Murphy’s Bye-Laws

It’s been better than a week since the quest behind the Fat Man Running fan page on Facebook came to a conclusion. Was it a successful conclusion? What were the goals – beyond actually running the race?  Valid questions, all.  Other valid questions could include: a query about the Fat Man’s future activities, especially as they relate to running, specifically; was there something to be learned in this whole story; and, finally, am I writing this in an appropriate medium where I can save the work without fear of the dreaded memory hole?

First, the main goal of the Fat Man Running was to prepare for and complete a 5K run.  Check. Secondarily, I wanted to run a complete race as best I could. By that I mean I didn’t just want to go through the motions and happen to finish; I intended to push myself for time and beyond the point of comfort. Let’s examine this one, shall we? In the course of my conditioning (I hesitate to use the word “training” and only sheepishly used “conditioning”) the most I had run was 2.75 miles, better than a quarter-mile short of the race length, in 29 minutes. The fastest I had run leading up to the race was 2 miles in 18 minutes. My split times for the race were 7:30 for the first mile, 17:50 for the second mile (this portion had a prolonged, significant hill climb – makes me tired just thinking about it), and my final race time 29:57 (give or take a second or two). I stayed in the race mentally and used the other runners to try to pace or catch them, and as a result came in under my pre-race best-case scenario time of a half-hour. All of those metrics are meant to say, “Yes, I believe I accomplished my goals.”

There were bonus insights achieved, as well. Answers to unasked questions have made themselves known. For instance, it turns out I am no longer a runner. I think everyone knew this when Fat Man Running started, but the question remained whether becoming a runner again was possible. But. like the middle-aged man in high-tops and jean jacket, sporting a mullet and driving his new corvette, I am never going to be what I once was – a revelation that, perhaps, everyone goes through as they age. So I’m not a runner, but the exercise made me feel good (mostly), which is a change from my typical lethargic state. Even though I’m not a runner, I may still take the occasional run here and there, but I have been encouraged to find other means of exercise; I just think I’ll stick to exercise more suited to my current self – like competitive eating.

Beyond the less-than-shocking realization that I won’t be a runner again, I reaffirmed the major role that mental preparation plays in running, specifically, but in all sports and activities. My mental conditioning started the day I first started running. While discussing my plans for training, I had grossly over-estimated my training routine. I was figuring on running 4-5 times per week instead of the 2-3 times per week I started with and the 1-2 times I ended with. Eventually, it became a quest to reach 3 miles per run before the race, just to know I could do it. Through all of the training runs, and to a lesser degree the race, I had to focus on keeping focused and keeping up a pace. This was mental training for endurance as much as physical, and I had discounted that briefly at my own risk of failure. This last lesson expands very broadly to all of life’s endeavors.

And finally, I’ve re-learned (and it isn’t the first time, either) that goals are important. I never really looked forward to running or enjoyed the act itself (though the daybreaks were sometimes breath-taking (ha!)), but the goal was important to me so I made it a priority. Since that goal has been reached, I haven’t had the inclination to run, not even a little bit. I’ve talked about it, always in the nebulous, indefinite future, but never made any kind of motion toward actually doing it. Without the goal and finish line, I know not where I am going or how to get there or even what direction to go. Sort of reminds me of my recent poem Shipwreck. Now, it is drift or sail; run or be run.