I Did It

I am 35 years old and I still care what people say and think.  I usually don’t but I work in the place where people are always taking about other people and we have a few ladies that look your outfits up and down when they see you and makes you feel like you are in high school again.

I don’t mind what people think of my outfits,  etc. but when it comes to running it’s all a competition to them.  I remember when about 8 of us ran the Bluenose the very first run I ever ran and all they talked about was distance and speed.  It was constantly a competition to them.  Maybe it made them feel better about themselves if they were the fastest…..

I run to compete against myself and no one else.  That’s what running is, unless you are an elite runner and run for the victory to win.  But most of us run because it makes us feel good and when you reach your PB (personal best time) that’s against yourself not someone else that’s why its call a Personal Best.   Running is a great way to challenge yourself and you can always set goals to reach.

I had to run at lunch on Thursday to get my run in for the day as I had a dentist appointment that evening so I wouldn’t have time later on.  I brought my running clothes to go at lunch.  All morning I sat at my desk and debated whether I should go or not.  After the Bluenose there are only a handful of people that know I still run.  I do not feel like being quizzed about my times etc and being judged on MY running for MYSELF so I keep quiet about it.

At 11:55am I finally got up the courage and thought WHO CARES what people say or if they quiz me.  It’s really none of their business.  I’m doing this for ME.  I got changed and was debating on taking my trackers as well because last I heard the sidewalks/trail were all ice but I “assumed” they would have started to melt or have some form of salt or dirt on them at least for traction so I left them behind. 

BIG MISTAKE.

The trail and sidewalks were SOLID ICE.  I almost turned around but thought I’d probably look dumb if I came back in 2 min after I was geared up to go.  I walked down a side street that I knew would be too busy to see if that was clear.   Some parts were and some parts were a slushy ice/snow mix so I ran up and down that street about 5 times and then walked to the next street over where all the buses stop and that sidewalk was clear the whole way down it so I ran up and down there and then did loops between both streets.  I was out for a total of 3.64km from door to door and 34 min. 

Once I was out there I felt good and didn’t care who seen me or what anyone said to me.  It was nice to get away from work for half an hour and once I made that big step for myself I am now looking forward to more lunch time runs once the trail/sidewalks clear up.  The street with the clear sidewalk was also a street that people from Bayers Rd shopping center take their smoke breaks on so I was running and second hand smoking at the same time so I guess they kind of cancel each other out HA!

Needless to say I’m proud of myself for getting out there and I now do not care of anyone says anything.  No one has yet but I did get a few looks when I came back in.   Maybe folks are just jealous that they weren’t the ones out there getting fit.

So the moral of this rambling is to get up and do something that is holding you back for whatever reason.  Do it for yourself and who cares about what anyone else thinks or says.  Maybe you will inspire someone in the process.

On a side note has anyone tried the Sea Salt & Carmel donut from Tim’s?  I tired one and the first one was sweet and good and the 2^nd one a month later I found salty.  But I think this is a good mix to put on the roads/sidewalks because its looks like it would have good traction.  What do you think?