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Get Off That Bench

January 2, 2011
San Antonio Riverwalk Bench

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?

Cricket Walker

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Getting Into Fitness

15 Comments


Elaine Whittingham
January 2, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Reply

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)



Cindy Cullen
January 2, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Reply

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!



S Emerson
January 2, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Reply

Are you going for the full or half marathon?



Cricket Walker
January 2, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Reply

One way or another, I will be crossing that finish line. πŸ™‚



Cricket Walker
January 2, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Reply

@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. πŸ™‚



Tweets that mention Get Off That Bench -- Topsy.com
January 2, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Reply

[…] 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/ […]



sidney
January 2, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Reply

That beautiful bench…??? Why would anyone WANT to get off! I absolutely love that picture. So gorgeous!! Good luck training!



Cricket Walker
January 2, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Reply

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. πŸ™‚



Doc Sheldon
January 3, 2011 at 12:51 am
Reply

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! πŸ˜‰



Cricket Walker
January 3, 2011 at 2:05 am
Reply

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. πŸ™‚



Muddy
January 3, 2011 at 8:51 am
Reply

Yep. I think you should take a Chance.



Amy Sue
January 3, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Reply

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



Cricket Walker
January 3, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Reply

I Γ’β„’Β₯ You Amy Sue!



Snerdey
January 5, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Reply

I had no idea that they allowed little insect critters to enter the marathon πŸ˜‰ You can do it Cricket!



Cricket Walker
January 5, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Reply

I am double checking the rules to make sure they allow crawling across the finish line. πŸ˜‰



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