I was never a gifted athlete.
I was often picked last for the sports teams on the playgrounds and even in gym class.
I never played varsity baseball (my favorite sport.)
I got cut from the freshman soccer team.
The only skill I really have is the ability to focus on a task, stay committed, and get the job done.
Continue reading “If I Can, So Can You!”
I learned something about myself the last few weeks. Something good. Or, I think it’s good. And I think it is something that we can all learn from and should always remember.
This is a story about me, but it’s really about everyone. As always, I hope the deeper message is one that resonates with all because I think there is a deeper message here. The message is one I am going to try to remember the next time I think all is lost (proverbially, or in reality).
The message is one of narratives – things we believe. Things we think we know. Stories we tell ourselves. Deep truths about ourselves that we assume are true.
We spend a lot of time convincing ourselves (knowingly or unknowingly) about all sorts of things.
And sometimes we’re not telling ourselves the truth.
Even if we think we are.
Continue reading “The Narratives We Live By…”
Today is January 8, 2021.
Exactly one year ago today, I walked into the surgery center to meet Dr. Braver for him to perform surgery on my right Achilles tendon. As I walked in, I said to the receptionist at the counter, “I am here to begin my training for the 2020 New York City Marathon.” She smiled and said, “You must be Mr. Semendinger.”
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 33) – Last Article In Series”
It’s been over a month since my last update here…
My running hasn’t been great, but it hasn’t been bad either. I’ve been running about three days a week, usually about 3 miles at a time. It’s basically been a succession of 11-mile weeks. This approach has made sense because I just need to get strong.
About two weeks ago, though, I decided to ramp it up a bit. I want to start building miles and becoming a stronger runner. (I need to do that. “Want” makes it seem like a choice. It isn’t a choice.)
Two weeks ago, I did five miles. That was my longest run in a while.
Last week I did six.
Today is NYC Marathon Day.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 31) – NYC Marathon Day”
Whew.
I did it.
It wasn’t easy, but it was easier than I thought it would be.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 28): Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back!”
I didn’t really think I could do it this quickly. I mean, ramp up to ten miles. My longest run just a little over a week ago was six miles. Then last week I did seven. That was HUGE!
Up until the moment I decided to do a long run today, I wasn’t even thinking ten miles. That seemed just too far.
Way too far…
And then, this morning, I thought, “Why not just do ten?”
I had planned to write this a few days ago, but a huge storm, a loss of power and Internet, and such got in the way…
Last Monday I jumped on the treadmill with the intention (and hope) of matching my six mile effort from two weeks previous and with the faint hope of being strong enough to power through one extra mile to reach seven.
I didn’t make it.
I ran well enough. I covered five miles, but five isn’t six and it certainly isn’t seven.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 26) – Seven is Heaven”
As I chronicle my recovery from Achilles Surgery along with my quest to get in the proper shape to run another marathon, I am pleased to report that I am making great progress.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 25) – They Call This Progress!”
Nothing else needs to be said.
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