Catch her blog here.
I have a knack for languages. I started life in Holland, so spoke Dutch as a young child. Then my family immigrated to Canada so I became bilingual for many years with English, though we spoke less Dutch as the years went on. In Canada, French is a mandatory subject throughout grade school and while the biggest emphasis was on grammar (anyone remember why we had to remember the name “Mrs. Vandertramp”?), I certainly knew enough francais to be conversant, read, and write. Then, in high school, I studied German, was an exchange student to Germany, and became fully fluent.
After high school, I took a “gap year” and worked in Switzerland, so I learned Swiss-German–the same basic language, but a whole new way of speaking. I even picked up some Spanish from the kitchen staff and Amharic while hanging with my sister in Ethiopia for three months. And immigrating to Australia felt like that in the beginning: I’m sure the people were speaking English, but sometimes it didn’t sound that way! I still speak many of these languages, though some have become intermixed over time and lack of usage.
Now, I think running is like learning a new language. In order to learn a language, you have to start at the beginning, when every word is hard work, and practice it. You also have to surround yourself with others who know the language, or it makes it even more difficult to learn. You have to try to not compare yourself to those who speak the language fluently: They, too, had to learn it–some from a very young age, while others are newcomers to it but have a real knack for this language. Then there are all the specific language terms (splits, pace, BQ, intervals, etc).
At this point, I’ve been stuck in the Running 101 class for well over a year. I keep dropping out, or only going intermittently, so I’m not getting as adept as others are who attend class multiple times a week.
I’ve got other challenges in life right now, which lead to handy excuses not to get out there—an upcoming big move back to Canada, full-time work and trying to sell a house, while dealing with the normal stuff of life, marriage, and child.
Plus, I’ve got very few non-virtual friends here to share my language with, so I don’t push myself enough, pick up my dictionary enough, or get enough practice at this language.
But I persevere at it. If nothing else, I’m a stubborn Taurus, and if I want to continue to call myself a runner, I need to keep speaking that language. My body likes it when I do; my brain doesn’t need to think too hard about it; and I want to get fluent. So I read a lot of running blogs; I blog myself to keep accountable and to see my progress; I track of my kilometers at dailymile; and I’m slowly losing weight and getting fitter.
Running is definitely not a language that is coming easily to me. I know I’m often not putting enough effort into it, but I want to keep at it and speak it for years to come. I want to be fluent.
I’m super honoured to be selected for this series – though somehow don’t feel equal to some of the posts in the last few days. Thanks for sharing my story!
Oh but you are worthy Annet! You just described my new runner feelings to T. I so WANT to become fluent too but its a but like stumbling around a foreign country some days! Thanks for remindng us there are big and small reasons to keep trying. Good luck!
Language learning is an excellent analogy to running. Thank you for putting that spin on it because it resonates so well with me. Cheers!
Oh, I so love this! I’ve never had a knack for languages, personally, and can totally appreciate the analogy to running. Thank you for sharing, Annet!
Yes! This is SO accurate! I have used my running “dictionary” (Run Like A Mother) so many times during my transition to runner! For example, I never knew what those 26.2 stickers were. LOL! (I have an ironman friend with a 140.3 sticker on her Jeep – someone asked her if it was a radio station!). By definition, if you run, you ARE a runner. Some days, you just need a refresher.
Yes! What a great analogy ! Thanks :)
Wonderful! I can relate to all of it, and it’s great to see a non-native speaker here on AMR! (So to speak.)
Thank you for sharing your reality with us! You’re story is inspiring to all of us newbies. :)
Loved this post!!!! Annet you rock!!! Can’t wait to “pile the miles” with you on Canadian soil!!!!
Thanks Nita, right back at you!!! How many more sleeps until we can run together? SO excited!!
Another Canuck, here, also learning the language. Awesome analogy. Good luck on your move :)
I love this, Thank You for telling your story. I think that is a perfect way to describe running. I’ve been in the 101 class for two years now and ready to move on but without the weight holding me back. Good luck on your continued learning “Language” adventures :-)