Wednesday, September 24, 2014

What was I thinking?

I am nothing if I'm not impulsive.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I just sometimes open my mouth and say things before I think them through.
Like telling people I want to participate in the Great North Run in 2015.
I was inspired after watching the fabulous opening ceremonies online and by my niece who was running for her charity, Alzheimer's, because that's what took the life of her grandmother, my mother.

This is a 1/2 marathon, 13 miles to be exact and it takes place in the North East of England every September.
Over 50,000 people participate.

What was I thinking?

Now I'll have to put my money where my mouth is and start training. There are a few pros and cons to my entering a competitive race for the first time. A half marathon indeed.
The pros are:
It will be a great boost to my self esteem if I manage to pull it off and as a side benefit I will get fit and hopefully lose weight in the process.

Awesome!

The cons are:
I am 60 years of age and will be 61 next year when the event happens. Maybe it's too late to start doing half marathons. Perhaps my knees or back or ankles will give out and I'll be crippled.
I am unfit.
I am overweight.
I haven't, in spite of searching my memory in a vain attempt to find something that would justify my madness,  ran for any period of time greater than the time it takes to run from the car to a building when it's pishing down.
I don't do any form of exercise at all.
I am lazy.
I am good at starting things but not always good at seeing them through.

So if I can stay motivated that will be the challenge.

I've started a little group on Facebook for my daughter, sister, and three nieces.  We are all aiming to compete (participate) next year. There'll be no competition on my part. Participating is the goal. It's so we can post our activities and progress to 'keep the dream alive' as it were.

So far I've increased my activity by walking daily; with the exception of last week which was very traumatic and I will hopefully post about that this week.
I live at the top of a very steep hill so that should help increase my fitness right?
Ooh that sounds grand doesn't it?
You picture me in a grand mansion at the end of a long, long, driveway on top of a very steep hill?
Not quite.
We live on the Niagara Escarpment which is lovely and from some vantage points on the hill you can see across Lake Ontario to Toronto where the CN Tower marks the horizon. On a clear day it's beautiful.

I stole this picture from the Great North Run website.
That's the Red Arrows Flying over the Tyne Bridge at the start of the race.


What an amazing start. Now if they can just keep jets with multi-coloured jetstreams flying overhead while I run, okay walk, for 13 miles I might stay motivated to finish.

10 comments:

Steve said...

There is no reason why you should not successfully complete this challenge. Seriously! But I would recommend seeing your GP to get advice about the right exercise for you and diet so that you keep yourself well and healthy.

Clippy Mat said...

Thanks Steve, for the kind words and for coming by after so long. My doc has been encouraging me to get off my arse for a long time so she will be delighted I'm sure. :D

Expat mum said...

Good for you. Put it this way, you won't be unfit or overweight by the time you're ready for this!

Clippy Mat said...

Thanks Toni. And hopefully I'll still be alive to enjoy the kerfuffle at the end. :D

Busy Bee Suz said...

I'm so proud of you. And if it means anything at all….I thought you might be 50. Girl, you've got it going on.
So….with that being said, it's about participating. You don't have to win any metals. You don't even have to FINISH. You have to participate.
I love that your niece is a part of this in your Moms honor…I love that you are even trying to be a part of this.
hey, it ain't over till it's over Clippy! Kick some azz. You have a year to work up to it.

Clippy Mat said...

Thank you Suz. That's so kind of you.
I DO have a year yes, that's how I'm looking at it. the challenge will be to participate. From where I am now to where I hope to be is a long way but at least I've started, right?

Gberger said...

I agree with Suz about participating. As you prepare for the event, enjoy your walks - that's my favorite exercise. You can think, listen to music, observe your surroundings as the seasons change, and appreciate your healthy body's increasing fitness. Lots of blessings before you even get to the event! Cheers for you!

Clippy Mat said...

Karen, so far the weather is cooperating and the walks have been lovely. It is a great way to get your 'head on straight'. thank you.
:D

ChiTown Girl said...

Clippy!!

I'm so glad I took a second today to pop into the Blogosphere. I was so happy to a new post from you. =)

You are going to KILL IT in this run! Just stay on track with your training, and don't try to overdo it. You don't want to hurt yourself. Slow and steady wins the race!

xoxox

Clippy Mat said...

Chi-Town Girl:
so GOOD to see you. We've been away too long. Now if only I could get Chris to update her blog too.
thanks for the support. I'm going to be training slow and steady for sure.
:D x