Going “Public” (well…in person anyway)

Yesterday the blog made the paper (that other people read). This morning I joined a running class (with other people). On Sunday, I’ll be in a crowded room (with lots of other people - see pic of Run Wild training classmates to the left) starting a half marathon training program. Lots of people, all around, in person…witnesses.
It’s a big step for me; after all, the last time I publically did anything in the form of group athletics (not counting beer pong, my college coed softball team aptly named "The Leftovers", horseshoes or volleyball...no offense to serious volleyball players) was when I joined the fifth grade basketball team. We were the mighty Tigers…not one win all season. I can still hear my coach trying to explain to me the concept of moving AND dribbling at the same time. Anyway, my point is this is all still so very new and now I have witnesses in this endeavor. People that can actually see me…gasp…struggle.

To my surprise, it’s exactly what I needed. And to my delight, the people in my running class seem to be actually quite normal and nice. In fact, as I entered (already sweaty with anticipation and having come from my second trip to the bathroom in 7 minutes) my instructor was explaining some kind of crazy candy run she was making her husband endure for her. Didn’t get the details but I’m pretty sure I could relate. Then down to business…she started talking about a bus to Bloomsday in Spokane, other tidbits on running etiquette she found from Runner’s World magazine relating to how to fart properly during a race (always good to know) and then onto the strange new language I couldn’t yet follow; group 1 do a 400, 600, 800, 1200 then down again and group 2 do blah blah blah…hun? And then wrapped up the briefing with “Kim, I’ve got something special for you to do.” A time trial. Yikes. Never, except for maybe those “field days” in elementary school, can I remember having to perform a mile to see my time…my time.

Nervous again…16 times around the track…only a mile but this time it was with witnesses... and worse yet, someone that expected to know my time. I began fine but right about the fifth lap I started to remember I’m a beginner. I moved slow and steady. People were flying by me. I knew I was slow but…wow. I put it out of my mind and just kept going. Lisa, my friend, passed me saying, “Go Kim Go” and that helped me gain my second burst of energy. I went a little faster and then I was done. Whew. One mile in 9 minutes and 57 seconds. I immediately doubt my time…I must of missed a lap. But then I do another 8 laps and then another 8 and my time probably puts me about at 11 minute miles…respectable...I am satisfied for now. What I found out today was big…witnesses actually HELP. No one really does it alone even if it’s up to you how you get it done.

Next week Jo, my instructor, tells me I will have to do as much as the others in the group. And I think to myself I might just actually survive. And if I don’t…I will have witnesses to call for help.