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Rebranding myself for a new challenge
Even though I took it up relatively late in life, running is part of my identity. My faraway family and friends inquire about my running, and I frequently broach the subject with new friends and colleagues to find kindred spirits. And 50% of the time, people who don’t know my running habits well ask me if I run “that race up that mountain,” referring, ostensibly, to the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Before last month, my response was always the same: “I’m definitely crazy, but I’m not that particular brand of crazy.”
Depending on the audience, I might go on a bit about what a great race it is, but how I generally prefer flatter surfaces in race situations. I might note that several friends I admire deeply have run the race, confessing that they just might have greater mental fortitude than I do.
After an injury a few years ago, I came back with a new appreciation for running and a new training philosophy: to have fun. Forget formal training plans. No tempo ladders, no hill repeats. Just get out there and run as long and hard as feels good on a particular day. Make sure you have enough breath to be courteous to those around you (saying hello, alerting a walker to a pass, thanking race volunteers). And guess what? It worked. I shaved 45 seconds off every mile I’ve run since.
Let’s face it: running directly up a 14,000 foot mountain is not (for most) inherently fun. So I never really considered the Triple Crown, though I ran the Garden a couple of times and volunteered at the Roundup with my niece one year.
And then something happened. A friend poked me on Facebook and urged me to consider running the Triple Crown this year. I had been putting down respectable times (though not elite by any stretch of the imagination – races with non-age group podium finishes featured tiny fields of competitors) in the few flat races I had entered for a year or two, and I was on the cusp of a new age group. As a result of this gentle prodding, I said “why not?” to the Triple Crown. Then the most humbling, amazing thing happened: I was selected as a member of the PikesPeakSports.us team.
So it’s with the support of an amazing team, several other friends who’ve promised to train and run with me, and cherished friends and family who’ve committed to cheering me on that I fully embrace this challenge.
Will every second of preparation and execution of the Triple Crown be fun? Probably not. Will it be worth it? Most definitely. And if I can do this, ANYONE can.
Views: 317
Comment
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Comment by Kristy Milligan on May 7, 2013 at 7:40am
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Thank you so much, Ron, for all you do, and especially for this opportunity!
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Comment by Ron Ilgen on May 6, 2013 at 11:13am
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Kristy, Best of luck with your TCR journey! It's a special accomplishment and one you'll remember always. If there's anything I can do to help, please just ask. And thank you for the nice card.
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Comment by Danielle Spivey on May 6, 2013 at 8:21am
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It's all yours to use!
I'm one of Dave Mulligan's running buddies, I'm excited to cheer on team
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Danielle,
run happy
even uphill
might be the coolest sign-off ever. :)
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I love what you said about no training schedules, as I believe that's the secret to life long running, just running what your up to each day. :)
Run happy
Even uphill
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Thanks, David! I had a bit of time this morning, and since I believe in doing what one can, when one can... here we are.
Ryan, I totally agree about the shared camaraderie on the trail - it's why, when I meet new people, I often lead with "I'm a runner." I look forward to running with you as well - I think you're faster than I, but in training, all that means is you get to do more talking. :)
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Comment by David Mulligan on May 5, 2013 at 5:31pm
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Nice lead-off hit Kristy!
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Comment by Ryan Johnson on May 5, 2013 at 12:20pm
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Great post, Kristy! I have to echo what you and Tim said...no matter how serious I am, trying to engage the "eye of the tiger", whether in a race or just out on the trail, I always make it a point to wave, smile, and (if I have any breath left) say "good morning/afternoon/evening". Sometimes I get smiles back, sometimes I get quizzical "do I know you?" looks, and sometimes I get completely ignored, but I remain undeterred. The comraderie you find on the trail is unlike just about anywhere else, and leaves you feeling encouraged, empowered, and helps make that burning in your lungs a little less painful! I'm looking forward to running with someone who carries the amazing sense of community that she employs in her work onto the trail! :-)
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Thanks, Tim!!! Maybe I'll see you out there today!
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Comment by Tim Bergsten on May 5, 2013 at 8:15am
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Kristy, reading your words has fired me up for today's long run. Nice work. And I really love this: "be courteous to those around you (saying hello, alerting a walker to a pass, thanking race volunteers.)" I'm inspired by other trail users, runners, walkers and cyclists. I always try to say hello.
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