Runner’s Spotlight: Scott

All of the runners in our running club have unique stories! When Scott shared his story with our group a few weeks ago, I asked his permission to share his story here as it touched my heart. It reminded me how we all have different reasons we run, and how running has become an integral part of our journey. Not just our journey in our physical health, but mental health too. This is what he shared with us, and it tried to only edit it minimally.

Scott’s Story

So, when David brought up speaking to you, I was at a loss of what I could tell you guys, as you are my mentors. The only thing that came to me that I could talk to you about is my journey and what running has come to mean to me and my emotions. Hopefully, it will be relatable.

About 2 years ago, I was looking at properties with my friend. Before I could get about halfway through the property, I was gassed and had to stop and take a break. I vowed right then I would never feel that way and be so out of shape again. So I got home, decided I would start running on a treadmill. I maybe got a quarter mile done before my knees and back felt like they were going to explode. This was my first attempt and failure at running.

I decided I was too old, too out of shape, too overweight and would never be able to run again. A few days later, my friend called me and he told me, “you know I love you, but you have got to do something about your health”. So I knew I had to do something. I set a new goal to just move. I started on an elliptical and after months, I worked up to walking on the treadmill, then jogging. I decided I needed something to work up to and strive for.

So, I signed up for my first 5K. I’m not sure if anyone else here felt this way, but I’ll be honest it was terrifying. I had never been to a race, I had mainly only run on the treadmill. I could not wrap my mind on how you could run 3 miles. I practiced the course the week before, and took the day before the race off work to prepare. On race day, I had no idea how it worked, where to stand, and especially did not want to get in anyone’s way. I was out of sorts, but managed to start and complete the race. After the race I heard about awards, and wanted to see how it worked and what people’s times where. David was amazing and seemed like he personally knew everyone.

When they got to my age group my name was not called. Then David said there was a mistake, that someone in my age group had already won an award and they did not double dip making me 3rd place! I thought that was the neatest thing that David would take the time to correct it, and try to spread the awards as much as possible. That is when I found out about the running club. I had no idea of what a run club would was, but imagined a bunch of training with military type precision. What it turned out to be was vastly different and so much better. I remember telling everyone I knew about Susie: how much of an inspiration she is. How this old woman (she is 71) is out here just killing it, and as good as a runner she is even more impressive as a human being. I have been inspired and learned so much from you guys!

Everyone here has always been so encouraging, knowledgeable, and helpful not only with words, but running and training with me. After running several more 5K, I decided I would try to take on the local half marathon and started training (or what I thought training was at that time). It consisted of running as far as you could, as hard as you could and as often as you could. I was beginning to get a time goal in my head and of course training that way just leads to injury, my knee and foot both starting hurting! Training had to slow down and that goal time had to be changed to hopefully completing the race.

On race day, I took off at my 5K pace for the first 3 miles and then tried to hang on for the other 10 miles, which is not a good strategy if you are wondering, and I was absolutely miserable. I promised myself during and after the race I would never run that far again. Some time later, I started to get into trail run and saw they had a half at Mystery Mountain. This was a Sunday race, and was the first time I had ever felt ready and properly trained for a race.

The Friday before the race, right after my daughter’s marching band performed at halftime, she left the school and tried to commit suicide. On Saturday, after we had put her in outpatient care, I was sitting around the house with my parents and girlfriend, completely lost and in disbelief and did not know what to  do. This is when I learned the importance and impact running had in my life. My parents and girlfriend more or less told me I was going to run that race the next day. They knew  the importance running has became mentally to me. Running has become my outlet, a way to get into my mind, to escape and think all at the same time.

The race went horrible. I fell and hit the ground 3 times, but it did give me some brief moments of clarity, and relief so that was a success. Months later things started greatly improving with my daughter but I felt like my life was still spinning out of control. I decided I wanted to do a marathon, so I could focus my energy. I needed to feel in control of something, that something was going to be my training and I wanted to try to achieve something that not long ago seemed unachievable . I found a marathon that was 11 weeks out and found a 12 week training program. During the middle of training, I really notice some improvement, and was even thinking about some time goals. I ran for the first time with no pain, then my Achilles started hurting. I found an online physio, took two weeks off of run training, On the good side I discovered I was really neglecting cross and strength training and was able to work on and improve. I changed my goal again from a time to a completion. I made it to race day feeling ok, but everything reminded me of that first 5K.

All the fear and nerves I had were the exact same for the marathon, having no idea how it would go or if I would finish. I play Pandora while running and about 20 minutes into the race Brittany Spears song Toxic came on and I started balling. I hoped no one saw me and would have to explain why Brittany was making me cry, but it’s the song that my daughter was playing at half time with the marching band. One thing I did know right then though, I was finishing that race if my daughter has made the strides she has in her recovery. I am finishing this race, it is just a matter in how much time. I do not this is true for everyone, but I found the race to be truly emotional and if you have a chance to run or walk one I would suggest doing it. To go full circle and close with. The friend that drug me while looking at properties, ran the Jingle Jog with me. His pace was slower then my marathon pace which shows the improvement that can be made over time. For me I found the most important things as far as improvement and performance are diet, sleep, breathing, recovery and yoga, strength training and consistency with running. Also, I keep a list of about 6 fitness goals I am trying to achieve and as I complete one I add another to the bottom.

I hope you took the time to read Scott’s journey completely, and Scott, I am very thankful for your willingness to share with us!

A bientôt!

Please take a minute to subscribe to the blog to receive an email letting you know when a new post goes live. I usually post Monday, Wednesday and Friday but sometimes have a bonus post during the week. You can also follow me on Instagram @chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

I link up with these fabulous blog link ups!