Motivation - 5 years later

Some of the motivational themes I uncovered from last weekend's race:  

• Either you RUN the day or the day RUNS you.

• There will be days I don't know if I can do a Half-Marathon. There will be a lifetime knowing I have. 

• I do not run to add days to my life... add life to my days. 

• I took the road less traveled by, now where the heck am I?

• Being a mom is like running a marathon. Every. Single. Freaking. Day.

Ok, so the last one doesn't really apply to me but I thought it struck a cord.    

Time to wrap up this theme.  I'm quite sure ya'll are tied of hearing about last week's jog (I am) and would really rather hear more about the dogs or car shopping or the squirrel in my attic or my latest Netflix movie so I am going to wrap up this meme.

I don't want to bore you guys with all the little details about my run last weekend, but, for some reason, ShadowRun300 is seeking some of my advice about running a half marathon.  I am truly humbled.  So, SR300, this one's for you.  First of all, I am not a serious runner.  In my book, I am still holding my amateur status.  I eat the wrong stuff, drink too much, don’t run as much as I ought to and my training is, to put it mildly, is sloppy.  The mere fact I have stumbled my way through 5 half-marathons just goes to show that, if I can do it, anyone can.  I've learned the system, how to prepare, how to run a half-marathon and walk away with out a limp. 

For the past 5 years, I signed up for this gig in the summer with all sorts of enthusiasm.  And each passing year, around Thanksgiving, I come to question why I keep doing this.  Too old, knees hurt too much, not in shape, work interferes, no time to train, not serious about the run.  All good reasons to bail on the whole deal, but somehow I keep coming back for another round.  ShadowRun, to me, the key to doing this gig is motivation.  All the training in the world won't matter anything if you don't have the right motivation.  From your training runs so far, I have no doubt that you will breeze through the 13.1 mile course with no problem.  Although, I hear "the Hill" is a real bear.  I am expecting to see a sub 8:00 pace.  Good luck and good running.   

Somewhere around mile 10, I was starting to question my resolve.  That's when I gently remind myself why the hell I am doing this in the first place.  After all, it has ONLY been  5 years since since I became "new & improved".  

Yep.  It's that time of the year again when I climb up on my soap box and become a spokesperson for Prostate Cancer awareness.  5 years ago today, I was donning that stylish backless hospital gown and getting ready for my procedure.  Several hours later, I came out on the other side  nauseated from the anesthetics, sporting a wicked scar, and prostate free.   Prostate cancer is one the leading causes of death for men just as Breast cancer is with women.  Annual statistics say that over 280,000 men are diagnosed with Prostate cancer each year.  A simple, precautionary PSA test can save you a world of grief.  As I have said before, this crap is preventable, if you catch it early enough.  The point is, if you have a set of cojones (or know of someone who does), get checked out.  I can attest it is a fairly easy, relatively painless, simple (blood test).  A little prick is a small price to pay to be aware.  Guys avoid it sometimes because of the discomfort of getting a package check.  Embarrassing?  Get over it.  I am too old to GAS anymore and proof that, if you catch it early, you can beat it.  So, if you are a guy skirting 50, if you know of a guy over 50, if your brother/dad/son are getting on in years, please insist  demand/nag/plead to get checked out.  Life’s way too short to gamble with your health.  I am a testament to the fact it does not have to be a fatal diagnosis.  I got checked out, dealt with it and I am still here after 5 years enjoying good beer and fine scotch and life in general and I am not making plans to go anywhere just yet.  Ok. I am getting down off the soapbox now.