On Friday evening, I ran into my boss as I was leaving the office. We made the usual small talk on the way out, “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” etc. He mentioned that he was playing in two adult soccer leagues over the weekend and attending a DC United game. I commented that I used to play soccer competitively and I still enjoyed watching soccer games. He suggested that I play in their coed game on Friday night. I smiled, mentioned other obligations and politely declined his offer.
Now, here’s what really happened…
When he suggested that I play soccer THAT NIGHT, I thought there is no way that I could play soccer with no notice. Best case scenario, I WOULD KEEL OVER AND DIE. Worst case scenario I would embarrass myself, my company and perhaps women in general. I haven’t played soccer in at least 10 years. I HAVEN’T RUN IN AT LEAST 10 YEARS. Those of you who know me well know that I had back surgery about 10 years ago. Today, I rarely have back pain and I have a relatively normal life. The trade off is that there are some things that went on my list of “Things I Just Can’t Do” a little early. Running is one of them. Playing soccer is another.
That evening I started thinking. Maybe there is an age at which my initial response will be merited. I don’t think that 29 is that age. So, on Friday night I was inspired. I decided to get on our treadmill and start running. I figured that I would warm up for a few minutes and then try to run. I figured two minutes was a good starting point. I ran for two minutes. My breathing was labored and I was sweating, but no heart attack. So I kept going. I ran for 5 minutes and still felt pretty good, so I ran for 10 minutes and then 15 minutes. It wasn’t pretty, but when I finished I felt like I could conquer the world!
I ran again on Saturday and then on Monday. You know what? I really like it. More than that, it challenged me to think about what else has been placed prematurely on that “list”. So, I want to encourage you to look at your own list. Think about the possibility that you may be stronger and more capable than you think.
Now, here’s what really happened…
When he suggested that I play soccer THAT NIGHT, I thought there is no way that I could play soccer with no notice. Best case scenario, I WOULD KEEL OVER AND DIE. Worst case scenario I would embarrass myself, my company and perhaps women in general. I haven’t played soccer in at least 10 years. I HAVEN’T RUN IN AT LEAST 10 YEARS. Those of you who know me well know that I had back surgery about 10 years ago. Today, I rarely have back pain and I have a relatively normal life. The trade off is that there are some things that went on my list of “Things I Just Can’t Do” a little early. Running is one of them. Playing soccer is another.
That evening I started thinking. Maybe there is an age at which my initial response will be merited. I don’t think that 29 is that age. So, on Friday night I was inspired. I decided to get on our treadmill and start running. I figured that I would warm up for a few minutes and then try to run. I figured two minutes was a good starting point. I ran for two minutes. My breathing was labored and I was sweating, but no heart attack. So I kept going. I ran for 5 minutes and still felt pretty good, so I ran for 10 minutes and then 15 minutes. It wasn’t pretty, but when I finished I felt like I could conquer the world!
I ran again on Saturday and then on Monday. You know what? I really like it. More than that, it challenged me to think about what else has been placed prematurely on that “list”. So, I want to encourage you to look at your own list. Think about the possibility that you may be stronger and more capable than you think.
3 comments:
What an inspiration! I have a list...but of things I want to do before I'm 30..running a marathon is one of them! So, as soon as I have this baby (and can manage to NOT get pregnant again) I'll start training again!
I keep going back and back and BACK to this entry. It is haunting me!!! (just kidding). As is our treadmill that is sitting in the basement, staring at me every time I walk past it to put in a load of laundry. :)
I think I blame the lack of exercise in my life on all the times we had to get up early in the morning and run when we were at TMM...and then, again, at ORU.
So, perhaps, PERHAPS...I will try to get on it this week. I'll let you know how it goes! ;o)
Okay A) YOU PLAYED COMPETITVE SOCCER??? You're an animal!
B) way to go. I don't even have a back surgery or injury excuse of any kind and I can't get myself to exert energy.
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