OMG, I WANT TO SAVE ORPHANS AND I LOVE EVERYONE!!!"
That's a text I sent to my running coach and friend, regular columnist Kym Klass, a few days ago. The text was out of character for me, but I meant it and sent it. I was high.
"I haven't exercised in 20 years" suddenly became 20-miles-per-week.
I don't run to race and I'm not all that concerned with speed except that I want to get faster and stronger than I was before. I like going to 5K races because then I see a lot of people like me, with paces like mine, smiling like me when crossing the finish line.
I also see the skinny fast little people and admire their times but I can't compare what I do to what they do. Klass, for instance, knows down to seconds how she'll run next Thursday. I'm more about which trousers will fit next Thursday.
I'm just a guest columnist, not an expert, but I have three thoughts Klass asked me to share with her readers. They help me as a new runner, just to keep going:
1. Stop comparing yourself to anyone. You are your own baseline and progress report. Period.
2. Quit thinking that picking up exercise necessarily means you have to immediately give up all bad habits or choices as well. Focus on one major life change at a time. The rest kind of falls into place.
3. Have an outlet. Some people get into groups and are very social at their gym or walking/running routes. I'm not. I have one outlet -- Coach Klass -- who has known me long enough that I can't lie to her even when I want to. She holds me accountable, cheers me on and gives me advice. She even loans her daughter to me when I need a 6-year-old.
Finally, this is less a thought than a mantra: have fun. Simply smiling during a run can make my whole body relax and fall into a very comfortable rhythm.
I won't be placing in any of my races this year. Winning races is for the skinny fast little people. They can have their medals and trophies. I'll even stick around and clap for them at the awards ceremony.
But me? I'm thrilled just to make good on that self-promise and keep chasing the high.
Hilary Funk runs, lives and writes in Montgomery. E-mail her at
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