1st grade: T-ball
2nd grade: baseball (coach pitch or T-ball?)
3rd grade: basketball, baseball (coach pitch?)
4th grade: basketball, softball
5th grade: basketball, softball
Middle School: basketball, softball, volleyball
High School: swimming & waterpolo
Post-High School: nothing consistent :(
2009: this fall Eric and I did participate in a kickball league
However, despite this level of activity when we were charged with running the mile in P.E. class I developed some sort of mental and physical block. Specifically I remember one day in second grade when I struggled with the mile. I don't remember how much of it I ran; but I likely walked the majority of the way. What I do remember is being the last one done by a long shot. My PE teacher at the time excused the rest of my classmates and I had to complete the mile all by myself. All I remember is feeling like a disappointment and a failure as the PE teacher yelled at me to keep running and was clearly unimpressed by my resistance. Since that day, I decided I couldn't run and didn't want to run. Throughout the years I continued to have to complete the mile in PE and I would continue walking the majority of the way.
Another hang up I have regarding running involves how I run -- I feel like I never really learned. Maybe that sounds silly because running is supposed to come naturally -- as a flight skill. However, I had a coach (he would probably be hurt to know how this has effected me) who would tell me I was running flat footed. He was a former track athlete, so I took his advice to heart. But, I feel like I never really learned how to not run flat footed, or really what flat footed meant.
Why am I telling you this?
Because training for this marathon, learning to run, and consistently running with the goal of being able to run 5 miles is a BIG DEAL for me. Today I actually ran a mile for the first time since being forced my sophomore year in high school ... and I didn't do half bad. I did stop to walk twice; but I completed my first mile in 12 years on the treadmill in 13:40 seconds. This will be my baseline as I work over these next months -- wish me luck!
Good job Becky! I am excited you are blogging about this. Last year I made a goal of riding in a event that was 62 miles (which I did--and got peach pie at the end!). The most blogging I did was my FB status...but I think it will be awesome for you to go back and read it after you've accomplished your goal! Good Luck! (And I can't believe any Howard Elementary PE teacher would do that do you!--Horrible!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea! I appreciate your support -- 62 miles on the bike! That is insanity; when I need some biking motivation, I might ask you for a boost!
ReplyDeleteYou had a diversion to physical exercise. I became aware of this when one of your PE teachers (not CP) contacted me. It seems that one of your friends, Karen, didn't like PE and you followed along. This teacher spent some 1-on-1 time with you to help you get over it.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't force sports on you because you were a natural athlete -- we did so because it was good for you and kept you off the streets!
When you were in third or fourth grade, you were very timid about basketball, so we would yell from the stands, "Foul out, Becky!" The other parents were horrified, but we didn't care. You became a more aggressive athlete (and person) and we've never been able to reel you back in.
As far as the coach who told you you were a flatfooted runner -- he still walks on his toes. HIS coach put tacks in his heals to get him to stop being a flatfooted runner. I briefly considered it, but thought it might be considered child abuse.
I am very proud of you.
oops! Not diversion -- aversion? Where's a teacher when you need one??
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so excited for you. Can't wait to read about all your adventures in training. :)
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