Kris Jacobs Has Never Run a 10K, Until Now.
75 days…The clock is ticking. The Nike+ Human Race is coming up on 8.31.08, and I can’t wait. As a first time runner in a 10K, I have, like most recreational runners, been considering running a race for the last 8 or 9 years. So why did it take so long for me to actually get out there and, “run in the crowd? Well, as they say, that’s a bit of a long story.
Ten years ago, I was probably one of the least well-conditioned 28 year-olds around. I was not eating well, was smoking, and generally working too much without taking care of myself. Lucky for me, even in my dilapidated state, I managed to meet someone. My then girlfriend, now wife, Laura, somehow convinced me to go running one day. Now, I used to have a rule about running, and that was you should only run when someone is chasing you. I would like to say that I had an epiphany that day, and that I was hooked immediately, but to be honest, I was concentrating on not embarrassing myself or losing my breakfast to think about the long term benefits of a fitness program. Later however, after the nausea and fear wore off, I realized that I felt better, less stressed, and generally more at peace after a run.
Over the last ten years, I have had my peaks and valleys in terms of keeping up with my running schedule. We have been blessed with two wonderful children (think about trying to figure out the logistics of running with a one year-old and a four year-old and keeping them entertained while you do), and life’s normal schedule often keeps me from getting on the road as much as I would like. In all that time, I can’t say I never considered running in an organized race, but somehow, it never happened. Until now…I will be running the Nike+ Human Race 10K in Los Angeles. And I've even gotten a head start on my training, earning my 100 mile Nike+ certificate in May. No resting on my laurels, however. Gotta keep running...
Ten years ago, I was probably one of the least well-conditioned 28 year-olds around. I was not eating well, was smoking, and generally working too much without taking care of myself. Lucky for me, even in my dilapidated state, I managed to meet someone. My then girlfriend, now wife, Laura, somehow convinced me to go running one day. Now, I used to have a rule about running, and that was you should only run when someone is chasing you. I would like to say that I had an epiphany that day, and that I was hooked immediately, but to be honest, I was concentrating on not embarrassing myself or losing my breakfast to think about the long term benefits of a fitness program. Later however, after the nausea and fear wore off, I realized that I felt better, less stressed, and generally more at peace after a run.
Over the last ten years, I have had my peaks and valleys in terms of keeping up with my running schedule. We have been blessed with two wonderful children (think about trying to figure out the logistics of running with a one year-old and a four year-old and keeping them entertained while you do), and life’s normal schedule often keeps me from getting on the road as much as I would like. In all that time, I can’t say I never considered running in an organized race, but somehow, it never happened. Until now…I will be running the Nike+ Human Race 10K in Los Angeles. And I've even gotten a head start on my training, earning my 100 mile Nike+ certificate in May. No resting on my laurels, however. Gotta keep running...
