I arrived home from work one day excited and said to my son,
“I’m thinking about participating in the Senior Olympics this year. I could run
the 100-meter or 400-meter race.”
After a pregnant pause, he said, “is your health insurance
up to date? Maybe you should contact your doctor before starting a strenuous activity.”
His sarcasm did not go unnoticed. He was rewarded with an
eye roll from me and a threat to remove him from my favorite youngest son
list.
Running has never been in my wheelhouse, but after reviewing
the categories on the participant registration, I eliminated nearly all of
them. I could throw a frisbee, but it would probably end up in a tree, or whack
anyone in its path. A friend said, “why don’t you play cornhole? All you have
to do is throw a bean bag.”
“Have you ever watched
cornhole players? They shake that bag, position it a certain way in their hand,
and then release it. There is a skill to it.” I gave her the same eyeroll I usually
reserve for my son.
I had a rationale for deciding to participate in the race
portion of the Olympics. I figured that since I exercise regularly, a few times
a week, I should be able to run a short distance really fast. Bless my heart,
that was not the case. After the first training session with my son I knew I would need hustle, heart, and heating pads if
I was going to take on the title of athlete for the senior Olympics.
I changed my workout regimen; I stretched more and focused
my strength training on areas beneficial to runners. After my first training
session my muscles were sore in areas where I didn’t know I had muscles. When
we returned home from the track, I had to drag one leg up the flight of stairs to
my bedroom.
My son said, “Ma, your hip muscles are not strong because
you don’t do that type of exercise regularly.” And for that reason, it was
several days (recovery time) before day two of training.
Day two of training was a walk, jog through my neighborhood.
I needed to practice my breathing. My first time running I think I was panting
more than breathing. My son who was a hurdler and ran the 400 meter in high
school, said, “take deep breaths in through your nose and slowly exhale.”
My coach and motivator jogged along side of me as I paced my
running and breathing. I made it one block then the next. As I began to push
faster to the last block, we passed a neighbor who was in her front yard. I
heard her shout, “you got this!”
I pushed through that last block, satisfied that I reached
my goal and beat my time from the first day of training.
During college I was a volunteer at the Special Olympics.
Their motto was – Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt.” I am adopting that same motto as I participate in the Senior
Olympics.
If I don’t win a Gold Medal, I’m sure I can be a representative for brand – Gold Bond. Their products are good for minor aches, sore muscles, and aging skin. I’m going for the Gold anyway. You should too. Whether you’re running a physical race, setting goals, or taking on something challenging…you got this.
Train like you want it, visualize it, and speak it into existence.
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