Tuesday 19 May 2009

Five more sleeps...

for those who are running the Ottawa Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, May 24th, and for those racing in the 5K and 10K it's only four more sleeps. Yes, the Ottawa Race Weekend is fast approaching.

This will be my first time since 2002 that I won't be participating as runner in this event and admittedly my emotions are up and down like a toilet seat. My head and knee know all too well that it is okay that I'm not running, but my heart is having a hard time letting this go. Anyone who truly knows me knows that I am very passionate and emotional towards something that I truly love. (Yes, even chipmunks).

As I've mentioned before, I started running (again) in 2001, after a painful breakup and major surgery. Let's just say I was tipping the weigh scales on a grand proportion.

I meet the wonderful friends that I have today through running and all of us support one another in ways they (we) don't even realize.

On the brink of my 54th birthday I decided to up my running distances from 5 & 10K races to the half marathon. The race was in memory of my mother who passed away when she was 54, so needless to say it was a very emotional race. (Okay, I'm tearing up just writing this). The race itself was interesting. I laughed, cried, cursed and to say I had a fun struggle jiggling my middle aged body to the finish line in 2hrs 32 minutes, is an understatement, but I was hooked. I loved the long distances.

Many, many, many half's later, I upped the ante for the full marathon!

What was I thinking? The race is in May, that would mean training throughout the winter. Have I mentioned I hate being cold? Well, we did the training and froze our asses off during one of the worst winter's in Ottawa history.

Last May I became a marathoner at the age of 55. I love running the distance, but even more than running the distance, I love encouraging people who are stepping out of their comfort zones to try to up their distances, anyone who wants to go from 5K to 10K, 10K to half marathon's....but most importantly, I love encouraging people to get up off the couch and take that first walk down the block.

There are so many ways to improve our lives, our stresses, our insecurities, but for me, it is cycling, swimming, trying a tri, but my passion is running and helping others achieve their goals.

So, here is a toast to the Wooo Hooo's who are running in the Half and the Marathon. Here's to the blogger's (some whom I've met) who are making their way to our beautiful city this weekend and who will be running their way around either 21.1K or 42.2K of Ottawa's most scenic roadways.

But most importantly, here's to the gang I trained with this year who will become marathoner's in five more sleeps!


Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

20 comments:

TNTcoach Ken said...

Lily, this is a way cool post! I know what you mean about the friends and people that I've met along the way. You have plenty more miles ahead of you, you spring chicken....

Kilroy said...

I fully expect to see your smiling face somewhere out there when I am hurting ... & if you and the little red-haired girl are not there I will imagine you there screaming and cheering for me. SO take your pick you can be there in the flesh or I will drag you "kicking and screaming" along in my head for the entire 26.2!!!

Big Hugs!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

you are an amazing inspiration, and your passion for running is so apparent. I love it! it's so hard to miss races, but I'm happy to read that you're going out there and sharing your spirit regardless. :D

Marlene said...

Great post, Laurel! It's nice to look back at how far we've come, isn't it? You have done a LOT!

It sucks that you won't be on the course this weekend but I know there are many more Ottawa Race Weekends in your future.

Will you be coming out on Sunday?

Lily on the Road said...

Kilroy,

I'll be there from the beginning to end in person and fully expect a great big sweaty hug either during or most definitely afterwards!!

I miss you tons,

Now go rock this race!!!

Jo Lynn said...

You are SO NICE and SWEET! ;)

Laura said...

Such a great and inspirational post..

Unknown said...

And here is to you, Lily, for inspiring so many others. I know you will be back out on the starting line. Just keep moving forward.

tfh said...

I'm new to your blog and didn't know the story of how you dedicated your first half in Ottawa to your mom's memory-- that made me tear up, too. Sounds like you will find a great deal of joy in just being there and supporting all your running friends, and remembering that first time, even if the emotions waver.

Chic Runner said...

I LOVE THIS POST! :) you are such a great person ha ha. Okay and I've already stole your 'sleeps' and I say it all the time ha ha. :)

Carly said...

Great post!! You have an amazing attitude.

Jess said...

Wonderful post, Lily!

Runner Leana said...

Just because your head and knee know what is best doesn't make it any easier. I'm sorry you have to sit this one out... :(

Bert said...

Very nice post, so supportive despite your own mixed emotions. You'll be back!

Viv said...

I know it is tough to miss an event that is close to the heart due to an injury. I won't even try to ind the words to console. But you turned ir around to make it a positive. Hoping the knees give my girl her mile back soon!

teacherwoman said...

What a great post, Lily! :)

Unknown said...

This is so inspirational. I've been doubting myself on the marathon. I have a half coming up. My third half and if I come in under 2 hours, I will most likely sign up for a full marathon...which is a very scary thought! Good luck!

C said...

You rock, Coach!

Amy said...

Great post! You are a great inspriation to me, because of your positive attitude in the face of struggles and obstacles, and the way you encourage others. I know it will be hard to be on the sidelines this year, but you'll be carried along in many runners' hearts this weekend. Hope all your protegés do really well - I know you'll be proud of them.

Sunshine said...

"Four more sleeps".. what a neat way to measure the nights until a race.