Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Proud. Strong.

Off and on throughout my life I have considered a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. I'm not even sure why the idea appeals to me, although I do consider myself to be a fairly patriotic person.

Recently, I've been reconsidering the notion. Here I am at 30, wondering if it's too late for me to join. Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it'll always be something I'll wonder at.

Am I foolish to consider such a notion?

Monday, May 23, 2011

A toast - to running.

Yesterday I ran a half marathon. For those unfamiliar, that means I ran a total distance of 21.1km or 13.1 miles. Not a small distance. I've run a few 10K's in races or on my own, but I had never attempted such a distance before.

I finished in 3h22m. I had hoped for 3h15m, but what I achieved was close enough. I'm happy with the result.

To be bluntly honest, I'm really not in the greatest shape. I'm overweight, I have joint issues and a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome which is a painful condition in my feet....one that doesn't get better.

Still, I wanted to do this race. My biggest goal was just to finish. The fact that I finished close to target really made me happy. Of course, I am crippled today. My TTS has flared up and I can barely walk from room to room in my tiny apartment.

Still, it was worth it. I'm going to do the race again next year. In fact, on June 5 I have another 10K race coming up. I'm hoping I've healed somewhat by then, but I'll be taking it easy this week. I need to be able to stay on my feet to run a 10K.

I like running though. Even if it's on the list of activities that I really shouldn't be doing. I like the challenge. I love the fact that it really is a full body workout. Most of all, it makes me feel good about myself.

So, here is to running, may it take me places I've never been before.