My Mini Journey

If you know me, you know I am a passionate person and have great passion for health, fitness and football, to name a few.  One of the things that I have also been passionate about is how much I hate running long distance!  Growing up, running long distance was as bad as eating my vegetables or cleaning my room.  I have never had a problem running sprints but running longer distances was my ‘enemy’.  In terms of body types and if you know anything about muscle fibers, I am more of a ‘fast twitch’ type of a guy.  During high school football, one of our ways to condition was by running five 350's.  A 350 is one timed lap around the field equaling about 350 yards traveled.  Our Defensive Backs were given 50 seconds to complete the 350 while Linebackers were given 55 seconds and Defensive Linemen 65 seconds.  I will never forget my excitement, after being moved from Safety to Outside Linebacker, when I realized that I was going to get an extra 5 seconds to complete my 350's!  I believed I had to work harder at running longer distances than most people because my short legs provided me with short strides and I was unable to cover the same amount of distance as those with longer legs.  Now I know that is nothing but a poor excuse, but I used it to train my brain to believe that running long distance was not for me. 

Sometime in November I was having dinner with a friend from college and we began discussing the Indianapolis Mini Marathon.  My friend ran the Mini last year and really enjoyed herself and felt very accomplished after completing the race.  Running a marathon is something I simply knew I would never attempt to do – after all, I don’t have the right ‘body type’.  I did not like to run long distance so why on earth would I run a marathon?  The longest race I have ever run was the 5K Cat Race in Carmel a few years ago. After our long discussion about her experience with the Mini, I had come to the decision to sign up for the race!!  I needed a good challenge for myself heading into the year of 2012 and after being inspired by my friend Lindsay, we decided to become training partners.  I made up my mind - I was going to attack one of my biggest fears, running long distance, 13.1 miles to be exact.  

I did not make a New Years Resolution for 2012 but I have made the decision to run the Mini Marathon on May 5th.  Competitive people always need to fill that desire to compete, so this is the challenge to myself that I have made. I have set a goal to overcome my long-standing issue with long distance running.  The commitment and dedication to the preparation and training is going to be an important part of my journey to complete the Mini.   We don’t need to rely on resolutions to tackle our goals.  The timing of my goal happens to coincide with the start of the new year, but striving toward something fills a spot in me.  My goal is set and the theme I want to live by every day is: 'Wake Up With A Purpose".  Life moves fast and I am taking it upon myself to enjoy every day and lead a purposeful life.   I am able to enjoy every day because I love what I do and the people I work with.  My purpose is to make a difference every day for those I coach, teach, train and also for yours truly, by continually challenging myself and setting new goals.  Now I ask you - what are your current goals?   Make today your day and every day after it! 

-Coach Cole

Comments

[Heather Tutton]

Well said, Ryan! Good luck to you as you train and of course on May 5. You will kill it! I'm wondering if I should sign up again next year...maybe we can race!

[Kathy Murray Putta]

Hi Ryan,

I really enjoyed your article and I agree with your idea of the importance of setting a goal and having to work towards something. Unfortunately, I am 57 and can't enroll in your program, but I just completed the 60 day Bikram Yoga Challenge, where you attend a 90 minute yoga class every day. Besides feeling great physically and mentally, the challenge of doing something difficult everyday has made me realize I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to.

Good Luck on May 5!

Kathy

P.S. I am in Flordia with Ann and we are sitting on the porch overlooking the water! It is beautiful!