First, however, I want to share a recap from last evening's JP Morgan Corporate Challenge (JPMCC). Now in it's 32 year, the JPMCC is an international series of 3.5 mile races that allow companies to come together for a fun and healthy event which also benefits local charities in each host city. Oddly enough, I never would have made it to the starting line in Hopkinton this past April if it wasn't for this race and my first experience with it two years ago.
Back in 2013, I subbed in for an injured coworker who could not use her bib for that year's JPMCC. At that time I had not had a running routine since 2010 when a serious ankle injury in Los Angeles turned into a three year excuse for not exercising, so I knew that the 3.5 mile course would indeed prove a challenge. But with participants of all shapes, sizes, etc. and many signed up as walkers, I figured "how bad could it be?" As we lined up for the race that year, the realization set in that this was not only one of the first running events, but one of the first large public events being held in Boston since the tragic events of the marathon bombing which had occurred just a little over month and a half prior.When the announcer called for a moment of silence in honor of those who had lost their lives and been injured on that awful day, you could have heard a pin drop through the Boston Common. Tears blurred my vision as the National Anthem was performed and I looked around at so many runners - many of whom had run the marathon that year - and realized the enormity of that moment. Running has always been a prominent thread in the fabric of Boston, but since the fateful events of 4/15/13 running has also become a prominent part of the healing process for this town as it allowed us to celebrate and demonstrate strength, resilience, and health in the face of unspeakable acts of violence. Like so many others, I felt moved to one day run the marathon after those terrible events but, at that time, I doubted that I would ever be capable of doing so.
Lining up for the race that evening, I reflected on what a gift and blessing our health and mobility is. Blessings I had been ignoring and taking for granted. My weight had ballooned to over 200 pounds for the first time since high school and the running capris that had been gathering dust in the bottom of my drawer barely fit. It was a hot and humid evening and I frantically fiddled with my headphones and flipped through various Pandora stations hoping to find something that would give me the energy to complete the race. Soon we were off and I attempted to keep up with a coworker but was winded and struggling before we hit the quarter mile mark on the out and back course. Embarrassed, I slowed to a walk and told myself I would catch my breath before attempting to run again. I muddled my way through the first half of the course that way, alternating between running a few feet before walking and then attempting to run again. Finally I reached the half way point in Kenmore Square and I limped over to the side of the course to adjust my worn out sneakers which were doing little to protect my aching feet. Retying my shoelaces and trying to catch my breath, I brushed away tears as I realized just how out of shape I had once again become. Mad and frustrated, I contemplated simply walking straight to the post-race meeting point and abandoning the second half of the race. But I am not a quitter, so I set off to finish the race - no matter how long it would take me and no matter how hard it might be. Finally the finish line was in sight and I thought my lungs and legs would give out as I pushed towards it. Limping across the finish I immediately vowed to myself that I would get back into shape and run the race the following year (2014). After all, how could I even dare to dream of one day running the marathon if I couldn't even run a 3.5 mile race?
My official time was 50:31. An average pace of 14:26 per mile.
One would think I woke up the next morning and started running again. I didn't.
Instead, I enjoyed and indulged the rest of the summer...and fall. Dave was completing his final pre-reqs and received word that he would be starting his nursing program the following January, and so I let myself enjoy the final few months and holidays before he would begin what was sure to be a hectic new chapter.
On January 13, 2014, I dropped Dave off for his first day in nursing school and I headed to my office early to use the treadmill in our gym. This would be my new routine. I struggled through two miles and needed to take several walking breaks, but the entire time I envisioned the corporate challenge course. I envisioned myself running those 3.5 miles without walking and how good it would feel to compare my time from the year prior. Days turned into weeks and slowly but surely, the miles increased and the walking decreased. Combined with a renewed commitment to solid nutrition, I began shedding the weight that had crept on over the previous years. No longer stressed out and exhausted from my long work days and commute, I felt myself being a happier and more supportive partner to Dave while also having more energy and focus. I began feeling healthy and strong, and finally felt like my best self again.
As the winter gave way to a beautiful spring, I ventured outside beyond the treadmill and never looked back. Taking advantage of the multitude of running routes in Boston, I found myself becoming the runner I never thought I could be. And while I registered for some other races to keep myself accountable, all the while I kept the corporate challenge in the forefront of my thoughts.
And then the 2014 race sold out before our company could register.
I was heartbroken but not deterred and kept focused on my other races. Soon I was training for the marathon I could have only dreamed of running when I lined up on the humid June evening in 2013. And just as soon I was crossing the finish line on Boylston street. But there was still one race I was eager to run.
I was heartbroken but not deterred and kept focused on my other races. Soon I was training for the marathon I could have only dreamed of running when I lined up on the humid June evening in 2013. And just as soon I was crossing the finish line on Boylston street. But there was still one race I was eager to run.
On April 21, 2015 (the morning after the marathon),I rolled out of bed and hobbled my way downstairs to fire up my laptop. Having volunteered to Captain this year's JPMCC team, it was my responsibility to register our team and get the info out to prospective runners before the race sold out. As I waited for the site to load, I was still in disbelief that I had just ran 26.2 miles the day prior and now symbolically, here I was registering us for the race that started it all. A few clicks later and our team was registered. 20 minutes later, all 9,000 spots had been claimed and the race sold out.
Last night our team met up for a quick picture in the lobby before departing for this year's JPMCC. I couldn't help but smile because my journey back to my healthiest happiest self had come full circle. Two years ago, I barely believed myself when I vowed to come back and run 3.5 miles without stopping. In 2013, when I sat down on the curb in Kenmore Square at the 1.75 mile mark and contemplated quitting, I could have never imagined that less than two years later I would run through Kenmore Square at the 25.2 mile mark with quitting being the farthest thing from my mind.
So I smiled because I was about to run a 3.5 mile race, but the journey to last night has been so much bigger than that.
After our team pic we headed over to the Boston Common and joined the 9,000 other runners lining up for this year's JPMCC and though it was another humid steamy evening, I felt confident and ready. Before we knew it, we were lining up on Charles Street and slowly trudging forward. Inevitably we bottle necked on the first few turns and the first half mile or so was spent jockeying for position and trying to find open spots to settle into your pace. But after that it was a perfect - albeit warm - evening for a race, with wonderful volunteers at much needed water stops and local residents cheering us on. As I rounded the bend at Kenmore I was beaming - I had literally come full circle. And when I rounded the final turn and saw the finish line ahead of me, I have to say I felt just as happy as I did when I turned onto Boylston at the end of April.
Oh and my official time? 33:19. Not that fast for some people, but at 17 minutes and 12 seconds faster than I ran/walked/limped it in 2013, not too bad for this girl. And now to start envisioning next year...
Our 2013 team picture - I am in the back row wondering why I am doing this?!?
Our 2015 team picture. Ready to go rock the challenge!
Took a look back on my timeline to find the 2013 race date and found this gem...never say never!