Never say never!

Years ago, probably more like a couple of decades, I had this awesome poster with a picture of a runner, running in the dark and snow, silhouetted by the light of a lamp post.  Superimposed on the poster was the inscription "I used to think people that ran in the rain were nuts, when I started doing that I decided that people that ran marathons were crazy.  So here I am, it's five o'clock in the morning, it's snowing, and I'm out here training for a marathon..." 

So goes, so very often, the tale of runner turned marathoner.

My wife has always said she would never become a runner (though she has always liked to walk a bit).  Eight weeks ago or so, in the early weeks of my own marathon training, she spent some time on the race web site and in what she describes as a moment of weakness, signed up to walk the half-marathon.  She has taken to the training program, including an 11 miler last week AND SHE LIKED IT!  This weekend she actually got up at 4 a.m. to head to a race with me and walked 8 miles while I ran.  Her walking, which used to typically consist of a trip around a  block or two, and was as much about an opportunity to hold hands (with me, that is) and talk to the neighbors, has become an honest to goodness fitness pursuit.  Who'd have ever thought...

I used to be like that guy in the poster.  And then I ran a marathon.  And then I did a triathlon.  And then Ironman.  And then a 50 mile ultra-marathon.  So goes the tale of the long distance runner...

The ultra-marathon.  Any distance beyond the 26.2 miles of a marathon.  For me it is like uncharted territory.  A mountain not yet climbed.  A question not yet answered.  My 50 miler was quite an adventure (check out that story here).  Honestly, though I talked afterward about going further someday I wasn't sure I really would - until last week when my wife and I agreed I'd go for the 100 miler at Run Woodstock this September.  Never say never...

My wife still says she will never be a runner.  However, she is already checking out the other race distances at Woodstock.  Never say never.

Perhaps you are sitting on the couch, and where you need to start is with a walk around the block.  Why not grab the hand of somebody close and head out the door.  Who knows, a whole new world of adventure (and fitness) may be revealed.  In any case, be sure to stop back here often - perhaps (hopefully) my journey of discovery may serve as an inspiration for your own.