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).
Beach to Beacon: The Comeback Tour
It's possible that I'm quite simply a glutton for punishment. It might explain why in college I subsisted mainly on family-size boxes of cereal - "Kix" and "Smacks" to be exact. It was a few years later that I realized the masochistic implications of my cereal choices.
But I'd like to think that a second attempt at the Beach to Beacon 10K (following
last year's less-than-triumphant outcome) is a sign of courage, determination and inner strength. And by "inner strength" I mean the desire to quit living in shame.
I knew on August 5, 2007 (the day after the 2007 B2B) that I had to run it again this year. I couldn't let "I made it to mile three and then died" be the finale. I couldn't go out like that. I couldn't forever be haunted by feelings of running inadequacy.
But blog again? I wasn't so sure. It's a risky thing, building up the expectation like that, unsure if you're really going to be able to follow through.
I gave it some thought and decided that if I'm going to put myself through it again then I might as well allow readers to laugh at it (read: me) again, should they care to do so.
Besides, it's always nice to have people cheering you on, whatever your endeavor. And I had plenty of cheering last year from commenters on this blog, who offered words of encouragement, welcome advice and tips on which beer has the least amount of carbs.
In fact, I felt a bit like I had let those generous commenters down. So to them I say: This run's for you. I'm going to finish what I started last year. I'm going to own this race. I'm going to taunt every mile as I go. I'm going to tie this race to a parking meter and slap it around.
Er, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. That's the kind of talk that gets you into trouble (and by "trouble" I mean "six months in a Brazilian prison." But I'm not allowed to talk about that).
Let it suffice to say that I'm going to try my damnedest.
And here's the larger view of the blog image, which I happen to find highly entertaining. Thanks to my colleague, Kate, who made the "Redemption" connection and had the idea for this photo. It works on so many levels.
Orientation for the Reach the Beacon program (brought to you by Maine Running Company) kicks off this Thursday. The program is apparently booked to capacity, so it should be an interesting ride.
On that note, I'm ready to get this party started.
Comments
You go girl! I'm so proud of you for getting right back on that horse.....er....track. LOL I wish I could join you this year but alas, all my attempts to get a number have failed. Even the long shot ones. But If you're looking for a running partner on the off-training days count me in. I'm still going to keep doing 5K's and working my way up to it for next year. You are the best, and you WILL succeed this year. You rock!
Posted by AndreaMarch 24, 2008 04:29 PM
Ahhhh, my comeback kid! One year older, one year PLUS wiser! As they, sometimes the journey IS the destination. Last year's efforts were fun and worthwhile...always good destinations!
Now, with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, it's a brand NEW race. Have lots of fun, get great fitting shoes, then KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF!
SYNOF
Posted by SYNOFMarch 24, 2008 05:04 PM
I am so excited that you are blogging again for the Beach to Beacon! Your wit, humor,description of delightful and colorful mishaps along the way last year was so entertaining. The best part of this blog...one of the many in the B2B series is as follows: "I'm going to tie this race to a parking meter and slap it around."
I wonder if that works for people too Hmmm.....
March 24, 2008 08:34 PM
Shannnon: You're going to need a new training venue... Bleacher's has closed!!!
Posted by CareyMarch 25, 2008 09:32 AM
I know, Carey! I recall your blog about it - with the photos of you clutching the Bleacher's door in despair. Hilarious. I'll be curious to see what the Dimillo's place is like once it opens. There really need to be more chicken and beer options closer to the Back Cove. You know, for us athletes.
Posted by ShannonMarch 25, 2008 11:04 AM
So are you actually entered in the race? Given the stories of how quickly registration closed, maybe you can add "guilt" (although maybe that's too much) to why you should run and finish; think of all those poor folks who couldn't get numbers!
If you did enter, is it with your real name or did you use your undercover alias?
March 25, 2008 12:08 PM
I'm really entered (through Reach the Beacon - the training fee includes race registration). And I haven't used an alias since high school when I tried to convince the new Polish exchange student that my name was "Shanski" and that we were MFEO.
Posted by ShannonMarch 25, 2008 12:21 PM
I'm fairly confident you won't run on me any harder than you did last year. I laugh at your feeble, human attempts.
Posted by PavementMarch 25, 2008 12:31 PM
I know a nice tree you should visit before you run....lololololo
Posted by nancyMarch 25, 2008 04:30 PM
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woooo friggin' hoooo!
glad to see you're back at it.
dance training starts this sat. night at my birthday bash don't forget.
i've got faith in you this year.
JC
Posted by JCMarch 24, 2008 04:23 PM