30K Virgin

 When was the last time you ran more than the distance between your couch and the refrigerator?  Without getting tired out.  For most of us the only running we do is chasing our kids around the house or the store we are shopping at.  And don't get me wrong, that can be a lot of running and yes the heart rate goes up, especially when they are hiding in the clothes racks and you don't see them (300 calories burned right there).
 In my many years I have had the chance to be a runner many times and in some cases I actually did run.  18 months ago I did in fact run a 5k, more than once, on my treadmill in front of the big TV watching Baywatch re-runs.  I found it difficult dragging my life preserver behind me, but Pamela Anderson did it so I had to pull it off.  I kid of course, as I have no idea what I was watching and felt like I just wanted to allow myself to be shot off the back of the treadmill so that I could call it quits.  The thought of running outside taking on hills and the sounds of nature sounded so, how do I put it, stupid.  Who wants to run up a hill and listen to a bird mock you when you start to walk or a squirrel run past you laughing at your snails pace.  The TV on, watching Rocky yelling "Adrian" as he pulls off the impossible, while I run on a flat surface at a pace that I preset, now that is my idea of running.
 For those of you that have taken on "Real Running" good for you, I applaud you and in a small way admire you.  Running outside with the wind in my hair, sorry, the wind at my back does actually appeal to me and is something I would like to take up at some point, maybe tomorrow.  But for now I will go on admiring and applauding those that do run.

 On Sunday March 27, 2011 my sister in-law took on the 30K Around The Bay Run in Burlington, Ontario (oldest run in North America).  From my knowledge she has been running on and off for quite a while now, although this was her biggest challenge to date making her a 30K virgin.  As family we were all very proud of her for taking on this run and we followed her split times over the net and received updates from her husband through facebook.  When she crossed the finish line we all cheered and my wife even shed a tear, as she was very proud of her sister.  We received a finish line photo from her and within an hour my wife spoke to her and reality set in for the runner wannabe`s.

 Our 30K virgin provided some details and quotes regarding her run that require editing to bring them within a PG14 rating.  Apparently the correct under garments are required in order to avoid chafing, which can occur around the 10K mark, reminding you every single step that you are running.  As well, the feet need to be looked after, as they are a vital part to completing the run, proper shoes and socks a must.  There was also a reference to childbirth and the comparison to running that I cannot repeat.  Let me just say I asked if she was running or riding a bike.  And finally a tip to all runners, avoid spicy foods the night before a big run, as the last 5K can be challenging with no Johnny on the spots.  Personal experience or not I feel this to be a very valuable tip from her.  Maybe that is why seasoned runners are so thin, they are afraid to eat.

 We are all very proud of our 30K virgin and what she was able to achieve.  I also thank her for providing enough reasons for me to stick to the sidelines or at the very best, my treadmill.  Congratulations Auntie B, you are a true inspiration, a real Wonder Woman, now back to my chips and soda.