Run Anyways!

Name: Gail Poulsen
Home: Virgil
Age: 40

Life before running - The road not chosen
When I was in grade two, I asked my parents if I could take gymnastics. After some mumbling about over-priced body suits, long car rides to the gym, and broken bones, I got my answer: an unequivocal no.

There I was: seven years old. No money. No transportation. No hopes of becoming the next Nadia Comaneci. But I did have one thing: running shoes.

I jogged around my neighbourhood nearly every day. Running proved to be a great way for an energetic kid like me to let off some steam, but pounding the same stretch of pavement every day soon became boring. Running with my best friend, Karen, wasn't much of a help. She was tall and leggy and her effortless bounding just added to my misery.

Throughout high school and university, I maintained my ho-hum attitude towards running. I exercised in the same perfunctory way that I would brush my teeth or make my bed: I did it because I had to.

Turning Point - A leap of faith
In the spring of 2005, the mother of one of my violin students noticed some running bibs posted on my fridge. Marlene pointed at them excitedly, "So, you're a runner?"

I hesitated. No one had ever asked me that before.

"Ummm, no," I stammered. "I just do races once in a while."

Then the invitation came that would forever change my life, "My husband and I are training for a half marathon. Would you like to join us on our next run?"

Their next run turned out to be a twelve kilometre loop at a lush conservation area called Chippewa Creek. We ran at a challenging but comfortable pace. We did something even more important: we jogged over jagged rocks, splashed through streams, side-stepped slithering snakes, chatted and laughed. At the end of the 12k, I felt energized, elated. I couldn't wait to run some more.

For the first time in my life, it wasn't about the run choosing me. That day - with the encouragement of friends, I chose the run.

The Plan - Forget the run: Find the fun!
My plan was to run without limits. When someone asked me to run, I eagerly went. I met lots of new friends, and got to know some old ones even better. I discovered lots of beautiful new trails. I even found out that I loved running up and down hills - especially the "down" part!

My goal was to run the 12-mile creek half marathon with my friends Marlene and Dean. It was a little too late to train for the race that year, so I set my sights on running that very challenging course in 2006. In the meantime, I was going to get some racing experience and have fun!

I completed a 5k race, two 10k races and a very flat half marathon. Those fourteen months of "running renewal" restored my confidence and helped me stay excited about the sport. My time for the 12 Mile Creek half was 1:57. A good finishing time on a very hilly half marathon course - very nice. Having the time of my life while running twenty-one kilometres: priceless.

The Biggest Reward
The biggest reward of running with new buddies, in new places and trying new races was that I found a child-like sense of wonder. Instead of perceiving running as a chore, it became an activity which was connected to all sorts of positive emotions:

• The excitement of getting to know a new running buddy
• The surprise of being completely drenched during an impromptu downpour
• The thrill of barreling down Hydro Hill as fast as your legs can go
• The wonder of watching a tiny snail meander across your path
• The refreshment of a chilly, winter wind biting your cheeks
• The amazement of watching the sun rise over Chicago's Navy Pier

My joy comes from experience people and nature in all their different moods.





My tips for success
1. Your New Mantra: RA, RA, RA: Run Anyway!

• You only have fifteen minutes before you have to pick up the kids? Run Anyway.
• You're feeling a little under the weather? Run Anyway.
• It's raining? Run Anyway.
• Your new training partner already completed three marathons? Run Anyway.
• That new trail is really hill? Run Anyway.
• It's still dark outside? Run Anyway.

Trust me - afterward, you'll have had more than just the same old run - you'll have had an adventure!

2.  Don't go Changin', Just to Please Them
After a run, leave your gear on.  Walk proudly into that Loblaws immersed in your post-run perspiration.  You'd be amazed at how many people you'll meet.  A lot of great friendships have started at the checkout line with the words, "So, you're a runner!"