Couch to Beacon: Redemption
Shannon Bryan still can't run, but she believes in second chances. She's giving the Beach to Beacon 10K another shot (you know, after last year's tragic failure. But let's not bring that up).
I ran ugly, and I'm darn proud of it
I've seen the way people run on TV and in Runner's World magazine - perfect form, controlled breathing, hair flicking in the wind and just enough sweat to enhance an already perfect tan on already perfect calves.
I don't run like that - and I imagine not many real world runners run like that. But my run isn't just unpretty - it's ugly.
One mile into tonight's group run 'round the Back Bay (not yet ALL the way around - we're working up to it) I could feel the normal flush of my cheeks steadily increasing. Soon enough the skin on my face was not only pulsing with heat, but flaming red (which, I imagine, was made even more apparent by the pasty winter whiteness of the rest of my skin).
By mile two the sweat on my head - combined with the strong wind off the water - had spun my hair into a knotted mess in the back and two frizzy, wing-like puffs on the sides.
Nearing mile three I was running like a drunkard, panting and borderline snotty.
But I didn't notice - or didn't care - and I finished with my group. Three miles we covered - 7 minutes running/2 walking - which may not seem like much to some, but wasn't easy for me.
Had I been alone, I might've cut out early and gone home for some quality time with the sofa. But that's the cool thing about a group - not that other people inspire you, per se, but that you're so terrified of looking like a lazy jerk, you keep going.
It wasn't until I got into the car that I spotted my terrifying transformation in the rear view mirror.
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I ran ugly - which really means that I worked incredibly hard - and I must say I feel pretty dang proud.
Run ugly everybody.
Comments
Thanks mom - I mean perfect stranger who just happens to be my #1 fan.
Posted by Shannon BryanApril 27, 2007 10:08 AM
Ok, if she's your #1 fan I'm your #2 fan. :) You could neverbe ugly if you tried my dear! Keep up the good work. A
Posted by AndreaApril 27, 2007 01:47 PM
COVE!!!
Back COVE!!!!
sorry to shout. good luck with the training.
Posted by Jimmy LuxembourgApril 27, 2007 04:20 PM
My bad - Back Cove. Guess I've spent too much time driving past the Back Bay Grill wishing I could afford to eat there.
Thanks for the heads up!
Posted by Shannon BryanApril 27, 2007 04:44 PM




North of the Border
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As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so too is ugly! Congratulations on your VICTORY....time well spent achieving your goal for the day, the exhilleration of that success, and the magnificent sigh of exhaustion evidenced on your face. You go girl!!!! Great job & keep it up! And just remember...Every day in every way, you're getting better and BETTER!!!!
#1 Fan!!!
Posted by JudiApril 26, 2007 10:23 PM