The Story of My Life

I had just shed about 75 pounds in 4 months with the help of Weight Watchers and from that point in April of 1975 I launched some lifestyle changes. Some good and some well not so good.  

I began a running regimen that seemed normal at first but then it took over my life so to speak as I would be running 2 and sometimes 3 times a day. I used to call 5 mile runs “junk runs” I was out of control soon after my 1st marathon in NYC that September.  In ’75 it was the last New York City Marathon (begun in 1970) still conducted in Central Park. The race was 4 times around that deceptively grueling course around the perimeter and by the time I had hit “Heartbreak Hill” for the 4th and final time I was a gelatinous mass. How I was able to cross that finish line was a tribute to my temporary insanity rather than any athletic ability I may have possessed.  My first time underneath that digital clock read 3 hours 53 minutes and 34 seconds. That time respectable for my 1st I would eclipse by a full hour when the race took to the streets in 1976.  When I ever hear the Rocky Theme I remember the many “boom boxes” blaring that tune throughout the race. By the time I heard it for the 3rd time I began to loathe it.  

Running was My Great Escape and it was long after my namesake Steve McQueen starred in the epic in 1963. Most of my friends back then kept asking me what was I running from? I found out later they were on to something I certainly was oblivious to.  

Spin Room

I have asked the question whether or not some of my spin mates are actually my friends or not? I used to think no they’re just acquaintances or a “fraintance” as I had dubbed them. More than an acquaintance but less than a friend I thought. Was I ever wrong! In fact some of you actually bristled at the thought they were anything less than friends. I can name names if you want just ask me. When I raised the question about being picked up at the airport recently one of them said in no uncertain terms: I would have picked you up why didn’t you ask me? Imagine my surprise and I thought wow that voice in my head needs a muzzle. 

My friend (actual) said I wasn’t talking about friendship I was talking about inconvenience. It seemed natural that I didn’t want to impose on anyone and interrupt their day or night. In a way I was being selfish. Suppose they were not just willing to pick me up at the airport they wanted to spend some time with me. I never thought of that. There are people that actually like me (I said some for God’s sake) and being together might not be an inconvenience but a chance to catch up when we weren’t trying to catch our breath in one of Kristen’s classes. We could take a breather and spend quality time outside the bustle that precedes class and the rush to the locker when it’s over. 

Today I heard from someone we all love and I guess I’m not alone in these thoughts because they were feeling the same thing too! I’ve changed my mind indeed I have.