I have never run a 1/2 marathon. Part of the reason is that while I like a race, I have been a solo runner for most of my life. I like the solitude, the lonely road, as the stress of the day will immediately evaporate and I feel I do my best thinking while on the run. I also love to listen to music and feel it may be rude to listen to music alongside a running partner, especially while training for a long run. Subsequently, I have two other running blogs that go into detail about all of this.
“When I’m running I don’t have to talk to anybody and don’t have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can’t do without.”
Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
The milage of a half marathon does not scare me, as part of the fun is training for a long run. Every birthday I challenge myself to a run by adding the two numbers together. For example, on my next birthday I will turn 48 and must run 12 miles, 4+8, and yes, I will certainly celebrate when I turn 50.
I suppose what concerns me is training with a running partner, the interruption of my very personal running space.
Sometime in August my co-host Frederick Johnson (Tuesday’s with Frederick and Robin) asked me if I would like to run the Richmond 1/2 Marathon with him. For some reason I did not hesitate, I said yes. Why? Part of me thought of the number I mentioned above, soon I will be 48. I have always tried my best to embrace life, through the good and the bad, and pardon the cliche “embrace growing older” – but always doing my best to feel young. Well, a 1/2 marathon certainly tests that theory. I also love a good challenge. And in January I will have to run 12 miles so I am giving my training a kick start, how efficient, right?
“It doesn’t matter how old I get, but as long as I continue to live I’ll always discover something new about myself.”
Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
We are now at the end of October and the race is on November 11, which also happens to be Veterans Day. Those who have read my blog also understand my complete respect and love for our Veterans. I also believe it gave me the, YES, you must do it when Frederick told me the date.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — President George Washington
What has been the biggest surprise of my training is that my running partner is pretty cool. We may talk for the first mile, but then he understands that after that I must place my headphones in my ears and not talk, as I need to listen to music and to think. Plus, he alerts me to traffic that I normally may not hear due to those headphones and music. More than that he also gives me encouragement, and a little push when I need it whether it is a long run or the sprint to the finish after a short run. Simply, Frederick is easy to run with and I may even add enjoyable, which is something new that I have discovered about myself and may lead to future races.
Of course, I am worried that my mind may throw me a few curve balls while running, but I am also excited. I love that my 10-year-old sees my enthusiasm to run, to challenge myself, to realize that nothing is easy. Certainly, on race day we will be thinking about this as we think of our Veterans.
I am currently working on my playlist. Mick and the boys have a big role, as they always do in my life. One that kicks it in: Start Me Up from 1981.
“‘I’ve been running hot
You got me ticking gonna blow my top
If you start me up
Ride like the wind at double speed
I’ll take you places that you’ve never, never seen
Start it up
However, the song that stands clear for this particular challenge goes to Van Halen. It has been a song I turn to when I need that last minute push when I run or even a little encouragement in life.
A few chosen lyrics and if you have not heard the song in a long time, the video is below. I could not resist using the one featuring The Blue Angles.
Dreams from 1986:
“Reach for the golden ring
Reach for the sky
Baby just spread your wings
We’ll get higher and higher
Straight up we’ll climb
We’ll get higher and higher
Leave it all behind
Run, run, run away
Like a train runnin off the track
Got the truth gets left behind
Falls between the cracks
Standing on broken dreams
Never losin’ sight, ah
Spread your wings
So baby dry your eyes, save all
The tears you’ve cried
Oh that’s what dreams are made of
‘Cause we belong in a world that must be strong