I RAN TODAY!
When I was in
elementary school we had track day every year. Only 5th and 6th graders could
participate and we competed against 5th and 6th graders from all over our
little town. The track day was held on the football field behind the Jr. High
in May.
When I was in the fifth grade, we had tryouts. I made the relay
team. Our “coach” was my teacher, Mrs. Billingsley. Now, Mrs. Billingsley was
what we would call a plus size girl. I thought she was old but I’m sure she was only
in her 40’s. Anyway, she was a great coach. She taught us how to handle that
baton so we never dropped it and could smoothly hand off at the end of our run.
She had a stop watch and she timed us every day. We practiced every day at
recess (we called it play period cause we played) for about a month. No after
school practice allowed. I was so proud to be on that relay team because I was,
of course, the biggest girl on the team. Our relay team won FIRST PLACE! I
loved that blue ribbon. I think I still have it in my buffet.
That was the last time
I ran and that was 50 years ago. Until today.
You see, when I go to therapy they have me walk on the treadmill
for 3 minutes. I’ve been doing it and sometimes I walk for 10-15 minutes. I
raise my speed when I’m on it. Today I got on that machine and took a few steps
and suddenly, I STARTED RUNNING! Now, I’m not gonna say it was fast but I was
running! I was bouncing up and down with my feet coming off that treadmill! I
couldn’t believe it! Me! Running! I thought ok, I’ll run for 10 seconds. Then
20 seconds. I just kept going and when I got to 2 minutes and 30 seconds, I
knew I could make it to the end!
I tell you, I felt like that 10 year old girl running relay for
Herty Elementary. I WAS A WINNER! I felt great! I felt like a champ! And I felt
like I had won a blue ribbon! I’m going to start running. I’m going to walk and
then run; walk and then run. Today I ran a tenth of a mile! My goal
is to run a mile!
Here is my challenge to you. What is it that you have been
wanting to do that you just don’t think you can do? Comment below and then
decide to just TRY! Start and do a little and then build on it. I have to tell
you I’m in tears just writing this. I never ever in my life thought I would run
again. Not at my age. BUT I DID! YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO TRY!
copyrighted 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment