While running the other day, I was thinking about how relaxed my pace was and that I’m actually a pretty slow runner. My pace is just under 11-minutes per mile (for a five-miler). I’d like to blame my body type, if I may, which can be described as short and stocky. As I was thinking this, the phrase “heavyset” entered my mind. Apparently some connection in my brain was made to a 40-year old memory! When I was a kid, we used to play a boardgame called “Manhunt” which was really cool because it had a pseudo computer, codes to figure out, and a detective handbook. Each player had to figure out who the criminal was, and one of the descriptions of the possible suspects was “Heavyset”.
Thinking back to that time, I wonder how our family came about getting that particular boardgame. Did my parents just see it at the Toys R Us and decide it looked fun? Was it a birthday wish by one of my brothers?
Later in that morning’s run I continued thinking about body type and a book I am reading, “Unbroken” which is the story of Louis Zamperini (we share the same hometown, Torrance and high school!). In it, the author describes Zamperini’s track career, his body type and the way he ran – smooth. He was also super-fast, and many thought he would break the 4-minute-mile barrier. That’s kind of the opposite of how I run! :)
You’re doing a lot better than me running-wise. I can’t even call myself a runner yet. I’m still pushing between a power walker and slow jogger at a pace of 15.0 minutes per mile. But I’m OK with this pace, as this is a good workout for me.
That’s great, though. Your fitness updates are good motivation for me. Any pace is better than sitting at home as far as I’m concerned. That’s why I don’t worry about pace during the run… I just focus on how I am feeling at the time. Keep it up, and I will too!