Orginally, I had intended to get in shape to hike Mount Katahdin in August but my training went from jogging to running and the distance went from a couple of miles to a few more.
Last month, I was convinced by one of my very best friends in life to compete in the 1st innaugaral Bay of Fundy 10K. This race was to be the sister run to the first ever Bay of Fundy International Marathon which became a certified qualifier for the Boston Marathon. My buddy would have attended for the marathon, but had other obligations. No matter, however, as we exchanged calls and text messages about my progress and training for the 6.2 mile road race.
The last race I remember would put this guy back to 1990 when I was 14 years old and an incoming freshman at JBHS. The summer running circuit was our unofficial training regiment for the cross country season. That fall, our high school won the Eastern Maine Class C championship and was state runner-up. I was fortunate to be one of the team qualifiers for this experience and fondly remember that fall.
But when you run competitively as a team, people get hurt. I went from 170 pounds down to 155 that season and the miles were pretty tough on a 14 year old frame. For the rest of my high school career, I played golf and some soccer in anticipation of the basketball and baseball. Result of sidetrack, I gave up competitve running.
Running has been a part of my life since. Usually done to lose a few pounds, get in shape for the summer work, or release some steam from the comings and goings of life. But last year at my homewarming, my pal Billy started the idea of getting back into the competition. I'm glad he did.
With a springtime training regiment varying between 3.5, 5.2, and 6.2 miles working on speed, endurance, and form, I made great strides.
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