The 5K Project

I want Alka & Priyanka to run a 5K. We've all experienced the rush from our first race. The realization that your body can do something you didn't know it could do is one of the most positive experiences a person can have. I want that for them.

Alka's 45 like me. She's tiny, maybe 95 lbs. Her weight isn't an issue. She takes calcium supplements but, calcium loss is a reality for a woman of a certain age. She wants to avoid the knee surgery her mom had this summer. She could benefit from the increased energy level exercise gives you.

Priyanka is a 14 year old girl. Like a lot of teenagers she doesn't exercise regularly. She spends lots of time on the computer. Her adolescent metabolism enables her to eat like a horse but, sooner or later that will catch up to her. She says she doesn't like running because she has no stamina. Well, nobody does at first. She's sensitive to slights the way only a 14 year old can be so, I have to be delicate with her. I want her to have the boost to her self esteem that running can give her.

Monday Alka & I went on a hike along the Marlboro-Hudson rail trail, a little over six miles. She walks slower than me (understandable due to our height differences)but, actually can move at a pretty good clip. I brought up the idea about her & Priyanka doing a 5K. I mentioned how good it would be for her as far as making her bones retain more calcium. I told her it's a very achievable goal by doing a walk/run buildup. I mentioned how many people on LTR became runners this way. I also mentioned how good it would be for Priyanka's stamina when she does her classical Indian dancing.

Tuesday Priyanka & I went to hike in the Groton Town Forest. Alka passed because she didn't want to hike another 6 miles. Priyanka wanted a good workout. I was willing to give her one. The Groton Town Forest is the site of an upcoming 9.5 trail run so, I wanted to scout it out. We went on a beautiful 6.4 mile trail that followed along an oxbow of the Squannacook River & up and down some fairly hilly terrain. After the first mile or so we began to pick up the pace. Priyanka mentioned her Mom had related my desire for her to run. I talked about how good I thought it would be for her. I wouldn't force her to try it but, reasoned it would help her with her dancing. She's also going on a big hiking trip this summer & it's never too early to start building up stamina. At various points on the hike I broke out into a run,especially on the hills, she said she hated me (laughing) & I think she was a little impressed by the old bastard's (me) speed.

As I pulled into the driveway at home I saw Alka walking down the street. She told me she'd been doing laps walking & running around the block. Each laps is .3 miles. She did 6 laps. The seeds are sown...