Even though I have been running off and on for 13 years, I never really considered myself a runner. It was something I did to keep in shape, something I did when I had others to run with and something I did now and then when I found a local race that looked interesting. Consistency was not a keyword with my running. But that has gradually changed. I can't point to any single event that caused me to declare that "I am a runner". Perhaps it was just time. Whatever it was doesn't really matter and while my running is no more consistant today than it was 5 years ago, I am a runner.
There is so much I could write about: running up the Arroyo during the summer, jumping over docile rattlesnakes and enjoying the beauty of a peaceful retreat; running in other countries and observing the reaction you get from the locals; running in a 10K dressed as a reindeer, desperately trying to keep my antlers from falling off and nearly setting a PR while doing it; through the emotional times - running to releive the stress of my job; running to escape the pain of losing my beloved pets; running as a way to focus my thoughts on my strengths and overcome emotional downs. But what I would like to share with you is a journey that I never thought I would make and one that I am forever grateful that I did.
I ran my first marathon in 1997, L.A. XII, in memory of a very special friend who died in 1996. Jim had told me in June, 1995 that he wanted to run a marathon after he retired. He was only a couple of years away from retirement but I tried to persuade him not to wait. I even offered to train with him. As fate would have it, he was never able to achieve his dream.
I trained with the L.A. Road Runners and had an absolutely fantastic time running the marathon (much to my surprise as I had never been much for long distance running.) I only wish that Jim had been able to experience the same sense of accomplishment and emotion that I enjoyed after finishing. I know that the experience would have been something he would have valued.
After my first taste of a marathon, I've decided to continue. I ran L.A. again in 1998 and will continue to run marathons here and there for years to come.
In 1999, my good friend from England flew over to run the L.A. Marathon. It was her first marathon and even though our style and technique varied, we both crossed the finish line with the exact same time! Our 5:10:04 wouldn't break any records, but it was fun to run with someone during their first marathon.
And for the first time a member of my family ran as well. My brother, Allen, came out and ran his first marathon and did it in a fine time of 4:25:01! (Not that he felt he had to beat his sister's time or anything.) I was really proud of him and was glad that he ran such a good time. But just wait until next year...
The XV L.A. Marathon is scheduled for 5 March, 2000. If you live in Southern California or might be out this way, think about running or walking the marathon. I can promise that you'll get to see the city as you have never seen it before and perhaps look at yourself in a new light along the way.
I have been known to attend track sessions with the Los Feliz Flyers. The runners are of all ages and abilities, though most of them are very fine runners. They workout at Caltech on Wednesday evenings.
What you get out of running is a personal experience. For me, it has provided me with the opportunity to share with my family a sport that knows no age limits. Everytime I see a runner in their 60s, 70s or 80s out there I gain respect for the human body and the will to never surrender to age.
