Frosted Flake-out

Turns out it’s hard to write a blog about running when, er, you’re not running.

Apologies for my long absence from the Canadian Running Blogosphere, but since my glorious half-marathon finish in September my motivation has hit a major low.

After the best race of my life, I’m not exactly sure why I don’t feel like pushing my running even further, but right now I think I’m just kind of burnt out.  For example, here are a few recent things I have done instead of running:

– Reconsidered my family’s insurance policies
– “Supervised” the furnace repair guy
– Cleaned the extra-hard-to-get lint from the clothes dryer with a handy stick
– Polished the cover of the mail slot
– Seriously wondered if I was short enough to join the cast of Little People, Big World

It’s that dire.

My low came when, in the wee hours, I found myself in our study, lights-out-computer-off, eating a mound of Frosted Flakes which I had snuck in from the 24-hour drugstore.

Next stop? Biggest Loser.

Maybe a change will help.  After all, change has helped turn mediocrity into greatness for eons. Consider that four-man band that went from playing dingy local pubs to scream-filled international stadia, simply by changing their name and clothes. Just where would the Wiggles be, if they were still called the Cockroaches? Wait, were you thinking of the Beatles? The Quarrymen doesn’t have the same ring, does it?

So a change it is.  My running group re-starts mid-December. Until then, it’ll be some easier runs, some weight training, a few spinning classes and maybe even some pool work. Your other ideas are also welcome.

That takes care of change – but what about loose change?  After all, professional Kenyan athletes aren’t just running for the joy of it… maybe a bit of the green is what I need to keep the feet in motion.

“What can I do?” I hear you ask.  Well, here is my cunning plan: please start sticking twenty-dollar bills to random light posts and mailboxes throughout the Oakville/Burlington Ontario area. Once this is done, e-mail me the approximate location and I promise to drop whatever I am doing –no matter what — and run straight for it. (to ensure I am the only one who pockets the cash feel free to put it in an envelope marked “Becky here’s your cash”). Thanks ever so much – I really appreciate your help!

Speaking of help, I’m hoping that giving can be as motivating as getting.  This Sunday, I’m running the Audi Best Buddies 10K challenge with my sister-in-law who has never run that far before. On November 7, instead of running the Hamilton half-marathon I’m going to run the last 10K of the full marathon with a friend who is hoping to qualify for Boston for the first time.  Both women will be pushing their limits in an attempt to do something they’ve never done before – so I think I’ll push myself off my couch to add some wind beneath their wings. No seriously, I’ll be bringing my boom box and a Bette Midler album.

In return, I might just remember why I started running in the first place – it’s fun, it’s social, it’s challenging, it ensures maximum pant closure and it can be inspiring. Oh and did I mention please post your money on the lamp posts?

Let me close with some happy snaps:

Here’s me with the boombox…

My friend Abe also has one: and here’s me on my pretty pink horse, Kevin: If you like my blog,  drop me a line and I’ll add you to my mailing list to let you know when updates are on the site. Don’t worry, your e-mail address will be safe with me and my best Nigerian banker friends.