My fabulous event for Week #7 became fabulous after I did an attitude adjustment. I walked the Tufts 10K. When I signed last summer, the idea was to use it as a goal towards getting back in shape. See, three years ago I did the BAA Half. And two years ago I did a Spring Tri.  So I thought, 10K, you need to get in shape, go.

No go.

Work is nuts. Life is nuts. My knees turned 50. I just didn’t pull it together. And so, leading up to the day, I thought “I’m just not going to do it.” Then I thought “I’ll pick up my packet, and get the shirt. Who’ll know if I don’t do it?” [Note: The Tufts 10K shirts are great. Just saying. Long sleeve tech shirts.]

Who’ll know? Me. So I got out the clothes (running tights under running pants, good shoes, good socks, layers on top, running cap), and set them out. And then I woke up Monday, had a light breakfast, ate a banana and hydrated. And I still wrestled. Then I said “Just go. And don’t try and run.”

So I walked to the T (about a mile), went to the starting line, got in the back of the pack, walked the 10K, and then walked from the T back home. I walked a good pace, but not great. I am really out of shape. BUT I did it.

And here’s the thing. I liked walking it. Why do I always feel like I need to run? I don’t love running. It is hard on my body. But I always try to be this athlete that I never was. But why not walk? And ride my bike? And do yoga? AND JUST MOVE?

I had plenty of time to think about this during my 10K. I didn’t wear an iPod (the rules said no, even though most solo runners/walkers wore one. I am a geek. Need to stop following all the rules all the time.) And I liked the walk. It wasn’t easy, but I felt good afterwards. So kinder, gentler, but firmer with myself. Here’s to more fabulous walks this year.