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Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 10:50 am
To help myself get and stay fit, I have the idea of setting physical challenges for myself. Ideally, a challenge will be something I secretly fear that I cannot do, but also something that with sufficient training I might at least attempt without seriously injuring my knee.

The first one was hiking to the top of Half Dome. That fit the bill, and I was immensely happy having done it. My knees weren't comfortable at all, but as far as I could tell neither one was damaged any further, so that was a success.

My most recent idea was to run a 5K. I wanted to find a road race and give myself enough training time for it. I never did find a race. I ran more than 5K on one of my training days, and for this goal I will content myself with that.

So here's my latest idea: Bay to Breakers.

Pro: I am secretly worried that I can never do it, because of my knee.

Con: It's 12K, longer than I've ever run even before my knee injury, and there's one killer hill.

Pro: It isn't until next May, so I have lots of time to work up to it.

Con: I have a friend who runs it every year with no training whatsoever, and this is the same friend with whom I injured my knee, so there's a lot of resentment I'll have to fight through. This race is symbolic not only of his good luck and my bad luck, but of the punishment I get for hanging out with a good-luck person. Every day I train I will be angry.

Pro: If I finish, that would be really cathartic. It would show that I can do difficult things without perfect luck. I would be immensely proud and happy. Maybe even better than the Half Dome hike.

Con: It will be really crowded. I don't do well with crowds.

I'll keep thinking about it.
Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 02:58 pm (UTC)
re: The Crowds

I believe you can sign up for the back of the pack.

As a runner you'll quickly bypass the walkers and then can spend the rest of the race in a interpack gap.

It's only at the start of the race that folks are packed in like sardines.

Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 03:06 pm (UTC)
I believe you can sign up for the back of the pack.

Oh, what a great idea! Thanks!
Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 04:03 pm (UTC)
Oops, I just figured out the back of the pack is for walkers and striders. I want to run. I suppose I can get myself towards the back of the crowd before start time.