By Lane Maguire
Why I run
I ran an eighth of a mile of my speed-workout at a pace so slow a speed-walker could have beaten me, my knees aching, my stomach churning, and just about ready to give up running altogether.  ‘Why do I even bother?’ I asked myself. “What have I even gained from running? Mental and physical exhaustion, multiple trips to the trainer, loss of sleep… the list could go on.
So how is it that runners, such as those from Kenya and Ethiopia (a.k.a. some of the fastest runners in the world) can run without shoes, Biofreeze, iPods, heart rate monitors and watches and still somehow effortlessly cross the finish line first, smiling and grateful that they are even given the opportunity to run.”
Yet on a certain level I understand the joy these runners experience. Because running is natural, something most of us learn to do at an early age. Running is simple- all it takes is a pair of running shoes and even that is not required. It separates us from the things that pull us down — a fast-paced society, technology and everyday pressures.
And although I complain about minor aches and pains, these discomforts seem to miraculously vanish when I run, only creeping back when I ‘forget’Â to go for a run or can’t seem to fit it into my schedule. Sure, there are days when I don’t know why I run. But then there are days when I can’t think of a better way to spend two hours every day after school — days when I feel like I could run back-to-back marathons without fatigue.
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These are the days that I run for. The times when I feel like I’m 8 years old again, running barefoot through my neighborhood with my friends. Of course, I run for the obvious reasons of achieving fitness and cardiovascular benefits, but also to just have fun running with my friends, to provide stress relief when I have an upcoming week of tests, and to not feel too guilty when, for example, I mindlessly eat two burgers at the Spring Sports Barbecue, and then go home and chow down on the the sub sandwich that my mom made for dinner (plus about half a box of Oreos). Because, hey, I ran 10 miles today.
I run for the bathroom stories and jokes shared among runners that anyone else would find disgustingly wierd (for example, runners have been known to pee their pants during races).
I run to satisfy my increasing obsession with running clothes and shoes, currently Nike Lunarglide 2 fitsole running shoes and Nike dri-fit shorts — because if I could have it my way, that’s all I would ever wear.
I run for the challenge. I run so that when I step up to that starting line, there’s no doubt in my mind that I can finish the race and finish without regret, knowing that I left it all on the track.
4 week calendar:
This four-week long schedule is designed to prepare beginner runners- those who cringe at the thought of running a lap around the track at anything more than jogging speed- for a 5k road race. This schedule was created with reference to STA cross-country coach Karen Moran’s beginner summer running schedule, Runner’s World Magazine and personal experience. Warning: Consult your phsyician before beginning any exercise program.
Week 1
Sunday: walk 2 miles
Monday: run 1 mile (walk a portion if you can’t run the whole mile)
Tuesday: sprint all-out for 30 sec. X 3 (walk for 30 seconds between each)
Wednesday: cross-train (bike, swim, etc.) for at least 30 minutes
Thursday: jog 1 mile on hills (Loose Park hill, Rockhill Road, or Mission Hills)
Friday: run 1 mile (with fewer walking breaks than Monday) and do 1 set of 50 crunches
Saturday: Take the day off
Week 2
Sunday: off
Monday: run 1 mile at a fairly brisk pace (no walking breaks if possible)
Tuesday: sprint all-out for 30 sec. X 3 (jog for 30 sec. between each)
Wednesday: cross-training for 1 hour
Thursday: run 1 mile at moderate pace on hills (minimize walking breaks)
Friday: run 1 mile at brisk pace (no walking breaks). Do 1 set of 50 crunches and 15 push-ups.
Saturday: off
Week 3
Sunday: off
Monday: run 2 miles at a fairly brisk pace (no walking breaks)
Tuesday: run 2 x 400 meters (or for 1:30) at 95% effort with 40 sec. Rest between the two.
Wednesday: 2-3 miles at a moderate pace (minimal walking breaks)
Thursday: run 2 miles at moderate pace on hills (walk a portion if this is too much)
Friday: run 2 miles at a brisk pace. Do 60 crunches and 20 push-ups.
Saturday: cross training for 1 hour
Week 4
Sunday: off
Monday: run 3 miles at a fairly brisk pace (no walking breaks)
Tuesday: run 400 meters and sprint 4 times for 30 seconds each
Wednesday: run 2-3 miles at a moderate pace (continuous)
Thursday: run 2 miles at a moderate pace on hills (continuous)
Friday: run 3 miles at a brisk pace. Do 70 crunches and 30 push-ups
Saturday: cross training for 1 hour
Upcoming 5k races:
What: Swope Park Cross-Country 5-K & Fun Run
When: May 21 at 8 a.m.
Where: Swope Park Shelter 4 in Kansas City, MO
Cause: Proceeds benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)- Jackson County, MO
Fee: $25 online through May 17 or $30 in person at packet pick-up or at race
What: Together As One Run
When: May 21 at 9 a.m.
Where: English Landing Park in Parkville, MO
Cause: to provide support to competitive Youth Athletes in the Kansas City Northland
Fee: $25
What: Night Flight 5k
When: June 10 at 9 p.m.
Where: Harris Park Community Center, Lee’s Summit, MO
Cause: Proceeds benefit the Legacy for Parks Foundation which promotes the services of the Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Department.
Fee: Adults (13 and older): $25 before May 31, $30 thereafter
What: KC Bike and Foot Chase
When: July 24 at 8 a.m.
Where: Zona Rosa shopping plaza
Cause: fitness and fun, charity
Fee: $25
