Run Chirky Run
August 29, 2007
Several months ago, a friend called to ask whether I wanted to join a running class with her. At first I laughed, not thinking she was serious, and then she said to think about it. I did, and the answer was still a decided no, because when I think about running I think about seventh grade track class.
Track class was full of self-assured girls, girls who knew that they could outrun anyone in a dark alley if need be, and I wanted to be one of those girls. After a month on the track team I realized that I would never be a distance runner – that I was better at jetés and pirouettes – and that preference landed me square in front of a hurdle.
Hurdles were frustrating if only for one reason: form. I preferred to extend my legs in a full leap, arms gracefully stretched out, chin tilted up. My track coach preferred that I pull my hind leg into a herkie, and while I excelled at running hurdles, I hated warm-ups because they involved running. Even as a seventh grader, I knew that I would rather have my leg submerged in a glacial whirlpool and wrapped up like a mummy than face the prospect of rounding another corner on the track. I faked an injury to get out of the class and I never looked back.
Which is why, when Nicolle followed up with me last week about the running class, I amazed myself when I said yes. I knew it would be tough for me, but I didn’t think doing the class would be THAT big of a deal until last night, when I drove to our first meet. I hadn’t even started exercising yet and I was already out of breath. My hands were trembling; my quivering lips felt like a current of electricity had surged through my veins; I could feel my heart fearfully pounding in my chest. I was having my first anxiety attack, and I hadn’t even pulled into the parking lot.
I hadn't planned on things turning out this way. I had taken great care to prep myself for the class: I shaved my legs, drank water throughout the day, tried on different exercise outfits. My goal was to pull off the “I’m new, so go easy on me, but I don’t want to look too much like an overachiever by wearing everything you suggested in the handbook” look (read: I decided not to wear the ball cap). And yes, I did read the entire handbook. I drove home from work in the Texas heat with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner off, so I could acclimate myself to what the weather would be like when I was running outdoors. Surprisingly, I decided that it really wasn’t all that bad. Of course, I wasn’t actually moving my body except to shift gears, so I don’t think I could have possibly made an educated decision about the torrent of sweat that would stream from my forehead.
We only ran twenty minutes, but it felt like twenty miles. You should know that I use the term “ran” loosely. Like most people, I did a combination of jogging and walking, finishing only five laps in the timed period. As if that weren't embarrassing enough, we trained alongside the Dallas Mavericks, who were so tall they could have each just stepped over my 5’7” frame as they sprinted past me.
When I finished, I was dizzy. My body felt off-center and heavy, and I wasn’t sure whether I was going to cry, vomit or pass out. I wanted to do all three, in exactly that order. But I couldn’t cry because that would mean defeat. I couldn’t vomit because all those people would witness it and remember me as that girl who threw up the first night. I couldn’t pass out because I wasn’t sure anyone there was strong enough to carry me farther than ten yards. And believe me, the last thing I wanted was to come-to as a slew of men and women took turns dragging me down the street.
I was home for a solid hour before my body stopped sweating. As I laid on the floor, I couldn’t decide whether I was going to regret taking the class or if it was going to be incredible. I’m hoping for the latter.
In the meantime, I think that I should probably take up karate, since my near-twenty-minute-mile “run” won’t be getting me out of a dark alley any time soon.
Comments
Oh I hear ya. I've started a walking on my lunch break routine last week. It's been going pretty well. Except yesterday I was about to pass another house and I noticed the lady was beginning to back out of her driveway in a big SUV. So I sped up into a run to get past her driveway without being ran over. I only ran for about 20 steps. But it took about 3 minutes to recover from those 20 steps of running. All the while huffing and puffing. I'm not cut out this junk! Maybe it will get better for both of us, though. Hopefully.
Posted by: Chiada | August 29, 2007 10:57 AM
I thought of you last night . . . and grimaced. Not because of my lack of faith in you but more because for a brief moment I pictured myself jogging along side you and then all of a sudden I collapsed on the ground and you kept running past me not even noticing my limp body. But today, after reading this I am reminded once again that we are much more alike than either of us realize and I feel your pain.
