Finding the Fun
It has been 3 months since my last official competition. 
True I compete with myself daily, but this was the first organized race in a while. I and three friends competed as a relay team in yesterdays Miracle Match Marathon. The options for the race were run the full 26.2 miles, run a half marathon or run the full 26.2 miles as a 4 man relay. It was awesome.
I imagine that there are not too many people in this world who would find running 8 miles in sub-freezing weather fun. I loved it. Running down the packed streets watching car after car drive by; seeing face after face looking at me as though I were a winged monkey throwing rotten bananas as they passed. What made the experience even better was setting two new Personal Records. My first mile of the race, I ran in six minutes and 18 seconds, shattering my old record. Even more satisfying was my final 8 mile time of sixty five minutes and forty six seconds, again shattering my old record of seventy four minutes. I realize of course that I did not set a world record, but reaching a new p.r. can be just as meaningful to a person.
When you make the decision to start training for something, make sure you find something you love. If you hate running, then a marathon may not be the event for you. If you like being out on the lake then maybe rowing is the ticket. Exercise and healthy living is only going to stick if you like it, if you hate it then what’s the point. If your just starting your new healthy lifestyle, get out there and Find the Fun.
