Even Superman needs practice
I am NOT a runner. Not at all. I hate running, and I’m not very good at it. It’s not that I get tired or sore, but I just think it’s more boring than watching paint dry. Music doesn’t help. Neither does getting outside. I can’t run on our new bike trail, and I can’t run more than a few laps on our school track before I’m ready to move on to something else. And fine…I also get tired and sore. I’ll admit. No fitness buff here. So, I have a huge respect for runners. When I hear than someone just went for a 5 mile run, I am truly impressed.
A few years ago, J signed up to run the Boston Marathon. Actually 9 years ago, just after we met. He was a runner, one of those people who enjoyed running 5+ miles, and barely broke a sweat. Marathons are just different. Not that I would EVER do it, but I understand what goes into it. People start to train months before. You need to get on a good schedule, consistently increase your mileage, and run regularly. You need to train. Period.
One of his good friends ran the marathon, too, and they were part of the same training team. They’d run a few times each week, and then a long run on Saturday mornings. Do you think J ever joined them? Good guess. Not only was it cold, but he had *this* (pointing two thumbs at myself), warm and snuggly, inviting him to stay sleeping in a nice cozy bed. It worked every time. Over time, his training went from sort-of regular, to non-existent. With a few weeks to the marathon, we thought he was screwed. Long story, short: he finished the race in a very respectable 4 hours and a few minutes.
Fast forward to now. 9 years, 2 kids, long hours at work, no regular gym or running schedule, and a, a-hem, couple of pounds later, he find himself in a similar situation. He, in some drug-induced haze, agreed to do a Mud Run. Imagine boot camp: running through mud, crawling under nets, climbing over things. Sounds fun, right? I didn’t think so. Oh, and it’s sponsored by the Marines. Yes, the United States Marine Corps. Because they aren’t tough or anything. There has been no training (his race day nickname is J “I don’t need no stinking training” Z) whatsoever, and I don’t think he has any idea what he’s in for. He thinks that worst part of the post-race is going to be getting the mud off. I’m pretty sure he isn’t even going to be able to lift himself out of the car to get to the shower. I’m not helping. No way. For the last several weeks, I’ve encouraged him to get out for a run. Occasionally, he did. Usually, it was met with, “I’ll get up early and go before work.” There were no pre-work runs. Not one. I did my part.
J’s sister has done this torture Mud Run before. I got her on the phone yesterday to tell her that J thinks he is running the race, taking a shower and then off to play tennis. 10 minutes of hysterical laughter later, she said that likely was NOT going to be the case, and she would make a bed up for him while we’re all out having fun.
Oh, and did I mention that the day after the race we are driving 15 hours? By we, I’m guessing that means me.
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Posted by LZ on September 14, 2009
Filed under: Favorite Posts, Love, Honor, OBEY
Tags: mud run, race
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September 14, 2009
Twitter: ThetaMom
Thinking of that Mud Run and I am already tired and out of breath! LOL
Yeah, 15 hours the next day in a car, you will be driving alone girl. He’ll be so sore and tired!
Theta Mom´s last blog ..These Are Days
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September 14, 2009
I’m pretty sure he won’t offer himself up for any more physical events following this one. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain.
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September 14, 2009
Ha! You are SO talking about all my 5-mile FB updates aren’t you!
Yeah… he’s delusional. I love guys that say “oh I can totally just power through it and be fine.” Please please please take some pics of the aftermath. Have fun driving 15 hours. Gah.
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September 14, 2009
All I can say is: good luck and I sure am glad I’m not doing any Mud Run! I’m with you on not loving to run; I’d rather do just about anything else. Be sure to let us know how it goes!
Lynette Mattke´s last blog ..Go Away, Big Green Monster! – But Don’t Go Too Far
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September 14, 2009
Twitter: SassyModernMom
I am just a wee bit scared for him…and you. That is going to be a long drive for you with him whining for 15 hours!! LOL Good luck
ModernMom´s last blog ..Gluttony
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September 14, 2009
I hate running too. I got into it for a tiny bit because I needed to, not because I liked it. I don’t understand the love for running. No ammount of motivation could get me to love it. I hope your hubbs can move after his adventure! I’m doubtful, but here’s to hoping!
