When Stephanie asked me to guest-edit this week's Extra Mile newsletter, I spent a few weeks unsure of what to write, turning various ideas over in my head and discarding them. During last week's freezing rain and this past weekend's cool breezes, I spent each run trying to find a moment that would be worth writing about (and worth your time reading). And while those runs were full of conversation with running buddies and satisfaction at overcoming some truly miserable weather, no hill or final mile stood out from those in countless other runs.

This past week, I talked with one of the participants in our No Boundaries program who will be running her first 5k at the O'Hartford run in a few weeks. She talked about how excited she was to complete her first 5k after all the progress she made over the past months of training. This is a frequent conversation topic with No Boundaries participants, and so while I was excited for her, I did not think much of it after she left the store.

A few nights later, I was flipping through a scrapbook of old photos and race numbers from when I ran cross-country and track at Conard High School. What I found on the very first page was a photo that I had forgotten: myself at fourteen, a red and gray singlet a size too large drooping off my shoulders, nervous and excited on the starting line of one of my first 5k races ever. Looking at that picture, my mind snapped back to the No Boundaries participant as I realized that she had that exact same look of nervous excitement for her first 5k as I did for mine twelve years ago.

Whether you are training to run or walk your first 5k, complete your first half or full marathon, try track workouts for the first time, or embark on a program of health and fitness, everyone has the opportunity this year to experience that nervous excitement of starting something new and unknown.

 

It's a great way to meet new friends and running partners.  Since it's dark at 6:30pm now, please be sure to wear reflective vests or other gear so you stay safe!  Don't have anything reflective?  Come early and borrow one of ours.

 

Meet at the store.  Dress Warm!