My Magic Running Shoes

The number one thing on the Black Belt Fitness Test that I was NOT looking forward to was the 2km run. I do not run. I have never been a runner. I hate it. The last time I ran any kind of distance was likely high school in Phys Ed. (Stop doing the math!!!!! Let's just agree it was a "few years" ago). I didn't even own a pair of proper runners prior to this boot camp. I had to go buy a pair specifically for the day. And I bought the ones under the sign that said "Running Shoes" assuming, of course, that they'd contain some sort of running magic.

As we gathered for this last test, I really had to psych myself up. Just one last test and I could go home, lay on my couch and eat bonbons for the rest of the night. And so I decided my goal would be to run the entire first lap without walking. If I could do that I would be happy and then I could walk the rest of the way if I wanted. So I started with a pace I thought I might be able to maintain....(look at me using "runner" strategies like a pro). When we reached Sifu Y Csillag, I wondered if he would be open to bribery and if he might let me cut across. But I kept running. When I reached the second corner, I felt like my running pace was barely faster than a walk so what was the point, right? But I remembered my goal and kept running. Rounding the corner, I was again tempted to take a break, but I could see Sifu S Csillag by then and didn't want her to see me stop. And so I kept going. Ms Kohut then ran with me for a while, encouraging me as we made progress little by little. And with her, I kept going. When we reached the school, Sifu Lindstrom yelled at me so I ran a little faster in fear.

And then the first lap was done. But I didn't stop as planned.

I decided I could go just a little more. When I found myself back to Sifu Csillag, who reminded me I was now over half way done, I told myself I'd just go to the corner. Then just the second corner. And then just the third. And then there was Sifu S Csillag again...so close to the end! There was no way I could stop anymore at this point. That opportunity had passed. And so, as I passed Sifu Lindstrom once again (yelling at me to hurry up....and I'm pretty sure I saw a cattle prod in his hand) I felt rejuvenated. Ms Dyble was in front of me...and so channeling my inner Sifu Lindstrom I yelled "Keep going Ms Dyble!!...or I'm going to catch up to you!" And she immediately sped up again. Hmmm. This yelling thing kinda works.

And then I was done. I had ran the whole thing. Maybe the shoes were magic after all. Or maybe not.

As I reflected on the day, I found myself wondering what would happen if I approached other things in the same way I approached this run. Instead of reaching a goal and having that be the end, what if I pushed that goal just a little bit further out of reach. And then when I reached that, I pushed it just a little further again. How far could I actually go?

And maybe that's where the magic is. Maybe that's where the mastery is.

I'll keep my shoes just in case though.

Malinda Ferris