Kameron´s last blog ..Random Ramblings
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September 14, 2009
I can’t wait to see the fall out. 9 years and your body changes significantly. When I was expecting my first I was young, fit, and my body bounced back with relative ease. By the time I got through with the 4th pregnancy 10 years later, I was no longer young, still working on the fit, and my body rebelled strenuously about getting back into anything resembling my former size. Just keep the ice and ibuprophen handy.
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September 14, 2009
Sounds like hell in mud. My husband decided to do a 10k race 5 years ago, not a runner and did no training whatsoever, and completed race in 1 hour. Was in agony for a day after, but did it still. Yes, I’m thinking you will be the designated driver the next day.
Lady Mama´s last blog ..Why I failed at sleep training
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September 14, 2009
Wow. Good for him!
I used to be a runner (my first race was at 13 and I wore blue jeans. I know, embarrassing!) but haven’t gone for a run in maybe, hmm, 10 years?
But the silly thing is, I still THINK of myself as a runner. After two kids, so many cases of wine and a screwed up ankle I just might get out there again. Any day now…
Amanda´s last blog ..Dude. It’s Called City Living
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September 15, 2009
Haha! Have fun listening to him complain on that 15 hour drive. I’ll pray for you! I was on our stationary bike a total of 5 minutes last night before I was out of breath and too tired to continue….I’d like to see myself attempt that mud run. It would be quite comical!
jenna´s last blog ..Gepetto
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September 15, 2009
I have several friends that run in marathons… it’s like a crazy addiction… AND they always end up with bad knees, broken toes… I have one friend that was very proud of herself for finishing the Boston Marathon even though she had broken 2 toes on one foot… I was like – - what the H is so COOL ABOUT THAT?
Ry Sal´s last blog ..To Be or Not to Be … Mr. CO’D
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September 15, 2009
I can’t wait for your follow-up post! You will share, won’t you? I’m with you. Have never seen the appeal for running. My sister and brother-in-law do marathons and they’ve tried to explain it to me but I still don’t get it.
Jane´s last blog ..Tunes for Tuesday – Sometime Around Midnight
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September 16, 2009
Thanks so much for leaving a comment on our blog. By the way your post about your husband’s Mud run is hilarious. Enjoy your 15 hour drive-hopefully he won’t be moaning the entire time of his aching muscles and pain.
Sherean
Sherean Malekzadeh Allen´s last blog ..Diapers: Your New Identity Fraud Protector (Works for Me)
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September 16, 2009
Wow.. good luck to him. That sounds scary and hard and it’s something I would never want to do – although – the challenge to do something like that might be really cool! I imagine if I trained for that, and actually did it, I’d be in GREAT shape! I so need to start working out!
I also hate running… find it boring… and hard… I get out of breath so quickly!
Loukia´s last blog ..Random bits of entertainment news
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September 16, 2009
I so understand what you mean about running. I think watching paint dry would be more fun myself. Music really doesn’t cut it for me either. I think there are better forms of exercise that don’t pound the crap out of your body and aren’t so monotonous. I am proud to say I have finally found my kind of exercise. I love swimming and water aerobics. I do like that you were thoughtful enough to give your husband reminders. I hope he survives the race!!!
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September 16, 2009
Good Luck to him! I’d do it. I am still training for a marathon now, even though it is the beginning of the year, 2 kids, full time job…I am insane! He’ll do it!
Sara @ Domestically Challenged´s last blog ..Football Speak
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September 16, 2009
Twitter: noreturnmom
He might actually feel okay until about 48 hours after the race. But especially after the long car ride, the delayed onset muscle pain will be brutal. The thing about getting older is we can pull off one event without much training, but then be out of commission for twice as long. Get him to start popping ibuprofen as soon as he crosses the finish line. And good luck!
Deb´s last blog ..I have a doctor’s note
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September 22, 2009
[...] got muddy…(for more on this, click here.) He did great in the Mud Run. I will NOT be attempting to run one. [...]
October 4, 2009
I’m not a runner, either. Good luck to him and you (since you’ll be the one to have to take care of him).
Amy´s last blog ..Barnum & Bailey Ticket Giveaway
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