Lasting Fitness Memories

This Saturday, the Annual Hilton Head Island Bridge Run takes place, and when I got the registration in the mail, many memories filled my mind.  This 10K was my very first running event, and it’s been an annual ritual each year since.  Having run a few races in between my first and second bridge run, it was surprising to me how much I recalled from my first run as I was along the route the next year.  I remembered the point at which my nerves dwindled and I settled into my pace; the exhilaration of seeing the first place male on their way back to the finish line, and even more the first place female (Go Ladies!).  I remember seeing another runner pass me, having already gotten to the turnaround, only for me to pass him again as he lost his breakfast over the bridge.  I remember the burst of energy I felt as I kicked in the last mile, and the support of my friend at the finish line, who’d encouraged me to sign up for it in the first place.

Since those first 2 years, I’ve ran this race six months pregnant, next as my first event post-partum, and here I am now, about to run it for a sixth time, this time being four months pregnant.  This event has become more than merely a race.  It’s the time in which I reflect on my life – what’s happened in the past year, what lies in the near future, and then also the imagination of what’s even beyond.  I reflect on everything from my fitness, my career, to my family.

I was honestly contemplating on not registering this year.  With confidence and energy running low, not feeling that I’m in as good of shape as I was the past two years even, I wasn’t certain I wanted to go through with it.  But when I think about how much more it means to me than just getting through 6.2 miles, I know I would regret not doing it even more than completing it at a slower pace. 

I share this story with you because, over the past few months especially, I’ve witness how truly meaningful events like 5Ks and triathlons have been for some of our guests at H3.  We have them on our program schedule from time to time, and even run a few private events for our own group.  Many of our guests arrive without a single thought of ever trying a 5K or triathlon… but here, they do it, they succeed at it, and they love it.  Whether it’s the competition, the charity, or the social aspect that turns you on to an event, it’s hard not to find something that you will enjoy about it.  As your mother always says, “Try it, you’ll like it!”

If you need a little boost in your workout routine, or want something to look forward to, sign up for your first 5K today!  You can go to www.active.com to search for events in your area, and we have resources here on H3 Daily to help you train to your best!  If you’ve already got a an event or two under your belt, share your story here.  See ‘ya out on the road!