Monday, May 19, 2014

The Bluenose Marathon...My first 10K

Well, that JUST happened!! On Sunday, May 18th I completed my very first 10K at the Bluenose Marathon in Halifax, NS. I have several takeaways from the experience that I would like to share.

First of all, running for me has always been a means to an end. I have never EVER really enjoyed it and I've resigned myself to the fact that I will never be one who develops a passion for running and participating/competing in events. That being said, this is simply my personal feeling and I know that I am in a very small minority :) However, going into this event I had set one basic goal for myself. Having never run for more than 7km straight, I decided my end game was to run the entire 10K route without stopping once. For me this was a formidable challenge as there were several long hills to traverse…and 10K is damn long haul :) So I plugged in to my IPod, turned on my ITunes playlist and started forward. I can't say that it was easy because assuredly it was not, but the constant support of the people lining the entire route was amazing!! I actually felt great for the first 8km and knowing that the finish line was steadily approaching kept me plodding forward until I finally crossed the line in 66 minutes. I will admit that I DID pump my fist and smile while crossing the line!

Now, I simply must acknowledge that the atmosphere provided by these events is wonderfully motivating and uplifting!! Being part of a group of thousands of competitive and recreational runners as we weaved our way through the streets of downtown Halifax, over the bridge that links Halifax to Dartmouth and back, was truly a remarkable experience! The entire route was lined with spectators and supporters constantly cheering and encouraging every single participant. There were representatives from both genders as well as every age and level of fitness and for that one event, we were ALL part of one massive community of like minded individuals! To that end I can honestly recommend to anybody who has EVER considered entering a 2k, 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon or full marathon to PLEASE do yourself a favor and GO FOR IT!!! The completion of the event is only the icing on the cake…it's the training, the focus, the anticipation, the pride and the dedication to your goal that will literally impact your life in SUCH a positive way! To that end I encourage ANYBODY who has ever thought about this to JUST DO IT!! Put on some running shoes, and just get started!!

Finally, as I now proceed with my main goals I can honestly say that I WILL absolutely plan to participate in this event again next year and now that I now what to expect, I will make a specific goal based on time! For now, running will remain a part of my training regime but in a reduced capacity. So in conclusion, if you've actually read this blog and have made it this far…thank you! I'm going to keep working on my blogging skills and hope to inspire and inform. Stay healthy!!!

Peter



Sunday, May 11, 2014

Well folks, this is my first foray into the world of online blogging. Admittedly I am somewhat apprehensive as it relates to expanding my horizons via technological outreach. I only recently started using Twitter and that was a massively uncomfortable undertaking that caused more than it's share of arguments. And even setting up "Blogspot" today raised my blood pressure slightly…you see, I am also a curmudgeon at times and as such I am resistant to change :)

However, I also recognize that we live in an era of "Social Media" and electronic outreach is massive and expansive. Therefore, if one has a message to deliver, the simplest and most convenient form of communication is social media. 

I intend to be purposely brief today as it is my first "blog" and I will go through many changes, adjustments and tweaks as I (hopefully) get better at this. I already have a list of, what I feel are, interesting blog topics and I very much look forward to being able to expand on the topics I discuss on Facebook and Twitter. 

At the risk of sounding immodest, I understand and appreciate that much of what I am currently doing "on-line" is helpful to many people in various ways. I am exceptionally proud of how far I have come, and although it is only the first step, I love the fact that so many people have responded so positively to my numerous and frequent posts. Again, I do not want to come across as arrogant in saying this, but I feel almost a sense of responsibility to continue forth with sharing my journey publicly as it  DOES help and inspire so many. I, myself, looked to my fitness mentors and role models for constant motivation and assurance and I am grateful for every single post, tweet, tag, share that I saw….because it kept me moving forward with passion and direction! As most of my friends and followers know, I can not only sympathize with those who are beginning, restarting or constantly moving forward in their fitness journeys…but I can EMPATHIZE. You see, I was "starting a journey" less than a year ago. My intent is to help build a community of friends who are like minded in their goals and aspirations using various mediums. I'm looking for all stages of fitness journey and input from  everybody. Because whether or not it's apparent or believable, I too am inspired and motivated by anybody who is passionate about getting healthy regardless of what stage you are in currently!! I am looking for all stages of contribution.

Future topics will range from serious, to instructional to downright comical. But I hope to always be entertaining. So please feel free to add me on "Facebook" and "Twitter" and by all means, please reach out and share stories, pictures, recipes, ideas and even constructive comments. 

Thank you….I'm glad you have joined me on my first step into the blogging community! :)