Well, the countdown is on. Soon, walkers and runners will be at the start line of the 2010 Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon.
Training for this event has been a new experience. The three other times that I did this race, I was not at all prepared for it. Sure, I walked a bit before it, but nothing like the many training miles I've walked this summer.
I've made some new friends during these months. Waterproof Tape has become my buddy because he helps my toes avoid blisters. Waterproof's cousin, the wider Sports Tape, has also become a friend who sticks on my right heel through thick and thin. A very smooth character named Body Glide helps all my body parts avoid irritation.
Another group of new friends have included moisture-wicking socks, shorts, and shirts. They help me keep drier and cooler, as well as making me feel like I'm "kool" and athletic.
My newest friend is one that I've nicknamed "my cattle prod." My Garmin watch gives me bunches of information about myself - how far I've walked, my pace, my time, my heart rate, calories burned, etc. It's just that when I'm walking, Miss Garmin Watch seems to shout at me, "Go faster, Marlene!"
But I must confess. I have abused a couple of new friends. In fact, I've had to replace these friends this summer. Yes, I cruelly wore out my Asics and had to get a new pair. I appreciate their sacrifice.
Fact Box
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a continuing weekly series written by Wood County schoolteacher Marlene Welch as she prepares to participate in the Aug. 21 News and Sentinel Half Marathon.
Seriously, all of these things have made my training a bit easier and more comfortable. They, however, are definitely in second place to all the wonderful people that I've met and/or become better acquainted with this summer - walkers, runners, race coordinators and helpers, readers of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, Facebook friends, and so on. Everywhere, I've found friendly, positive people. It's been great and I have appreciated every word of encouragement. They have touched me deeply.
So, as training for this event draws to a close, I'm walking fewer miles, as instructed by more experienced athletes. I feel like I'm slacking, but I do vary my pace and now I include hills. The mileage reduction is supposed to help me have "fresh legs" on race day. (I certainly wouldn't want to have stale ones!).
I'm also following the advice that racewalking friend Bill Cunningham gave me years ago. I'm walking more around 8 a.m. because that's when the half will begin. Let's hope for a cool, dry morning on Aug. 21!
Lastly, I'm trying to avoid aggravating my injury from earlier this summer. I pay attention to form and I stretch. So far, so good.
I hope that many spectators will come out to cheer us on. Clapping, cheering, smiling, waving, saying "Way to go!" all of these things mean a lot, especially to us who are slow.
And if you can't be there in person, maybe there's something else you could do . . . just say a little prayer for everyone's health and safety. May I say in advance - many thanks.