My running journey has only started a little over a year ago now (1 year and 10 days ago to be exact) and I am hoping that there are many more to come. But the longer I am running, I am starting to have the feeling that running is like a university and people pick different majors along the way. There are the people who get into running and start running every single race, they can get their hands/feet on. Some decide on a specific length. They become 5K sprinters or long distance runners. There are the people who, after having taken the introductory courses, move on to add more variety to their runs by adding swimming and biking and call it a triathlon. The masters of the studies used to be the marathoners, but in the last years, after evaluating the landscape of runners and looking what kind of "jobs" people were interested in, new "degrees" emerged and you can get a "doctorate" now by becoming an ultra runner or an iron man. I wonder sometimes what kind of final project it takes to be able to add the title to your name.
Bergmommy, UM & IM.... Hmm, doesn't quite sound like Dr. yet, but that could just be, because people haven't gotten used to the title yet.
Since the beginning of the year, I have started to think about, if it is time to declare a definite major for myself. I know, I could be one of the students that just keeps switching majors several times throughout, but I feel like at least for a few years, I could try on a specific major. Luckily, I don't have to be done in 2 - 4 years and can get as many "running degrees" as my heart desires.
For now, I think I will get my feet wet in trying some trail running. Or I will do it, once the trails are not only there for cross country skiers anymore. I will also see, how longer distances suit me. I can relax more in longer races, because I don't feel the pressure of improving my speed as much, since I am proud enough to cover the distance. Maybe I will just declare a major at the beginning of every running season and if I like it I might stick with it the next year.
Question is, if I keep switching majors all the time, will I ever be able to waive my diploma and throw my running cap in the air? And what should I wear to my graduation party??????
That is a GREAT analogy, Bine! You are absolutely right - each type of running race takes its own training and time, much like a course in school. I say, go for the race type that you enjoy the most and make a major of that. Speaking of, I hope that you enjoy trail racing! :) For myself and Harris, we are certainly majoring in the long, crazy running while we have both the time and ability!
ReplyDeleteIn my profession we were and are encouraged to pursue life long learning. read/learn/teach/pray frequently if not daily. So its not about the pursuit of degree or major for me, but a life style issue. From the time I learned I could die at 40 from diabetes and coronary heart disease I ran to out run death and family history. It was after I turned 60, avoided the consequences of diabetes, high triglycerides etc., that I started running with more of sense of joy and freedom. Now I'm gauging ambition against age and the desire to run for as many years as possible, avoiding that final injury. We all have our motivations; what matters is that we're out there!
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