It’s Been 30 Years; Where Did the Time Go?
Posted by Lisbeth Calandrino | December 27, 2009 | No Comments
Sunset on Copake Lake, New York
In 1979 I ran the American heart Associations’ Run for Life sponsored by Price Chopper Supermarkets. It was called the Adirondack A.A.U. 8-mile Run which I finished in 79 minutes, 42 seconds. I know it’s true because I have the certificate signed by Neil Golub in front of me! I cherish the certificate and have kept it all these years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at the certificate and swore I would run again. I never did.
This coming spring I will.
The difference, this year I will be 30 years older, the race is a 5K and I pray I can finish in the same time. You figure out how old I am, I’m not going to tell you. Anyway, it doesn’t matter, what matters is that it’s a good cause and I can run with my friends. Just finishing the race will be good.
Life brings tough stuff, cancer, torn ligaments, tennis elbow and a waitress who drops a table on your ankle three years ago March. Enough of this stuff; I read Lance Armstrong’s book when I had cancer and dragged myself to the treadmill—if Lance could do it, so could I.
I call myself an old jock, a physical education major who went into business, in those days it seemed that business had more possibilities than physical education. Despite my career moves, I never gave up my love of running and swimming. As a kid growing up on Copake Lake, my method of transportation was a bike and my two legs. I was always amazed at how far I could run and what freedom it gave me.
A month ago I decided to start training for the race; I’m not training to win, I’m training to not come in last! I have been walking, jogging and running anywhere from 3-7 days a week on my treadmill. Running used to be fun, I was running 10-12 miles a day when I was training in 1979. I ran with a friend from the College of St. Rose, Dr. Richard Brody, who was already an accomplished runner. I never seemed to mind the cold and l loved being able to eat a pound of pasta. I ran the Turkey Trot in the rain and hail and then just gave it up. Every time I ran the race I had to spend the rest of the day under the electric blanket.
In 2003 I competed in the 5K XC Tour Du Parc in Bethlehem and much to my surprise, came in first place in my age group: 60-69, 38.23 minutes. Okay so I’ve slowed down a little. I thought they sent me a trophy because I showed up; maybe they did.
The years have taught me that lots of things happen because you show up; actually that’s the only way things happen. You can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket and you can’t get a ticket unless you’re willing to stand in line. Best Buy on Black Friday seems to get the biggest lines!
Okay so I’m at it again, now I have to decrease my time and increase my endurance. I’m always looking for ways not to run but I love it when I get going. I noticed my ankles were starting to hurt so three weeks ago I joined the YWCA in Albany (I hope they don’t close it), working with a trainer and lifting weights. My legs are stronger, I can run up the stairs in those 5 inch high heels—a real added value, who would have known?
I’ll keep you posted, the three miles are taking me 45 minutes, I know, pitiful, but don’t count me out!
Category: Lisbeth's Training Blog
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