DETROIT – I’ve never considered myself an athlete, let alone a half-marathon runner.
Growing up, I was the last kid picked in gym class. More often than not I talked my way out of soccer practice and generally felt more comfortable with a book than a ball (dodge/volley/basket/baseball, it didn’t matter).
While I didn’t wrack up goals on the field, I was goal-oriented and competitive in class. My Dad liked Stephen Covey (author of the “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”), so we talked a lot about what it takes to be successful. From a young age we would discuss my one-year, five-year, and so on, goals/plans/hopes. I turn 40 in January. And as I’ve done before, I’ve been thinking a lot about starting a new decade. Reflecting on what I’ve learned in the last ten and where I hope to be at the end of the next ten.
Last year I started lifting weights at a women’s-only gym. Regular gyms intimidate me, and there was no way I was doing anything other than light cardio or a class. Weight-lifting built self-confidence and with every challenging circuit, I started to see myself as an athlete. Which got me thinking, if I could change a core belief about myself through hard work, what else was I capable of?
I’d covered the Detroit Free Press Marathon for years. Interviewing people at the start line live on the weekend morning show, and doing stories as people crossed the finish line explaining their “why.” When I was 38, I talked about signing up for the half-marathon but chickened out. (My friends took the idea and ran with it. I remember cheering for them at the finish line and thinking, I need to experience this myself). When I turned 39, running a half-marathon was still on the back of my mind, a bucket-list goal to ring out my 30s. This time I signed up, paid and got some merch. Now all I had to do was train. 😂
I ran my first mile in May. Since then, I joined a run club, hit nine miles, developed planter fasciitis and found a coach (actually the universe did). I met Doug @detroitrunningman this summer at WeRun313, a popular Detroit run club. He registers first-timers, and I must’ve looked petrified. Shortly before the group run, Doug found me in the crowd and asked point blank “are you ok?!” I wasn’t. I’d never run two miles and I’d never run with a group of people.
I was so far out of my comfort zone that if I could’ve melted into the ground right then and there, I would’ve considered it. Doug said casually, “you’ve run a mile right?” I nodded. (I’d done it twice and the second time I fell and scraped the palm of my hand). Doug continued, “all you have to do is run a mile to Belle Isle. Then we wait for everyone, and run the mile back together.” Breaking it down into smaller goals helped alleviate some of my anxiety. Doug helped me focus on my breath and my pace. After that, we started running together regularly. I’m so grateful for his presence, advice, tough love, and encouragement.
I trained through foot pain (I saw a specialist and learned a lot about planter fasciitis). I trained before sunrise, after long days at work, and on the weekend. I made friends with health-minded people and observed their lifestyle habits. I was grateful for being two years sober from alcohol, because I had the drive and dedication to cultivate a new hobby.
For me, running has become a form of therapy. Doug and I often run in silence and I try not to use my headphones. Instead, I try to be present and focus on my breathing or the crunch of leaves under my feet. Running mile after mile has changed me in ways I never anticipated. I’m better at sitting with discomfort. I know I can do hard things. I actually enjoy pushing myself physically.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon is now just one week away! I can’t believe I’ll be running 13.1 miles, over the Ambassador Bridge and back through the tunnel. As a Canadian who got her start in TV news in Windsor, the route is especially meaningful.
I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, both literally and figuratively. Before I cross that finish line I know two things are already true -- I’m a winner, and a runner.
Can’t wait to see you all out early Sunday morning!!
XO Priya