TODD SMITH: Monday was the big kickoff for the Abe's Army training program and the start of my running career.
After a half-mile in Monday's 90-degree heat, I was definitely warmed up. I also was sweating after the first go-around as I took a breather before the 1.3-mile run. This was where our running would be timed. I started at the end of the pack but moved ahead. I kept going and steamed ahead to close to the front.
Finishing in 14 minutes, 56 seconds, I earned a green Popsicle stick, but no Popsicle. This meant I would be in a running group. There are a total of five categories that people participate in and include walker, power walker, race walker, run/walk, along with running.
I am definitely happy with this time and look forward to seeing what I can do. I'm hoping to recapture my form from when I rode my bicycle from my home in northeast Missouri to Quincy and the summer I spent hiking the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
It feels good to know I can still run like this after spending months in physical therapy after a 1997 robbery attempt when I was shot in the leg. Like many old injuries, I can still tell the difference. I usually call it my bullet leg.
The leg works fine, but this was my first time seeing how it would hold up. Most of all, I want to complete the Abe's Amble 10K in August and show that even with this old injury I can make it to the finish line.
Look for everything relating to Abe's Army in our new Abe's Army section including columns on running, advice on training for races and to hear from other participants.
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MY EARLIER COLUMN: Preparing myself for the Abe's Army
SPRINGFIELD ROAD RUNNER CLUB MEMBER'S COLUMNS:
What types of shoes to wear for running?
Thinking of running competitively this summer -- where should you start?
