Monday, June 15, 2015

Hood to Coast 74 Days Away - Why?

The question comes up as to why I want to run this race. I first heard about Hood to Coast a few years ago when a documentary came out about it. The film follows various teams and their journey. Stories include; first time runners who have no clue what they've gotten themselves into; a woman who had died briefly with a heart attack the previous year and was coming back; a family who had lost a loved one; a group of men(jocks) who love the race and running, and more. 

What I found fascinating was their desire to run, be part of a team, and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Most of all I appreciated the challenges each had. I love a challenge. I love the idea that it's you challenging whatever comes up on the run. Typically this is why I run marathons. While this is not a marathon, it is a kind of marathon. It's endurance over a period of time. The marathon is one long race. This is a combination of races you have to do within a certain period of time. 

Once I saw this film, I knew I wanted to run this race - somehow. Now, thanks to my company, I have the opportunity. I had this opportunity last year, but something called a heart attack kept me from running it. Anyone who knows me, knows how devastated I was about not running Hood to Coast. I've spent the last year talking to anyone about how I want to do this. Now I can.

Other members of my team have various reasons for running it. Some are just happy to have won a contest and are happy to be running. Others may have had this as a goal. Some were advised to do the race. We are all training in various ways. I've already laid out my training plan. 

Everyday I try to read up on the race so there are few surprises. I think my staff would like me to shut up about Hood to Coast. I am prone to be of over excitement about it. I have 74 days to train and stay healthy....and I can and will.

Charlie

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