The Running Bug

I have to confess I don't like running very much. I guess it has a lot to do with growing up playing team sports where running was either punishment or conditioning and neither were much fun. However, in the last 15 months I've discovered road races. Training for them? Not much fun, but actually running in the event has been great. I've now completed 6 races....2 15k's(9.3 miles) 1 10k(Bridge Run)and 3 5k's. It certainly helps to stay in shape when there is a goal to reach at the end. Running the actual race is made easier because you're with a bunch of people and you can keep a little adrenaline with you.
I got hooked thanks to a friend who is a personal trainer, Mel O'Keefe at East Shore Athletic Club in Mt P.(www.tinapl.com) He once ran 52 races in 52 weeks to raise money for Team in Training. He's a good guy to have running beside you in the middle of the 9.3 mile Charlie Post Classic last Saturday.
The Charlie Post is a great race on Sullivans Island. A few observations from a still inexperienced runner.....there's always a huge line at the porta potty at the start line....you'll always see some 10 year old kid beating the pants off of you....and as much as you feel like tripping the kids you really shouldn't, race organizers frown on that type of thing....you'll see some serious male runners who go shirtless and have shaved for the event, does it really take seconds off your time?.....you'll end up with a bad song in your head (For me Saturday it was a children's song my kids don't even listen to anymore. My worst experience may have been in the Reindeer Run in Charleston in December. A group of volunteers were stationed throughout the course to give encouragement to the runners. This particular group's idea of motivation was to sing "Eye of the Tiger". Had that song in my head the last 2 miles, just a man and his will to survive.)....Post and Courier running writer David Quick is REALLY quick....attractive female runners don't appreciate it when you "draft" off of them to avoid the wind.
My next race? Who knows, but I know I won't enjoy training for it.

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