I never thought of myself as someone who could run.
In fact, I have many not-so-fond memories of barely making it through the one-mile test in grade school gym classes, finishing the course keeled over, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. (If you’ve ever fought your way through cardio, then you’ll know the exact feeling I’m describing.)
Towards the end of high school, I decided to challenge myself to run a mile each morning on the treadmill before school. And I did, but I never learned to enjoy the exercise. It helped me wake up, yes. It helped me feel strong. But it was never something I looked forward to or enjoyed, not really.
I fell out of running pretty soon after arriving at college for my freshman year. It wasn’t something I thought about, let alone missed, for years afterward — until my wonderful and intimidatingly athletic squad of Monitor friends/colleagues decided to run Rock’N Race last spring.
A few months prior, they encouraged me to join. I initially laughed the idea off, telling them (and myself) that there was no way I could run a 5K. I couldn’t even run a mile anymore.
But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be someone who could run a 5K. Or not even a 5K — I just wanted to be someone who could run. So, I signed up. I started hitting the treadmill at the gym each morning before work. At first, I huffed and puffed my way through one singular mile, week after week, drenched in sweat and self-doubt. Then I started incrementally adding distance, pushing myself a little further each time, even if only by 0.01 miles. It all added up, I told myself.
And it did. When the weather got a little warmer and the ice melted from the sidewalks, I hit the pavement outside. For my first-ever Concord outdoor run, I wanted to see how far I could make it without stopping. (The answer: Not far at all.) Turns out the air in my gym and the crisp air of the great outdoors do very different things to my lungs, so I needed to catch my breath far more than anticipated. But I went back the next day and got further than I ever had on the treadmill. Within a week, I could run three miles. I think the exhilaration of the scenery and the wind on my face was the push I needed to get to the metaphorical finish line.
A few weeks later, I ran Rock’N Race. It was harder than I thought, in large part thanks to the many hills. But the energy of the runners, the cheers of the musicians and the steady beat of my own heart carried me through to the end.
I’ll be running this year with my friends again, no longer riddled with skepticism of my own abilities. I actually run most mornings now, too. I’ve learned to enjoy it far more than I ever thought possible.
And if you’ve ever wanted to run a 5K — or even if you’ve never wanted to but always wondered if you could — then I cannot encourage you enough to just go for it. Challenge yourself. And relish the feeling of surprising yourself when you reach the finish line. It’s worth it, I promise!
This year’s annual Rock’N Race is happening next Wednesday in downtown Concord, and it’s not too late to sign up! You don’t even have to run if you don’t want to. In fact, plenty of people walk. The event’s proceeds go to supporting cancer patients and their families at Concord Hospital’s Payson Center for Cancer Care HOPE Resource Center.
The race begins at 6 p.m. and features live music throughout the course, as well as delicious food from community vendors afterwards on the State House Lawn. If you’re on the fence about signing up, I hope this gives you that final push of encouragement.
Check out https://runsignup.com/Race/NH/Concord/RockNRace for all the information you need.
I know I just spent all this time waxing poetic about running, but there are other events happening, too, I promise.
InTown Concord is kicking off the season with First Friday tomorrow evening downtown. Many stores keep their doors open until 8 p.m, as do local galleries. Food trucks will bring fun dinner options to the area, while live music provides ample entertainment. This month, themed Petals & Pedals, features a tree tour, flower pot decorating, a community bike ride, a build-your-own bouquet bar, rock painting and the Concord Arts Market.
Come downtown between 4-8 p.m. for some quality community time. Check out www.firstfridayconcord.com to learn more.
And to add some music to your weekend, consider attending the Concord Chorale’s performance of “The German Requiem.” The singers will be joined by an orchestra and professional soloists. You can attend the Saturday show at 7 p.m. or the Sunday show at 3 p.m. Both will take place at St. Paul’s Church on Park Street. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Students can enter for free.
For more information, visit concordchorale.org.
That’s all for now, since I spent so long talking about running. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
