Sunday mornings are for being lazy and stuff, but I never really do that. I went for a run first thing – the streets are still snow packed from when it snowed on Christmas (it’s been too cold to melt). The temperature was still 13 degrees at 8:00 a.m. and I knew I just had to suck it up and go because I don't like waiting around and the truth is:
The run allowed me to cough up and spit out 40 gallons of stuff left over from last week’s flu. It felt like kind of a cleanse, but not the colonic kind. I am not an efficient spitter, however, and I was left with snot marks on most of my clothing. But, that is what washing machines are for (also they are for sharts if you are into that kind of thing).
Next, Ken and I went to a swim technique class. I chose not to wear my white underwear because I didn’t want to intimidate my classmates.
This class was a big risk because I have not had anyone talk to me about swim technique since I was ten and on the swim team. Back then it was just about getting to one end of the pool as fast as possible so you could have a Slurpee afterwards. These days, I get through my triathlons by training very little in the pool or open water and just making it without drowning. I usually just do the butterfly stroke the whole way.
I dreaded all of the (negative) feedback I would get today. The instructor basically watched us swim and then gave impressions. I was shocked when he said, “Well, your stroke is pretty smooth. If people watched you they would think you swam a lot.” WTF? I know he wasn’t saying that to score a date with me because 1) I am old, 2) Ken was there and would give the stink eye, 3) I wasn’t even wearing my white underwear. Next, he just gave my some feedback about needing more power in my stroke. For the most part I was pretty pleased because I am not a strong swimmer and always feel like I look like a dork.
I got some good news later today that I was picked to be an ambassador for the Colfax Marathon in Denver in May (May 19). One of my (quiet) goals for this year is to become more involved in the running community. I run with a few friends, but I really want to branch out to new races and faces.
The Colfax Marathon is a good choice for a race because it winds throughout the city and goes through several parks as well as Sports Authority Field where the Broncos play. I like it also because it is kind of small – only about 1,200 people ran the marathon last year (plus, if you register before 1/30 it’s only $79 for the marathon and $69 for the half). Heading up the ambassador program is Richard Kalasky – you might remember I interviewed him a year or so ago because he lost a TON of weight and went from couch potato/smoker to endurance athlete extraordinaire.
Do you ever think you might want to get more involved in your own running community? Here are some ways:
- Volunteer at races. Go see what the other side is like. I guarantee that you will have a new appreciation for volunteers and you’ll meet some cool people.
- Find a running group. Running’s become so big it seems every community has at least one running group, if not several.
- Get to know your local running store – a great place to find out about races, clubs, etc. The store near me, the Boulder Running Company, even has a race team you can join.
- Join a charity team. I trained with Team in Training for my first marathon and it was the perfect way to give back, to meet others and to train SMART.
- Apply to become a race ambassador. Lots of races have these. In exchange for you spreading the word, leading training runs, helping out with charity stuff and at the expo and basically being a cheerleader for the race, you often get a comped race entry, lots of swag, running clothes, etc. Look at the race’s website for more details.
Have you ever been a race ambassador? Nope. I am an ambassador virgin.
Do you belong to a local running group? I did for awhile, then got injured and didn’t go back.
What kind of swimmer are you? Sleek and strong/awkward but okay/just trying not to drown? I guess I’d say I’m awkward but okay.
SUAR
