In recent times, I discovered that the journey to becoming a seasoned runner began with my first stint at a two-mile run. After an almost four-year break that was punctuated by the arrival of two children, the thought of reviving my running routine seemed daunting. However, the prospect of participating in a Nike Pegasus challenge convinced me otherwise. The hope was to complete 41 miles in a month to celebrate the sneaker’s 41st anniversary.
In my formative years, running wasn’t my go-to form of exercise. However, an urge to compete in a 10K race on a college dare got me hooked. Running gradually evolved into my preferred choice of fitness regimen and a vital part of my social engagements. I ran half marathons in New Zealand and Maui, and even completed the LA marathon with my husband.
March 2020 was when I was gearing up for a half marathon. I covered 11 miles in a record 9 minutes and 17 seconds per mile. However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic called a halt to such races. I seized running and moved on to becoming a mother. The notion of actively running again seemed farfetched amidst the hustle of motherhood and work. However, the Pegasus challenge seemed tailor-made to get me out of my comfort zone and back on the running track.
Neophyte to the regimen, I initially procrastinated a good ten days before deciding to hit the tracks. Juggling work, tending to my children who were down with colds, and hosting relatives seemed to eat into my “me time”. The initial struggle paid off as I persisted with my runs, gradually inching closer to my goal.
The first run seemed surreal, almost like an out-of-body experience. Despite doubts, my legs moved at a slow-motion jog. It felt liberating as if I was escaping from my responsibilities. The run gave me the time and space to reflect on my passion. To my surprise, I covered 5 miles before my kids stirred from their naps.
The sense of liberation was short-lived, though. The run left me exhausted, but at the same time, it also energized me. I lay on the floor, too worn to get up, but mind filled with excitement from the achievement. The challenge kickstarted my running routine, and understanding my body’s requirements shaped my outlook towards fitness.
The prospect of completing the challenge wasn’t solely about clocking miles on the tracks. I had to balance running with ample time for recovery. I had to train my body to adapt to the new routine gradually. That was when I decided to incorporate a recovery routine. A few sessions of deep tissue massages and some follow-up stretches later, I could feel my muscles recovering faster post-run.
Despite the late start, I had to remain meticulous about the training plan. I had no room for missing the goal due to a requirement for recovery or any form of injuries. Running had never been just about fitness; it was also a way to embark on new challenges and achieve malleable goals.
Running with children was definitely a tough task, yet essential to complete the challenge. It was not merely about running when the weather allowed, but also about investing time in indoor exercises when it didn’t. Every minute spent on completing the challenge felt like a victory.
In the end, completing the challenge demystified the notion that fitting in exercise while managing work and kids was impossible. It doesn’t have to be undue pressure if the goal is feasible. Having a temporary aim facilitated the necessary routine to accommodate a new task. All said and done, the success of the challenge has energized me to plan for a half-marathon in the near future. After all, running isn’t just an exercise but a healthy addiction that pushes me to keep moving forward.
