Joined
·
3,699 Posts
<p>It's hard to believe it's been almost 12 years since I first took up running - at the age of 40, when most men my age were very comfortable in a middle aged sedentary lifestyle, I chose to start running - something to be frank - I never enjoyed! I'm not sure how I got to the point where I would even consider running 12.4 miles 12 years ago - but something clicked in me the first time I ran 10 miles without stopping! But in so doing, I found a place where I could be alone with my thoughts and solve the troubles of the day - where I had no distractions and could lose myself for the few hours on the road - and, an added benefit - I felt SO ALIVE.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>12 years later; and 30 pounds heaver - I'm longing for that feeling once again. The last time I ran Dam2Dam was 2006. A lot has happened in 5 years and none of it had a positive impact on my running; hence the 30 pounds extra.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For those who don't know, Dam2Dam is the largest 20KM run in the United states. I want to say it's about 25 years old now - The last I ran it in 2006 there were a 1/2 dozen runners who had run every event. I am sure there are a few who still haven't missed one!. If you've never ran it, or heard of it - the race starts at Saylorville Dam north of Des Moines, Iowa. The racers all line up on the west side of the dam and then run to Nolan Plaza in down town Des Moines. There is a small dam on the river down town (more like a spill way); hence the name Dam to Dam.</p>
<p><br>
The race is always ran the first weekend of June (this year - June 4th). It's a relatively easy 20Km run with the first 6 miles on either flat or downhill. Mile 7, as you cross over interstate 80/35 is a serious hill that is almost 1.5 miles long.. after that - there's really only one more hill. So the race itself, like I said is an easy one and a lot of fun! Plenty of music and - at least the last time I ran it: PLENTY OF BEER!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So why this thread and why this race? Simply, at 52 I'm in the worst shape I've been in probably my entire adult life. I weigh more than I ever have - I've been out of regular running for almost 4 years; and well, I miss it. It's a serious challenge for me to make it back to a point where I can run 20km. I've got a lot of reasons why I can't and don't run; but only one reason why I MUST run - I NEED IT!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll post my runs here and the weekly challenges of a middle aged guy who works long hours and carry's plenty of 'baggage' as I attempt to get back in shape to run my favorite race. By posting it here, it brings a level of accountability to myself to make sure I complete it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you can relate to my 'struggle', I'd love to get your input and comments. I'll be updating this thread a couple times a week. Thanks for following my "Return to Running"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>12 years later; and 30 pounds heaver - I'm longing for that feeling once again. The last time I ran Dam2Dam was 2006. A lot has happened in 5 years and none of it had a positive impact on my running; hence the 30 pounds extra.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For those who don't know, Dam2Dam is the largest 20KM run in the United states. I want to say it's about 25 years old now - The last I ran it in 2006 there were a 1/2 dozen runners who had run every event. I am sure there are a few who still haven't missed one!. If you've never ran it, or heard of it - the race starts at Saylorville Dam north of Des Moines, Iowa. The racers all line up on the west side of the dam and then run to Nolan Plaza in down town Des Moines. There is a small dam on the river down town (more like a spill way); hence the name Dam to Dam.</p>
<p><br>
The race is always ran the first weekend of June (this year - June 4th). It's a relatively easy 20Km run with the first 6 miles on either flat or downhill. Mile 7, as you cross over interstate 80/35 is a serious hill that is almost 1.5 miles long.. after that - there's really only one more hill. So the race itself, like I said is an easy one and a lot of fun! Plenty of music and - at least the last time I ran it: PLENTY OF BEER!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So why this thread and why this race? Simply, at 52 I'm in the worst shape I've been in probably my entire adult life. I weigh more than I ever have - I've been out of regular running for almost 4 years; and well, I miss it. It's a serious challenge for me to make it back to a point where I can run 20km. I've got a lot of reasons why I can't and don't run; but only one reason why I MUST run - I NEED IT!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll post my runs here and the weekly challenges of a middle aged guy who works long hours and carry's plenty of 'baggage' as I attempt to get back in shape to run my favorite race. By posting it here, it brings a level of accountability to myself to make sure I complete it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you can relate to my 'struggle', I'd love to get your input and comments. I'll be updating this thread a couple times a week. Thanks for following my "Return to Running"</p>
