I was hanging out at Starbucks with my son when he casually showed me information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon coming up in November.
I don’t have a clue where it came from, maybe it was the good coffee, but out of my mouth I blurted, “I wonder if I could do something like that?”
Ya say what?
Did I say that?
Lord help me the idea was already having a party in my brain, daring me to do what I had never done before, pushing myself beyond where I have ever been pushed.
Do I dare?
Am I nuts?
Heck yeah!
We spend far too much time scared to death to take a risk, to reach beyond where we have reached before.
Why?
For fear we might fail?
WHO CARES?
Yes, I understand that I may work my tail off for the next 11 months and not even be able to finish the race, but honestly, what is the worst thing that can happen?
I might get off that bench I have been sitting on for years now?
I might lose some weight?
Get healthier?
For crying out loud. I am 49 years old. If not now, then when?
About the time I started to doubt myself, wondering if I have the courage to start training for something like this, my son sent me a text message. It simply said, “If I have to carry you on my back, you are finishing.”
While training on the hills near my home today, I kept hearing my son’s voice encouraging me, and I knew. It is time for me to be willing to take a chance…
How about you?
What are you ready to take a chance on this year?
15 Comments
Hi Cricket,
Marathons are all about proper preparation. If you do it right, you’ll be fine and be so proud of yourself for registering and participating and finishing. It’s a wonderful feeling. The event itself is the reward you enjoy – the hard work is the rather unglorious training that gets you to the start line. Good luck and I’m rooting for you.
Elaine (female winner Burlington marathon; Ironman Canada; Ironman Wisconsin)
Awesome! I’m definitely stepping out of my comfort zone this year. NO fear! I’m pushing 49 myself, so I feel your ‘pain’. Can’t wait to see your progress and watch you cross that finish line!
Are you going for the full or half marathon?
One way or another, I will be crossing that finish line. 🙂
@S Emerson – As much as I love the idea of the full marathon, I may choose the half, which is still massive for this old lady. 🙂
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by J. Cricket Walker. J. Cricket Walker said: Do I have The Courage? https://www.cricketwalker.com/get-off-that-bench/ […]
That beautiful bench…??? Why would anyone WANT to get off! I absolutely love that picture. So gorgeous!! Good luck training!
LOL@Sidney! I sooooo love that bench. It is down on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. It’s a perfect spot to just relax and watch the world around you. 🙂
Cricket, you’ve inspired me! I’m gonna challenge myself, too!
In fact, I think I’m going to train for a measly two weeks, and then go cold turkey, with NO REMOTE CONTROL at ALL, for an entire night!
Gonna be painful, but I think I can do it!
More power to ya, hun. Remember, you’re not racing against anyone but yourself.
BTW, I’ve planted my cute little butt on that very same bench a time or two! 😉
LOLOLOL! Doc you are crazy! No wonder we all adore you so much! I never have been able to figure out the remote control beyond hollering for the kid to use it for me. 🙂
Yep. I think you should take a Chance.
You can do it!
If you’re not sure about running a full marathon, try walking the half. The past two summers Tom and I trained to walk a half in September and both times our walking time was faster than some of the runners’ times.
Either way, get off your (ahem) bench and get moving – you’re worth it!
~Amy Sue
I ♥ You Amy Sue!
I had no idea that they allowed little insect critters to enter the marathon 😉 You can do it Cricket!
I am double checking the rules to make sure they allow crawling across the finish line. 😉