PIM - Batons - Week 1

I'm celebrating a birthday today. Today is the first day of the spring Power in Motion (PIM) session, which happens to be my one year birthday as a runner. It also happens to be my first day on the job as a coach for PIM, and the first day of running for many runners in my group, the Batons.

In an older post (http://runforspeed.blogspot.com/2007/08/kickoff.html) I talk about why I joined PIM. My blog and all of my comments therein serve as testament to how my life has changed since I took up running.

But this post isn't going to be about the reason I started running or what running means to me. This post is about how hard it is to start running. After all, it was only one year ago that I was in the same shoes as many of the 200+ participants in this session of PIM. So the feelings of "newness" are fresh on my mind. I still have that metaphorical new car smell.

To put it succinctly, starting to run was HARD. I can remember showing up and running the time trial for people who could run one mile continuously (but not three). I was scared I wouldn't finish my time trial. I was scared I wouldn't be able to do my "homework" runs 3-4 times per week. I almost stopped in the middle of my three mile run on the first weekend, but what kept me going is that I was determined not to quit. I defined "success" as completing the program, and I was determined to succeed. Sometimes our lives present us with challenges that are impossible to overcome. But nine weeks of running was not only achievable, it was well within my sphere of control.

Perhaps one of the reasons why I like running is because I am a recovering "control freak." And running is, almost without exception, entirely within my control. I determine how fast and far I run. Through my actions I decide if I'm going to get better or worse. I can experiment with new courses, training methods, foods and equipment. People may tell me that I shouldn't do "this", or should do "that", but ultimately it's my decision. If you are new to running, consider the empowerment you receive by being in total control of the pathway to your goal. Many of us seek this state through our careers or our personal lives. My epiphany was that running provided that outlet.

For the new runners -- you are on a path traversed by millions before you, yet yours is still unique. You will encounter your fair share of pitfalls and difficulties, but what glory is found in that which is easily achieved? You can do it. It will be hard, but achieving your goal is worth the work. Best wishes.


Today the Batons and I ran 7x(1R/2W) with a stretch break after the first three sets. I saw a lot of smiling faces and determination. Dr. Taylor did a fine job of motivating all of us and leading us through the stretching routine. I'm really glad I decided to become a PIM coach.