On Not Being a Lump

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If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. – Laurence J. Peter

Inertia is a powerful force, perhaps one of the most powerful and underrated forces. The World English Dictionary defines inertia as “disinclination to move or act”. An inert thing simply keeps on keepin’ on. Inertia is one of the main reasons we have trouble getting anywhere on time with our kids, we sit on our growing butts in front of the TV instead of working out, we don’t study unless there’s a test coming up, and we spend years in a church or job or relationship that isn’t right for us instead of searching for another.

It’s difficult to me to just be and let life happen. It will happen, but if I don’t take some control over it, don’t try to affect its outcome somehow, I’m more likely to be unhappy with the results. I’m a goal-oriented person. I’m happier when I’m working toward a specific goal, even if I don’t achieve it. My job doesn’t lend itself well to concrete goals, and I’m no longer in school with a handy GPA by which to rate myself, so I motivate myself with fitness goals, especially races. THE NEXT RACE helps me haul myself out to the trail a few times a week instead of being a lump in front of the computer.

I tell you about my upcoming races not because I expect you to join me, although you’re certainly welcome, but to help keep me accountable. So here are my race plans for the next six months:

  1. Jingle Bell Run in Dallas, Dec 21 – We’re making this a family event. Jenny and the boys will walk the 5k course, I will run, and we’ll enjoy the Christmas spirit near the Hilton Anatole. Goal: Break 23 minutes for the first time
  2. Cowtown Half-Marathon in Fort Worth, Feb 26 – Enough talk. Enough speculation. It’s on. 13.1 miles on a cool February morning. Right now I plan to run-walk, which I’m 95 percent sure will allow me to go the distance. My progress in training over the next few months will determine the run-walk mix. Goal: Finish under 2:30
  3. Fast and Furious Duathlon at Joe Pool Lake, Apr 15 – When I got my bike, I wasn’t really interested in racing. But then I discovered how fun it could be to go fast. And then I discovered the duathlon, a run-bike race. It’s a triathlon without the swimming, which doesn’t really appeal to me anyway. This one is on a smooth, flat course that should produce fast times. I tried a simulation of the event on Saturday by running 2 miles, riding 6.5, and running 2. It felt great! Running is more physically challenging for me, so the ride broke up the runs into more manageable segments and gave my knees a rest. I hope to compete in the long distance: 5k run, 19 mile ride, 5k run. Goal: Finish under 1:50

So there you have it. I can train for speed over the next six weeks to prepare for a good time at the Jingle Bell Run and switch to long-distance running through February. I’ll stay on the bike during this time to strengthen my legs, burn some fat, and give my knees a break while still fitting in cardio work. After Cowtown, I’ll aim for a balance of running and riding to train for the duathlon. Running should be my stronger event, but I hope to put up a decent ride as well.

Eyes on the prize, baby.