Grinding down the seconds
By Jeanmarie Tarmann-Derry, Special to the Pinnacle
”
Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness
”
– P. Syrus
What is a team? Running sometimes seems the most individual
sport in the world. As we pad around the track, we each listen to
our own times. We are the ones who choose to put one foot in front
of another, no matter how our day has been.
Grinding down the seconds
By Jeanmarie Tarmann-Derry, Special to the Pinnacle
“Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness” – P. Syrus
What is a team? Running sometimes seems the most individual sport in the world. As we pad around the track, we each listen to our own times. We are the ones who choose to put one foot in front of another, no matter how our day has been.
But we learned this past week that perhaps running is among the most teambuilding and supportive sports there is. Wednesday night’s running clinic greeted us with high temperatures. A South Valley Running Club member was kind enough to provide cold water bottles for all. Coach instructed, “If you feel hot, step aside.” Good health is always the key to our training.
Carmen and Gar signaled the starts for our group. We ran 200 meters, then 400, and some did 800 and 1,200 meters, after the usual hop, skip, jump and easy run to warm up. With Gar counting out, “minute 19; minute 30; 1:40,” I sped up my pace and managed to go halfway around the 200-meter track in about 2 minutes …Gar cheered us on, “Come on, you can do it!” Our times decreased and mine finally went 1:57, next time around 1:56 and then, Hurrah! 1:49.
Next were the 400s, after a sip of water and a stretch. I beat my time of 5:40 two weeks ago, with 4 minutes plus. As long as our times are going down, slowly but surely this turtle will finish the race.
And just about the time you sit down to read this column, I’ll be running in the Bay to Breakers. I can’t believe it’s finally here.
During this final week of preparations, I trained hard. But was told to pull back two days before the actual event in order to still be fresh for the event. This week I ran short distances, easily and gently so no injuries crept up before the big race day.
SVRC’s members call out to each other, “I liked your pace on that one.” And this new runner learned a new trick. Pick a runner who runs just a tad quicker than you do and try to match that person step for step. This takes your mind off the race, and you can learn to run in tandem at the good pace of a more experienced runner.
We laughed as people shared physical education stories and leapt over two orange balls sliding across the track. Some felt inspired by the semi-pro football team also working out in the heat. Others got into the zone by the ninth or 10th time around the track.
I had called “popcorn” time and learned it was 95 degrees today. “I’m glad you didn’t tell me that before we ran!” Another member offered use of her hot tub to ease the muscle stiffness, but in the heat, this was declined. “I’d feel like a noodle.”
We shared our running plans while stretching as the sun set. Coach made sure to check on our knees, our water intake. And so all we had to do was run.
Some of us run for the health of it. Some run for the fun.
All of us know that running keeps us going, as does the friendship and camaraderie of a sport shared. As we waved goodbye to each other, and to the field hockey team still whacking the ball with their sticks, we knew we had taken a few strides toward a better heart, both in friendship and physically. Enjoy the run. Be gentle, nurture yourself and have fun!
Jeanmarie is training for her third Bay to Breakers. She ran one race before kids; another after her last child was born and now has decided to go for it again. If you have any questions, comments or information about upcoming races, feel free to e-mail [email protected].
