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Project Half Marathon: thanks for the germs, Germany!
by Claudio Candinas
Project Half Marathon: questions from a child
7/6/2024
I’m one third through the half-marathon preparation. Right now, what I’m struggling with most is the mental side of things – and a child’s questions.
And even if it’s made me more grounded in everyday life and looking at the results makes me feel happy, a couple of questions from my child threw me off.
But why?
It happened a few days ago. I’d almost left the house to go for a run when my three-and-a-half-year-old engaged me in the following conversation:
Him: «Daddy, where are you going?»
Me: «Going for a run.»
Him: «Oh no, not again?!»
Me: «Yep. But I’ll be back soon.»
Him: «But where will you run to?»
Me: «Well, I’ll actually run in a big circle.»
Him: «But where?»
Me, after what felt like an eternity: «Well, you know, I’m going to where we see those cows on our walks. And then back again.»
Him: «But why do you have to do that?»
Me: «You know, I’m training for a race where lots of people run together.»
Him: «But why do all those people do that?»
I realise the little one won’t understand any motives such as a personal challenge, improving your fitness, pushing your boundaries or midlife crisis, so I reply: «I guess everyone has their own reason.»
Him: «Alright... Will we go to the supermarket when you get back? I want a Paw Patrol pudding!»
The conversation on the doorstep lasted less than a minute, but for the first part of my run, all I could think about was how pointless it must sound to a child that adults spend weeks or months preparing to just run round in circles with complete strangers. Luckily, after about ten minutes of running, my survival mode took over and I had no capacity to think about anything other than breathing and my pulse.
Back at home, all the little one was thinking about was that pudding, so I was spared any further questions about why people run half marathons.
In the end, it was a fantastic run. Oliver and I had a great chat (admittedly, mainly about the run we were on and our previous training experiences) and he never made me feel like we were running too slowly, even though we definitely weren’t moving at his usual pace. Olla, if you’re reading this (and I know you are), let’s do that again!
We found a quiet place in the end, but I couldn’t resist stopping along the route to watch the athletes. I’m glad I did, as what I saw gave me confidence. The field consisted of some well-trained runners, some semi-athletic-looking people in their mid-thirties and the odd participant who, based purely on what they looked like, you’d never expect to do an Ironman.
This sounds really superficial, but as the owner of a full-blown dad bod, I’ll allow myself to say that. And I don’t mean this in a patronising way, but I’m impressed and motivated, as it goes to show that no matter what your physical condition, your biggest opponent is your mind. That’s why I have the greatest respect for all participants in sporting challenges of any kind.
Right, I gotta go now. Everyday life’s calling and I have household duties and other commitments to fulfil before the next training session. Here are my learnings from the last four weeks:
- Running with someone instead of alone makes everything a bit easier.
- Don’t even try to explain to a 3-year-old why running in circles makes sense.
- At the end of the day, it’s all in your mind.
Have you taken part in any running events recently? Join the comment section to let me know how it went – and keep those tips coming!
If you’d like to join Oliver and me on our half-marathon journey, here are some insights into how we’re getting on:
Header image: Shutterstock
Claudio Candinas
Content Innovation Manager
Claudio.Candinas@digitecgalaxus.chI'm a fan of ideas that make you shake your head at first. And of coffee.
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