« Older Newer »

Athletes for Real Medicine: Sunday’s 15 mile training run!!

January 26, 2011 - United States

This week’s Sunday run was intimidating because it was our longest training run yet–15 miles! Nevertheless, my dedicated teammates were enthusiastic and cheerful when I arrived at 8 a.m. It was another gorgeous So Cal morning, warming up quickly under a bright white sun in a pale blue sky. Despite our sleepy eyes, we were in high spirits, joking with each other as we discussed the course. I had planned two loops and a short "out and back" to make up the mileage. But the guys suggested we run one huge loop, so that by boring mile 12, we could be entertained by the lively Venice crowd. And what a great idea that turned out to be!

After setting out North for four miles, we doubled back, leaving the peaceful and desolate wide-open beaches behind us, and heading for the bustling Santa Monica pier and colorful Venice boardwalk. The three of us stuck together the whole way, helping one another through the tough mental blocks and achy pains, common to endurance runners. We laughed, people-watched and inspired each other from mile one to mile fifteen. It was one of my favorite runs thus far, because we started the run as a team, we finished as a team and we lifted each other up like teammates do.

Running long distances is humbling because the mind and body experience intense challenges along the way, but sharing the pain and laughter with a community, and running with a purpose, is powerful and moving. We are thankful for these Sunday runs and excited about the comments and inquiries that our T-shirts have been generating.

Go Team Real Med!!!

For more information about RMF’s Athletes for Real Medicine, click here.