Marshall Ramsey

When I gave the clue “Dress warm tomorrow,” there were three reactions:

1. People who don’t read this blog came in shorts.

2. People who do read this blog dressed warmly.

3. People who do read this blog decided dressing warmly meant, “Stay under covers.”

It was a slim turnout today.  But the people out there on the track ran their hearts out. There was some great effort out there. I watched people who couldn’t run a mile finish their first three mile run ever today. And it was as inspirational as the movie Rocky to watch.

I ran 3.03 miles at 25 minutes, 26 seconds. My goal for the 5K is 25, so I am close.  All with a developing cold and allergies.

Once I coughed up the bus exhaust, I patted myself on the back.

And will get back to work Tuesday. I have some serious training to do.

Normally we do four stations in an hour. Today we did eight.

The Pro: If you don’t like a particular station, it doesn’t last long.

The Con: You never really catch your breath. You go, go, go, go the whole time.

I was in Line 1 again today and we started with towels.  We made seven trips down the basketball court bent over pushing a folded towel. Yup, three down and back trips and and one  to half court and back.  There were pauses but we were on the ground most of the time.  (we sprinkled in a few full-court sprints in to keep thing sinteresting.) It was a hellish way to start the day. My legs were rubbery by the end of it.

But I did it.  And did it well.

I’ve come a long way from the fat guy who nearly croaked while pushing a towel a year ago.   And I am no longer the dude who nearly puked while running 5.5 mph on a treadmill last year. Today I ran seven minutes at 8 and 9 mph.

It’s proof you can do great things once you get your mind out of the way.

While running the gauntlet (long run) today, I cheered on a group of beginners doing the towels. They were me a few short months ago.  I’ve gone from the last group to the first in 12 months. I went from 248 lbs. to 205. My waist was 41 inches. It’s now 34.

I’m 45-years-old and in better shape than I was when I was 25. I look nearly the same. And I have more energy.

Today a tough workout.  But its further proof to me that we are designed to be pushed beyond our comfort zone.

P.S. A little birdie told me that tomorrow will different. Here are two clues:

1. First clue : Click this.

2. Second clue: Dress warm.