For many years, I convinced myself that I could no longer
run outside. Due to my decreasing eyesight (I’m legally blind), I thought I
couldn't run safely on my own. So outside of downhill skiing once or twice a
season(very cautiously), I wasn't all that active.
In 2010, I was working on an incredibly stressful community
organizing project that was constantly changing and moving very quickly. To
help gain some mid-day clarity, I began to take short walks in Franklin Park,
which is conveniently located across the street from the project I was working
on. I organized my thoughts, made to-do lists, and enjoyed the quiet
peacefulness of the park. One day, with no one else around, I decided to take a
few running steps. Outside of feeling a little funny wearing full work attire (including
dress shoes and big winter coat) I felt great. I didn't fall and stayed on the
flat, level dirt path. I increased my running from there (wearing traditional
running clothes!) and I was soon running four to five days a week.
I was hooked and possibly obsessed with running.
About five months later, I ran for over two hours at my
in-laws (beautiful paths in Reston, VA) so I decided to sign up for a
half-marathon. As they say in the movies, the rest is history. I've now run
five marathons, three halfs, many 5ks, and am training for my first ultra.
Running has brought a lot of wonderful things into my
life (I'm a more patient husband and father, I lost 50 lbs, I've met amazing athletes)-many of which I hope to write about in future posts.
But for now, the most
important thing for me is to know that there are many things I CAN do
regardless of my eyesight.
Thanks for reading my first post and hope to see you out
running.
Kyle
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