The Band Nerd Who Became a Runner

Something I never thought I could do? Run a marathon. At 50, or honestly at any age.

I’d wanted to for a long time. Years ago, around age 37 or 38, I started training and worked my way up to 11 miles. That was the farthest I had ever run in my life. And then it just… stopped there.

A little backstory. I ran track in middle school. I was never fast, but I was consistent, and I always showed up. I was probably a better sprinter, but they put me in the longer races, the mile and the 800 meters. Our coach, Coach Drexler, was a shorter fellow with a mullet (it was the style at the time, I guess, ha ha). He was also the wrestling coach, which, looking back, is probably why I joined the track team. I made great friends there, including one who was deaf. While we ran, he taught me sign language.

And even though I never won a single race, my teammates voted me co-captain. Vince was our sprint captain, and I was the long-distance captain. I remember asking them if they were sure, because they knew I wasn’t very fast, ha ha. I can’t remember all their reasons, but it had something to do with feeling inspired by me. That still means a lot.

My high school sport? Marching band. Yes, I was a trombone player!

My parents were divorced. My dad lived in another state, and my mom worked full-time, so we kids were on our own a lot. Looking back, I wish I’d had someone there to give me more direction.

Today I feel the opposite. I married into an incredible family where just about everyone is active, and many of them are runners. Their stories inspired me. Their encouragement helped me take the leap, before I had even started training. I found a marathon close to my 50th birthday in April, and I signed up. Then I signed up for a half marathon to get ready.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve run three half marathons and two full marathons, both this year. I’m a runner now!

But I couldn’t have done any of it without my bride, my best friend. She rode her bike beside me while I ran. She booked hotels for our race trips. She waited up for me to get home from long runs. She helped plan routes so I could hit my mileage. She helped me get running shoes, special running socks, and even Gu packets, ha ha.

I’m getting a little emotional just writing this. I credit every race to her love and support. I wish everyone could have someone as amazing as she is in their life.

So here’s to the things we never thought we could do, and to the people who believe in us until we believe it too.

What’s something you never thought you could do? I’d love to hear it in the comments.

Related: Like No Other: My Second Marathon at the 50th St. George Marathon