This is probably the only good justification for me joining Science Olympiad in 6th grade (I didn't medal in all 3 events I had in JV, while the rest of my friends were placing blue ribbons. The varsity that year went to nationals and took 22nd place.)
I was running this morning on my usual trail. Nothing was different, besides the sickening feeling that I was running against a wall. Less than a mile in my plodding, there came a call, "No way! Nerd Herd?!?!" And indeed, it was Nerd Herd. On my shirt, that is. Actually, on the back, it says Nerd Xing, but any true Kennedy SciOly competitor would immediately recognize the old, faded blue and yellow on maroon any day. The caller was Spieglan, international competitor in Physics, World and Classical Languages student of the year, nominee of many other awards, and of course, a passionate and competitive runner.
He is a friendly man (I can call him a man, right? He's an incoming freshman to college.), slowing down to hold a enlightening and largely one-sided conversation with me for a good 4 miles. Nevermind that his usual pace is a 5:30 mile, 12 at a time, and that he was running 6:30 to 8:00 miles with me. I'm just trying to remember what he told me, because I've obviously been doing many things incorrectly.
1. Land and push up from the toes, not the heel. This takes lots of impact off the knees and shoes, which makes this a very good physical and economical investment.
2. Do workouts. 6-5-3s, apparently. I forgot what these were, but I'll find out soon.
3. 90 minutes should be my max. Supposedly, I shouldn't run a marathon until I'm 18 due to growth problems.
4. Legs lie. The best indication of fatigue is through the lungs, not through muscles.
5. Eat before, even a little, as to trick the body into being willing to burn calories for energy.
6. Say good morning to more people. I'm a nub.
And that left me stumbling back into my neighborhood, very satisfied, and very, very tired. "yolo."
No comments:
Post a Comment