SCM v STWM

Hi. It’s been a long time.

Anyway, today I signed up for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM). Not the “marathon” part of it, but the 5K run.

5K may not seem like a lot to you, but it is to me: I have never run in an organized fashion before. Oh sure, I have played sports (badly) and I’ve ran on the treadmill (badly) and I’ve even been chased by a goose once (it ended badly), but I’ve never really ran in between “START” and “FINISH” banners.

I mean, I’m not totally out of shape, I don’t break into a sweat climbing stairs or yelling at sports on TV. And, I had my first practice run today: I had less than three minutes to make it to my train and I managed to sprint from the subway, through Union at rush hour to catch it (note: I was in a skirt and Toms and I was still able to!); I am not totally useless, just sort of.

Anyway, I have decided to track my progress both for my own amusement and because hopefully my journey may inspire other people to get back on their feet.

Because that’s what this is helping me do: get back on my feet.

With that, I have named my run “SCM v. STWM” and I will be using the hashtag #speedyquick to tweet my progress. I will also be running on behalf of North York General Foundation and if you would like to sponsor me and help the hospital out, you can do so here. (Thanks in advance!)

So, about SCM v. STWM: the run is October 20^th and I will be doing something everything day to prep for it. Today, it was buying shoes:

(they did not come in Little Zebra colours)

Everyone told me not to go to Nike Running, but I did and I’m glad. The employee who helped me was helpful and patient; we went through at least five pairs of shoes before we found the right one… and then the left one. She also measured my arches, how I walk, and took into account my knocked knees; my only problem now is that they have laces .* Regardless, I am pretty satisfied with my purchase, but I still have 30 days to return them just in case.

Tomorrow will be the purchase of socks. I’ll keep you up-to-date on that.

Beyond just shopping purchases, another reason why I am tracking my progress is because I need all the support and encouragement I can get. Like I said, I am trying to get back on my feet but so far, this has been the encouragement received:

"Dad, I signed up for a 5k for October. Be encouraging, not cynical." -me

“Your mother and I will be in Europe for October. So I guess we won't see you fall flat on your face *…* is that encouraging?" –dad

And

“I knew this whole thing was an excuse to buy shoes.” – brother.

And while I love my family, I know that they won’t be supportive until weeks after the run, when they’re bragging to their friends and they think I’m out of earshot.

So, right now, send all the love you can.

In return, I will keep you update on how I am doing. So far, so good—until the reality of what I signed up for sinks in.

(the image I decided to go with for my fundraising page)

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, “does she even write about soccer anymore?” Yes, I do.

Ahem: Toronto FC announced today that it will play a friendly against Roma. Roma, in my opinion, has some of the nicest jerseys in Serie A. That’s about all I have to say about the match.

Hopp/run,

scm.

*I have an inability to tie shoelaces.