Posted by: Katie | August 29, 2007 11:58 AM
If you decide to try karate next let me know.
Posted by: Julie | August 29, 2007 12:37 PM
Kudos to you for giving it a try! I hope you wind up glad you did it!
I'm amazed, though, that this sentence didn't have more info with it: "As if that weren't embarrassing enough, we trained alongside the Dallas Mavericks, who were so tall they could have each just stepped over my 5’7” frame as they sprinted past me." You trained by the Mavericks? I don't even like basketball, and I'm wondering how I could get in that class. lol
Posted by: my life is brilliant | August 29, 2007 01:23 PM
MLIB: Well, we didn't train WITH the Mavericks. Just beside them. On the same track. While they stood around and did crunches and sprinted and ran hurdles.
It was more embarrassing than anything else, because they gawked every time I went by, my cheeks red and my breath heaving and sweat pouring across my face. It wasn't a pretty sight.
Posted by: chirky | August 29, 2007 01:27 PM
Sounds like the time I learned to ski. I FELL OFF THE T-BAR. In front of the Provincial Team. Awesome.
I personally like running, but my knees can't do it anymore. I'm getting old.
Let me know how karate turns out :)
Posted by: Angella | August 29, 2007 01:50 PM
Most dark alleys wouldn't take 20 minutes to get out of (or at least I don't think they would), so maybe your running class really could help with evasive maneuvering.
Posted by: rr | August 29, 2007 03:00 PM
LOL! The image of people taking turns dragging you down the street is hilarious - but in reality thoroughly unnecessary I assure you :)
Look at me, I start posting comments on "Britney Spears Watch" and now I can't help myself!
By the way - I got my mom to start reading your blog :)
Posted by: Erica | August 29, 2007 04:30 PM
I am quite proud of you. And as an old basketball junkie, I would be THRILLED to be in the proximity of the Mavericks!
Posted by: Suebob | August 29, 2007 10:21 PM
Am I the only one who lived in TERROR of the hurdles for the sheer imagery of landing on it very..."Unfortunately"?????
Posted by: Loralee | August 30, 2007 02:48 AM
Yay! So, did you decide it was exhilirating? Or would you rather be shot in the face before having to repeat it?
Posted by: Laurel | August 30, 2007 09:09 AM
Wow. I'm proud of you for doing something so hideous - like running! I used to run. It was boring, it is boring, it is hard on my body. So instead I play Ultimate Frisbee, ride my bike, play racquetball, do the occasional Kettle Bell class and of course dance.
The thing is, whatever you are doing physically, if you are doing it with a group then it is better than doing it alone. There is something about that feeling of "we're in this together" that makes it much better than if you were to just go it alone.
Keep it up Jes, and if you don't like it, then try going to PowerHouse of Dance for some Hip/Hop classes and they will be excellent cardio, easier on the knees and 10 times more fun.
Posted by: eddo | August 30, 2007 10:35 AM
Way to go Jes! I have got to get back running myself. But you know, running outside (track, neighborhood, etc) is MUCH harder than the treadmill. I don't even run outside anymore. You did GREAT!
Posted by: CPA Mom and Soccer Mom Angela | August 31, 2007 10:24 AM
I'm impressed and awed that you would try this. Go, girl! :)
Posted by: Zandria | August 31, 2007 06:30 PM
Oh dizzy? You were totally exhausted after running.
Karate sounds great. Just let us know =0
Posted by: prettyinthecity.biz | August 31, 2007 10:21 PM
Haha! I just read this after seeing Erika Weise and her asking me "are you that Nicolle that made Jessica run?". Oh, I really was trying to do something to create a bonding & beneficial experience for us! I still can't say I love running, but I love how I feel when I'm done. And Jes, you are doing a great job! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!
Posted by: Nicolle | September 24, 2007 09:55 AM