Getting Into the Running Spirit

Paul Poteet

I don’t always have a plan. Even as I type this, there probably should be an outline, or some notes next to me. There SHOULD be. I have discovered some of the fun of life is not knowing what’s next. Believe me, a couple of weeks in the weather forecasting business will remind you that you don’t always know what’s next.

I don’t mean you shouldn’t save some money. I don’t mean you shouldn’t look both ways before crossing the street. But you can spend too much time planning, and too little time doing.

About 3 years ago I started DOING something. I started running. My only Plan was to get my youngest son out of the house, away from all controllers, screens, and massively multiplayer online role-playing games. C’mon, we could run around the block in less time than it took me to write the last sentence. We started slow. A half mile here, suddenly it’s a mile, then it’s a mile and a half. Soon I was out of the neighborhood and running on my own. My son wasn’t hooked, but the old man was. I very gradually got to the point where I could run 4, 6, 8 miles at a stretch. I ran my first Mini-Marathon two years ago. This time my older son joined me, and we discovered that we were in the middle of a moving party, and had a blast.

I was so smitten that I ran another half marathon just a few weeks later, the Sunburst in South Bend. I discovered not every half marathon was a Mardi Gras like Indy, but I still had fun. Really, what other way am I going to be able to run into Notre Dame Stadium with Touchdown Jesus looking down on me, and dramatic music playing? So I’ve kept going. I’ve run the Geist Half twice, the Indianapolis Marathon (halfway) twice, both times with my running partner/son. I also made it (verrrry slowly) through 26.2 miles of the inaugural Monumental Marathon. I think I’d like to try a marathon again. For that, you have to do some Planning. And some training. Ibuprofen helps.

Did someone say training? I’m a wuss. I don’t run outside once it gets too cold. And I KNOW when it’s too cold … it’s my job. That’s why I’m a fan of Cardinal Fitness Center of Carmel. Again, I didn’t plan it, but I’m glad I found them. The facility on 146th street is often busy, but I’ve never had to wait for a workout. They have treadmills, of course, and also cross trainers, ellipticals, and stair climbers. I go to Cardinal even when I can run outside. Getting in running shape spurred me to be in better shape overall, so I visit Cardinal year-round to use their strength training equipment. Obviously I could use a lot more time with that stuff (the camera subtracts 10 pounds of muscle), but that’s the beauty of Cardinal Fitness. Professionals can help you reach another level, or you can try to get there yourself. It’s your plan! Cardinal has a non-initimidating, relaxed atmosphere. A cool staff starting at the top with Bryan Hammes, the General manager. Month to month deals, and even child care for the little ones.

For me and my NOT so little one the spring racing season beckons, and I can’t wait to stop talking about snow. Make a Spring Resolution, and stop into Cardinal Fitness Center Carmel and take a look around. They are online at www.gocardinalcarmel.com. I’ll see you online at www.paulpoteet.com, and hopefully at the finish line!