From athletic to athlete
July 6th, 2008
I have never endured so much physical pain in my life. I think running is probably one of the most difficult sports, especially if you have spent most of your life in the water…
This is my story. Two months ago, I decided to sign up for the Westchester Triathlon in attempts to overcome physical and mental challenges surrounding endurance sports. It is an Olympic distance event which includes a .92mi (1.5k) swim, a 24.8mi (40k) bike, and a 6.2mi (10k) run.
Now, 2 months later, I have started on the grueling path towards training for this event. I bought a road bike and slowly but surely, learned how to use clip-in pedals. I recently surpassed the challenge of reaching for my water bottle while riding and I can now ride safely in the streets amongst the fearless taxi drivers. I may sound pathetic, but I am extremely nervous when it comes to coordination and wheels (#1 challenge). Then, I began swimming with the Columbia University’s Triathlon Team to build up my aerobic capacity and overall fitness (#2 challenge). The last piece of this puzzle is running, which brings me to to the beginning of this blog. I am by no means a runner. I am not built as a runner. I am 5 foot 8 and weigh roughly 135 pounds. I am top-heavy with broad shoulders and flat feet. I notice the difference in my stride and I feel the physical pain every time I set foot on the pavement (#3 challenge).
So why do this? Why put myself through this pain and misery? Why should I lose sleep over training? Because I want to. Because I think everyone needs challenges in their lives, let it be academic, career, or physically-related, we need to shoot for them when we have the resources and can make the time. And time is such a tricky part of our society. Everyone feels rushed for time, but where exactly is all our time going? According to recent studies, we spend less time cooking and preparing meals and more time watching television (and surfing the net). So how about we try to change these statistics? Let’s try to go back to the kitchen, go back outside, and go back to our lives before these advances in technology.
This is my challenge. What is yours?
Lauren
Entry Filed under: General
1 Comment Add your own
1. annie | July 7th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Good for you Lauren! You can do it. If I can do a marathon at 40, you can do this. You are an inspiration to want to overcome your challenges. A lot of people would just say “I can’t do it” and be done with it. Although it can be physically gruelling, the worst part is the mental challenge. When every muscle in your body is telling your brain you can’t, your head has to be the strong one saying, you can do it. Many people who have not been involved in sports do not realize how much of a life learning lesson it its to work mentally and physically towards a goal and reaching it.
Take care, work hard, and remember…smile!
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