In 2021, I set out to run my “last” half marathon, proving to myself that I could train and make it happen. “Run” is a word that I have to qualify. At 60, with arthritis, asthma, and shall we say, ample padding, “run” means run/walk, and the run portions don’t get much faster than 11 minute pace on my best days. I completed that half marathon, the Virtual Disney Rival Run (mostly so I could get a medal featuring Darth Vader and Yoda) and thought I was done. Until my niece decided to run her first one this year and asked if I would join her. Why not, I thought. One more. A family bonding run. (I would be down there anyway, as my spouse is now one of the handful of people who have completed all 30 Disney marathons.) We agreed to train to run/walk together. I was excited.
Until June, when I had a horrible issue with my back that, despite treatment, lingered through the summer and limited running, which was painful. Then another plaguing issue with my heel and ankle that was fine until (you guessed it) I decided to run. So, I walked more, taking longer break intervals. Ran slower. Took only a few long training runs. Although we seemed in sync and our times for long runs were similar, I was not confident going into last weekend that I could pull it off.
I was nervous, afraid I would let her down, have to drop out, something I’ve never had to do in a race. But, as most worries go, none of my concerns came to fruition. We both finished successfully and have our Donald & Daisy Dick medals to prove it. But…we adjusted along the way. We were strong through six miles, then we backed off and added a little more walking from 6-9. By mile 11, we were exclusively walking, but with purpose. We listened to our bodies, and we enjoyed it, though it was difficult. By accepting our current state and persisting in a safe way, we achieved our goal. Smiling. (That’s me, waving at my spouse with my niece beside me.)
What does all this have to do with writing or any creative endeavor? I learned a lot from this experience that can apply to the writing life, especially the publishing aspect. Progress sometimes seems to go backward before it moves forward. Unexpected and unwelcome setbacks can seem daunting, but they can become even more so if they are not acknowledged and addressed with an eye toward continuing and improving. Recognizing when I can go full speed ahead and when I need to pull back and regroup is crucial. And that even if I cross the finish line way behind others who are better/stronger/faster/more successful than me, I’m still crossing it.
Process Prompt:
Write a list of creative goals that you have for yourself this year. Leave ample space beneath each one.
Beneath each goal, write WHY you want to achieve it, not how. (If it’s a goal, you probably already have steps in mind.) But WHY? Want to publish a chapbook? Why? Is it ready? Is it something you’ve had finished for a while and haven’t had the time/money/bravery to put out there? Do you feel like you need to publish a book because it’s been a while since your last one? Looking at the reasons you want to achieve something can help you to refine the goal.
Under your reasons, use a different color type (or ink, if you’re writing by hand) and list the possible “failures” or roadblocks you may encounter on the way to this goal. Thinking ahead to things that might not happen the way you want them to can help you to develop a plan to regroup and continue.