tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57653400084730730962024-03-13T21:00:30.038-07:00Tales from the Rail TrailDeborah J. Benoithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03250678192211299063noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765340008473073096.post-51725380947301671832016-03-25T11:22:00.002-07:002016-03-25T11:22:22.762-07:00Ya Gotta Have a Plan<div style="border-image: none;">
So I’ve decided to train for a 5K. If my knees and feet will
sustain me, I will run it. If not, there’s always walking. No matter how I
cover the distance, I will finish. And to do that, I need a plan. <br /></div>
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There’s a program that’s been recommended to me by a number
of people who have tried to convince me of the joys of running and that anyone
(even I) could do it. The program is called C25K, also known as Couch to 5K.
It’s a gradual approach for non-runners to train to run. The challenge looks
doable, the weather is cooperating, and I am determined. <br /></div>
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Last spring during training for my half marathon walk, I
battled snow and ice covered sidewalks, miniature lakes of melted snow blocking
lanes at the cemetery (a local walkers’ haven), icy winds, and lack of daylight
after work in the evenings. This year, I’m starting a bit later and very glad
that Daylight Savings Time has returned. I’m also happy to say that our
atypical winter has left no snow on the ground and spring melt is minimal since
much of this winter’s precipitation was rain rather than snow. All this adds up
to good conditions to begin training. <br /></div>
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The really good news for me is that my target 5K is 11 weeks
away from this coming weekend. The training program is intended for 9 weeks.
Sure, I could jump in and be ready two weeks early. But I’m not kidding when I
say just how out of shape I am, especially after a long, idle winter. Those two
extra weeks can provide an extra cautious start to the program, more walking
and less running. <br /></div>
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So here’s to a slow, steady start and completing the race.</div>
Deborah J. Benoithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03250678192211299063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765340008473073096.post-58018499361858025862016-03-24T13:03:00.000-07:002016-03-24T13:03:04.776-07:00Another Year, Another Mile<br />
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Spring has arrived, bringing with it a time of renewal and
reflection. With another birthday at hand, I’m pondering everything from
additions to the garden to what this next year in my life will bring. The one
thing I am certain of is that I intend to look forward, seek out challenges, and
explore my talents. In my life thus far, there are doors that have closed and some
that never opened, and some that, regrettably, were passed by. Some doors
remained locked tight despite my attempts to enter. Those are best accepted and
left behind for what they are. But best yet, there are doors still to be
considered, doors to knock on and doors to throw open wide. </div>
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So today I’m setting goals and making plans. My first goal?
A challenge.</div>
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Last year I walked a half marathon: the Steel Rail Half
Marathon on the Ashuwilticook Rail Trail that runs from Lanesboro to Adams.
Quite a feat for someone who was 58 years old, overweight (very) and out of
shape. It took me just shy of four hours to complete the half marathon (13.1
miles!). Though the official timekeepers were done for the day by the time I
crossed the finish line, I celebrated with friends and coworkers who had
gathered there. I had walked (did I mention) 13.1 miles. It was darned tough at
times, but I did it. </div>
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Walking that half marathon was a personal victory that is
mine forever. But my training for that very long walk had a price: I fell
behind in other springtime work and spent the rest of the warm weather months
playing catch up in the garden. I won’t make that mistake again.</div>
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This year, my goal is more modest and, perhaps, more
sustainable. I will be a cheerleader for those friends and coworkers taking the
Steel Rail challenge, and I will set my sights on something a bit different. I’m
going to train for a 5K. </div>
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Of course, for this to really be a goal, I need a plan, and to
format the plan, I need a target date. Otherwise, procrastination will take
over and I’ll never run more than a step or two. In a moment of serendipity, I was
browsing Facebook this morning and happened upon an announcement for a local 5K
in June. The timing is right. The location is ideal. So my plan is set. </div>
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Perhaps this is the best birthday gift of all.</div>
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Deborah J. Benoithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03250678192211299063noreply@blogger.com0