A Passion for Running

Welcome to the home of Mark aka The Running Blogfather – a 40 year-old dad, husband and marathon runner who’s beaten injury and is on the comeback trail!

we have nothing to fear but fear itself

passion for running category: biking/cross-training,inspiration,running on Saturday, February 19 2005

Today, I know the true meaning of that famous FDR quote because today was a real milestone for me. A milestone in both the physical and spiritual sense.

Today, I swam 1000 meters. One whole kilometer.

I’m blowing my horn because this really is a big deal for me. Why? Because for years I’ve been afraid of the water and during my 37 years on this planet, never thought I’d swim anywhere near 1000 meters.

Not only did I swim that kilometer but I did it without being afraid. Not even the least bit afraid.

After our swim, Aaron talked about swimming at Hubble Lake – a very small but very deep lake located west of Edmonton that sees a lot of triathlon action.

You know what? I can see myself swimming across that lake this summer. How cool is that?

We have nothing to fear but fear itself. You can swim a kilometer. You can run 5k or a marathon. You can do whatever you set your mind to but in order to do those things you first have to do another thing…

…you have to start :)




13 Comments

2377

Comment by beverly

Saturday February 19, 2005 @

Awesome job … I “yayed” out loud at my monitor when I read your post! And, Hubbles Lake is a very fitting idea. There is also a 2k “jag” at Lake Wabamun that is very popular for triathletes-in-training. Isn’t there great joy in overcoming fears? Well done, Mark!

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Comment by Pamalamadingdong

Saturday February 19, 2005 @

Holy crap! Good for you!

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Comment by Richard

Saturday February 19, 2005 @

Very well done! Non-stop I assume? I can’t wait to see the pictures of you mid-lake. That inspires me to go and try the ol’ pool again.

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Comment by Mark

Saturday February 19, 2005 @

Thanks you guys! Sorry to dissappoint Richard, but I do take some breaks. Today, the breaks were very minimal. My goal is to eliminate them entirely over the next couple of weeks. After that, it will be all about getting stronger and improving the time.

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Comment by Jon in Michigan

Saturday February 19, 2005 @

Good job, Mark! A whole kilometer? I’m very certain I would drown. I can stop and walk in a race, but in a swimming race? I would drown. I am in awe.

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Comment by Kirsten

Saturday February 19, 2005 @

Mark: When I read this, I think about doing some swimming myself. It’s such a great form of exercise…Way to go! Kirsten

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Comment by Marie

Sunday February 20, 2005 @

WAY to go Mark! It is so true – people’s biggest obstacle is their own mind!

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Comment by Mike Paus

Sunday February 20, 2005 @

Man, that is a LONG way to swim. I think I swam 500 meters in a pool once, back and forth, but I don’t think I could swim in open water like that unless some one was following me with a boat!

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Comment by Deene

Sunday February 20, 2005 @

Well done! *high 5*

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Comment by Lara

Monday February 21, 2005 @

I totally hear you Mark :) Awesome for you – you are rocking the water!!!

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Comment by Annalisa

Monday February 21, 2005 @

woohoo!!!!! Way to go. You are going great.

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Comment by BD

Wednesday February 23, 2005 @

Excellent!

You are correct. The first step is to put on the shoes. Or the Speedo, as the case may be.

2536

Comment by Nancy Toby

Thursday March 10, 2005 @

I hadn’t read you blog post – but it does indeed have a curious synchonicity with the one I just posted! I guess my feelings aren’t so unique, after all! I’m so relieved! :) Thanks for tipping me off on another great blog – gotta get your RSS feed!

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