My First 8K at 62
I have never participated in an organized race. No bib, no number pinned to my shirt, no starting line, no finish line. That changes on November 21, which also happens to be my 62nd birthday.
I signed up for the 8K during Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. That’s nearly five miles, and I’m going to walk it using my white cane. I’m not trying to win anything. I’m not even worried about where I finish. My goal is pretty simple: complete the course.
The idea started after I spent a couple of hours around the Philadelphia Distance Run handing out flyers recruiting runners for the National Federation of the Blind. By the time I walked back to Suburban Station, I had logged more than 8,000 steps. That made me wonder how many steps it takes to cover an 8K. Once I realized it wasn’t dramatically different from the amount of walking I sometimes do in an ordinary day, I started thinking that maybe I could actually do this.
Of course, walking around my house, neighborhood, or familiar places is completely different from navigating nearly five miles through Philadelphia with a white cane. There are potholes, curbs, crowds and all sorts of variables I can’t predict. But I signed up anyway.
Key Podcast Moments
- I explain what convinced me to enter my first organized race.
- I talk about why walking in the street can sometimes be easier with a white cane than walking on a sidewalk.
- I share the physical issue that concerns me most about finishing the 8K.
- A conversation with my glaucoma doctor unexpectedly turns into a race sponsorship.
- I explain how the National Federation of the Blind is organized nationally, statewide and locally.
- I share a long-awaited encouraging update about Ziggy.
Four Takeaways From Episode 302
Finishing Is the Goal
I’m not going into the 8K expecting to compete with runners. I’ll probably be near the back of the field, and that doesn’t bother me. Doing something I have never done before and getting across the finish line is what matters.
At one time, Liz and I could walk about five miles on an indoor track in roughly an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. This will be very different. I’ll be outside, using my cane and navigating a course that isn’t familiar to me. I’m estimating around 90 minutes, but the time really doesn’t matter.
The Hardest Part Might Be My Cane Hand
My legs, knees and hips aren’t my biggest concern. It’s my right hand.
That’s the hand I use to sweep my white cane back and forth, and it can become extremely sore. Nearly five miles of constant cane use could be the biggest accessibility and endurance challenge of the entire race.
I’ve even considered different gloves or another way of reducing the strain. Cold weather could make it harder, so I’m thinking about that too.
The 8K Is Also a Fundraiser
The National Federation of the Blind is a charitable partner for Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, so the race gives me an opportunity to raise money for the national organization.
My fundraising goal is $500. Anyone who would like to support me can visit david8k.com and enter David Goldstein in the “In Honor Of” field when making a donation.
I’ve spent plenty of time raising money for NFBofPA. This gives me an opportunity to support the national organization and the programs that benefit affiliates, chapters and blind people throughout the country.
Ziggy Is Acting Like Ziggy Again
We’ve finally had some encouraging news with Ziggy.
After finishing chemotherapy, he didn’t rebound as quickly as we hoped. Then he started vomiting, and we learned that he had an intestinal blockage. Thankfully, it moved without requiring surgery.
Since then, we’ve started seeing much more of the Ziggy we know. He’s counter surfing, looking for food, taking longer walks and even doing some zoomies again.
His cancer remains in remission. We know what the future may eventually bring, so right now we’re enjoying seeing our lunatic Golden Retriever acting like himself again.
Support My 8K
If you’d like to support my Philadelphia Marathon Weekend 8K fundraiser for the National Federation of the Blind, visit:
david8k.com
Any amount helps, and I truly appreciate the support.
Listen to Episode 302
Watch the complete episode of iCantCU at:
You can also find me on social media at @davidbenj or email me at iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com.
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