (and black) toe getting ready. Ouch! Don't worry, I should be there this week though.You joining us on the pub crawl later that night?
Posted by: Josh | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 12:24 PM
i heard AVE MARIA playing in the background as i read your entire post...it was a life changing experience...sersly -- bask in the music, in the spotlight for an evening -- you've earned the title, and raised money for a good cause.
Posted by: Bolder | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 6:34 AM
Just remember, the alumni who spoke last year were probably thinking the same thing. After all, it was just one race. But that's the most motivational part of TNT. A great many (if not most) of the people who run with them are first time marathoners.You may have a ways to go until we put you up there with Jeff Galloway as a coach. But you are probably the MOST qualified to stand there and tell a new runner that they CAN finish the marathon. You still remember what it means to be a non-runner considering the challenge.
Posted by: Tom | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 5:08 AM
That's pretty cool. And just think, 2 nights ago I was doing the same thing at the TNT meeting for the summer season. I'll be mentoring this season for San Diego. Looks like I'll get to see you again in Cali!Now go be an inspiration!
Posted by: ncmunchkin | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 3:59 AM
Too cool! Did you get to speak, and will you be a mentor this time around? What fun!! Did you see the fear in their eyes? =)
Posted by: Rae | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 6:18 PM
you go grrl.
Posted by: jeanne | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 4:44 PM
hey, we're people first, runners second. remember that and it's easy to find ways to motivate and inspire people. good luck at the meeting!
Posted by: jeff | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 3:33 PM
I imagine this is how many second year people feel. Not a ton different than they did when they started, yet completely different somehow. And in case you hadn't noticed, you ARE a runner...a marathoner, no less. :)
Posted by: Keryn | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 2:26 PM
You've earned your stripes over the last year. I think you are great example of what someone can do if they put forth the effort. So enjoy the spotlight you've earned it.
Posted by: walchka | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 2:18 PM
you know, i'd skip the 10k all together, but that's just me. you've got a good plan going -- i'd stick with that!
Posted by: Josh | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 2:02 PM
Guess what, you might not feel worthy, but all of us who've been following your ridiculously cool exploits have no problem imagining you out there in the spotlight.
Posted by: DREW | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:38 AM
how'd the meeting go?
Posted by: Josh | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 1:10 PM
The second time around is going to be even better than the first! EAT IT UP!
Posted by: Nic | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 8:32 AM
IMHO you are what inspires. Hope it went well.
Posted by: Bob | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM