The Big Two Zero
September 24, 2012As a coach, I’ve been known to raise my eyebrows when a runner blows off his or training plan and runs an unwise distance for a long run. As a runner, I’ve been know to blow off my training plan and run an unwise distance for a long run. Today, I left for what was supposed to be a 16 miler and then I changed my mind out of the longing to snag a Two Zero. There’s magic in that number. When you see your first Two Zero on your Garmin, the angels sing in heaven. And as far as I’m concerned, that feeling hasn’t changed. It registers a holiness for me. I can’t imagine a Three Zero yet, but it’s on the horizon, I’m sure.
I consider 26.2 to be hallowed ground, but in my spirit, a Two Zero holds a unique place all its own. So, here are my reasons for that, which should be enough to justify blowing off my training plan:
Because you get to eat waffles with your red wine at dinner.
Because you only have the babysitter for three hours or you’d have run longer.
Because there are days when it takes 20 miles to feel good.
Because you stayed up til 3 a.m. and running on fumes looks like an interesting experiment in stamina.
Because sometimes shredding your body heals everything else.
Because you idolized Heather Locklear growing up, and she said you’re worth it in a L’Oreal (or was it Clairol) commercial, even though she probably wasn’t talking about running 20 miles.
Because you will be more present for your child if you give him 3 hours with a sitter, and by the way, this makes perfect sense, which you proved when your son closed the day with, “This was the most awesome day ever, Mama. Thank you.”
Because it takes 20 miles to get ready for a Pokemon battle.
Because your legs didn’t stop.
Because Bruce sings, “I want the heart, I want the soul, I want control right now” and you usually decide to take what you can get, i.e., the latter.
Because you need to prove you can, duh.
And so you do.
How do you do that? Seriously? Do you just wake up in the morning and decide to be an incredibly inspirational person? Most inspirational stuff I read is cheesy flighty stuff that floats in the clouds, yours is right down here on earth in the dirt and the sweat, the pain and the sacrifice, and the triumph (in all of its forms). Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
Because being able to change distances mid-run to a longer run, let’s you know you’re in good shape.
Because being able to run 20 miles on command makes hammering for 3.1 miles much easier.
Because when you’re heading down Boylston Street, passing dozens of people, you will thank yourself…
Perfect : )