I have been thinking a lot over the past several weeks about my online name. Six years ago, I chose MommyCanRun for my gmail account. It is my screen name for nearly every account I have. When Twitter came along, naturally, I went with it for my Twitter handle. Lately, however, I have been questioning whether or not I have earned the name. Sure, I can choose whatever screen name is available. Nonetheless, with a screen name such as this I feel like it is a title to be earned and not something to be taken so willy nilly, loosey goosey.
Can Mommy run? That is the big question.
Saturday, I am taking it to the track to find out. I am going to be running longer and farther than I have in months: 30 minutes. It seems so trivial to me. 30 minutes. I ran for over five hours to run a marathon (Yeah, I am slow. Point and mock, if you dare.) and that was not small feat to accomplish. I built it up with little runs here and tack on a few extra minutes there, until I was ready to run an entire 26.2 mile distance. Saturday, I am going to the track for the orientation and first run for the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon training with the San Diego Track Club.
When I ran that first marathon, I had a six month old. I started running as soon as I had clearance to run. I had come off a six month stint of bed rest and a c-section, I was so ready to run again. During my bed rest, I would watch the people running past our house and I looked forward to when I could run again. I had my doubts. I also had a level of determination I have not been able to replicate. Until now.
With the health issues of last year in the not-so-distant past, I feel better. I am happier, healthier, and feel better. There is something comforting in that. I have changed some very bad habits in the course of a year or so. I have some work to do. I have many more healthy changes to implement, but I am motivated to become a better me. Bit by bit, little by little, I am finding that determination.
It is a big, scary step and I have hesitated over the past week or so. I know I am going to be slow. I miss the camaraderie I had with my fellow track clubbers, when I was doing regular races. I know I will be supported both online and IRL. It still does not stop those little fears from creeping in.
When I lace up my shoes on Saturday, I have to forget the butterflies in my stomach and remember that MommyDidRun a marathon, MommyCanRun and MommyWillRun again.
I am in the running to become the next Mamavation Mom. Please help me out by tweeting out the following message:
Hey @bookieboo! I want @mommycanrun to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y
For the people you know who are only on Facebook, please post on the Mamavation Facebook Fan page and tell them why I would make a good Mamavation Mom.
Yeah, Irene! I was looking for YOU and AKA Alice yesterday. I am so glad I'll be able to hang out with you guys! See you Tuesday? xoxo
I also signed up for the SDTC RNR training program for 2012. I have to work just about every other weekend, so I didn't make the first meeting. I look forward to seeing you there when I do go!