Don't Be a Skirt

I have decided to once again train for another 1/2 marathon. A friend of mine convinced me to run the D.C. 1/2 in March. Desiring to get back into shape and shave off some of that 'pregnancy' weight, I willingly signed up. However, there were a few things I did not consider.

1. We live in the North East.

2. It is the middle of winter

3. 9 degree temperatures are normal here

4. This would require long runs EVERY Saturday morning

5. I no longer live in North Carolina or Colorado (sigh)

I will admit there are many mornings that I have to give myself the "personal pep talk" just to get myself out the door. I wear about 4 layers and my toes are still frozen until about mile 3 or 4.

Okay enough of the complaining. Yesterday as I was driving to the park to run I was reminded of a true motivator. In our neighborhood lives a cute old man (my guess is he is about 75 we will call him Stan). He is out running EVERY DAY--winter or summer, rain or shine, sunny skies or snowy blizzards. He is more predictable than the post man. When he runs he runs at a steady pace but due to age and some ailments his back is hunched over and he leans to one side (probably due to osteoporosis or some form of scoliosis at some point in life). Point being, he does not LOOK like a runner, but he is more of a runner than I ever will be. He is consistent, steady and complete motivation on days when I want to stay in bed. If Stan can do it...so can I. Nancy, don't be a skirt!