Training Days

With the L.A. Marathon a little over two months away, training has become another part of my routine these days. I'm already wondering how I'll fill the time when the race is over. As much as I occasionally dread some of the workouts, overall I'd say I'm an enthusiastic runner and I do (strangely) look forward to the long runs. I'd be lying if I said I use that time to solve problems in my life -- I don't get too introspective when I run -- I just let thoughts enter and leave my head while enjoying the fresh air and the scenery around. Seeing a celebrity now and then also helps pass the time. I wish I could convince everyone to run a marathon once in their lives. I know many people, including my parents, brothers, and some friends, think driving 26.2 miles is tedious, nevermind running it, but unless you do it you can't understand the pull. I get excited about the little things like the sports expo the day before. There's an energy that looms in the atmosphere at these events, and everyone seems to be cheerful and lighthearted, despite the day-before jitters.

I just bought new shoes and socks, and I'm a little embarrassed to say, I took some time (and enjoyed) picking out what I think are just the right socks. I won't wear them until the day of the marathon. Based on this childlike zeal you'd think this is the first one I've run, but it isn't -- I've done the L.A. before and most of the other big city marathons in California. I still get giddy. I'm not saying that everyone who does a marathon feels the way I do, but I do think we all share an unspoken understanding and a mutual sense of respect for each other. This in itself is extremely uniting. The feeling at the starting line and again at the finishing line is like no other -- there's a buzz and such a sense of personal satisfaction and pride. And that's something we don't all experience very often. I wish I could bottle up those emotions and pass them out to everyone I know. Whether it's a marathon or a 5K, when we challenge ourselves we're reminded that we have control over our bodies and more so, our minds. A huge part of succeeding in any athletic competition is just getting ourselves to the starting line, and that's a mental decision. As a personal trainer, I'm encouraging my clients to pick races to run because first of all, I know they can do it and, second of all, I think it's great for their self-esteem. You won't want to quit exercising when you see the athlete in yourself - and there's an athlete in everyone. Maybe my sock fixation and the fact that I love the smell of my new running shoes is a little odd, but I have a feeling there's at least one other runner out there who knows what I'm talking about. See you at the starting line!