I have not written in so long. I plan on continuing to blog about the role running has in my life. I will write about the half marathon. But, for now, I thought it would be nice to post some pictures of the glorious day.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Five days away...
The race is literally five days away and I am scared. I have suffered bouts of fear concerning the race, but for the past month I had been past that fear. I was confident. I thought to myself, "I may be slow, but I can run far." I did my last long run the other day and the goal my friend set was to run 12. I made it 8 1/2. I couldn't go on. Now, I realize that there will be good and bad days, but I was hit with the realization that the race could actually be a bad day. I need to get past this fear. It's weighing me down.
Friday, April 30, 2010
To Run Or Not To Run
I look forward to arriving at a place with my running where it is second nature, a place where there is no decision. Perhaps though, I may never arrive at that place. As much as I appreciate every blessed step, the initial question, "To run or not to run" is a vicious battle.
I can come up with the most ridiculous reasons to not run.
I can come up with the most ridiculous reasons to not run.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
First Half Marathon Goals
I have exactly three weeks until the half marathon. I can't wait. Well, actually I can. There is more training to be done.
Yesterday I ran 11 miles. That is my farthest distance so far. Everything I have read seems to say that you only have to be able to run 10 miles in order to complete a half marathon; the adrenaline will push you through the remaining 3.1 miles. I believe that is true, but I don't want to rely solely on adrenaline for the last chunk of the race.
I am wondering if I should have a specific time goal. I'm not sure, but for now, here are my "First Half Marathon Goals."
1. Pace myself enough that I don't wish to kill myself for the 2nd half of the race. I am hoping that my death wishes don't kick in until the last few miles.
2. With the exception of water stations, which should take under 30 seconds (I won't rush that), I want to run the entire half marathon.
3. Feel like an athlete.
4. Avoid injury.
5. Be thankful during the race.
6. Have fun.
7. Experience a sense of camaraderie amongst the running culture.
8. Want to run more half marathons.
9. Finish the race.
10. Allow myself to cry when I do.
Yesterday I ran 11 miles. That is my farthest distance so far. Everything I have read seems to say that you only have to be able to run 10 miles in order to complete a half marathon; the adrenaline will push you through the remaining 3.1 miles. I believe that is true, but I don't want to rely solely on adrenaline for the last chunk of the race.
I am wondering if I should have a specific time goal. I'm not sure, but for now, here are my "First Half Marathon Goals."
1. Pace myself enough that I don't wish to kill myself for the 2nd half of the race. I am hoping that my death wishes don't kick in until the last few miles.
2. With the exception of water stations, which should take under 30 seconds (I won't rush that), I want to run the entire half marathon.
3. Feel like an athlete.
4. Avoid injury.
5. Be thankful during the race.
6. Have fun.
7. Experience a sense of camaraderie amongst the running culture.
8. Want to run more half marathons.
9. Finish the race.
10. Allow myself to cry when I do.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Look at these legs
I had training for races all wrong. It was not quite a year ago when I decided that I wanted to become a runner. This was prompted by my friend wanting me to run a one mile race with her. I remember being so scared that I would finish last. I only had two weeks to train. Each day that I ran I increased my distance. It made sense in my wannabe athlete mind. Add a little distance every time.
To make a long story much shorter, when we got to the race, I was furious that it was a fun run and that it wasn't going to be timed. I talked my friend into running the 5k instead and we did so with ease. Of course, our time was hideous. But who cares? We ran the entire time and we finished.
Two weeks later I injured my foot and my four week running career was over for some time. Anyone can get injured. However, in my commitment to training for a half marathon, I have learned quite a bit and now I know what a fool I was. This may seem like Running 101 to all those intermediate runners, but I learned the hard way. DISCOVERING THE FINISH LINE is about a weekly training schedule that includes a long run, a recovery run, and a speed run. It is only during that distance run that you should add mileage and to be honest, that mileage shouldn't be increased much more than 10% of your run.
There are many components to avoiding injury, but your days of rest are just as integral as your days of running. I have also learned the importance of weight training. The body needs to be surprised with a plethora of activities in addition to running.
I feel strong and that by far is more important than how I look. Though, my legs are rock hard and I love the strength they hold. I see my hamstrings in the mirror and I can't believe it's me. It is also productive that I have lost weight as well as inches. I know this will continue.
Today I ran eight straight miles for my distance run. I think back to before Christmas when you could catch me breathing slightly heavy from walking up the stairs.
I like defying the limitations my body falsely creates. I love being a runner. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Yet, it is also simple. I am a runner because I run. I love that.
FIVE WEEKS UNTIL THE HALF MARATHON.
To make a long story much shorter, when we got to the race, I was furious that it was a fun run and that it wasn't going to be timed. I talked my friend into running the 5k instead and we did so with ease. Of course, our time was hideous. But who cares? We ran the entire time and we finished.
Two weeks later I injured my foot and my four week running career was over for some time. Anyone can get injured. However, in my commitment to training for a half marathon, I have learned quite a bit and now I know what a fool I was. This may seem like Running 101 to all those intermediate runners, but I learned the hard way. DISCOVERING THE FINISH LINE is about a weekly training schedule that includes a long run, a recovery run, and a speed run. It is only during that distance run that you should add mileage and to be honest, that mileage shouldn't be increased much more than 10% of your run.
There are many components to avoiding injury, but your days of rest are just as integral as your days of running. I have also learned the importance of weight training. The body needs to be surprised with a plethora of activities in addition to running.
I feel strong and that by far is more important than how I look. Though, my legs are rock hard and I love the strength they hold. I see my hamstrings in the mirror and I can't believe it's me. It is also productive that I have lost weight as well as inches. I know this will continue.
Today I ran eight straight miles for my distance run. I think back to before Christmas when you could catch me breathing slightly heavy from walking up the stairs.
I like defying the limitations my body falsely creates. I love being a runner. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Yet, it is also simple. I am a runner because I run. I love that.
FIVE WEEKS UNTIL THE HALF MARATHON.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Reprogram Myself
I spar with myself. I don't feel like going to the gym. I can just go tomorrow. Yet I force myself to go and not surprisingly, I am always happy once I get there. This story isn't original. I imagine most people, at least in the beginning of becoming active, aren't always pumped up about exercise.
Something I have realized about myself is that I have gone through most of my life doing only what I want. I am successful in my career because I want to be. I earned a 4.0 in grad school because I wanted nothing but the best, not to mention that my major was creative writing so nerdy me loved every assignment.
So when it comes to dragging myself to the gym after a long day at work, I'm not always 100% willing. I am only now realizing that I don't need to be 100% willing. I have to be 1% willing. I have to trust that it's the right decision and then I have to put one foot in front of the other.
This may seem trivial to those of you who have always been disciplined when it comes to diet and exercise. There are many people like me out there. This is such a quick fix society. Are you hungry? A world of fast food awaits your desire. Are you feeling a bit down? Go see your doctor and he will prescribe you something. It's actually cheaper to eat McDonald's than to eat a baked chicken breast and salad at home. You're a bit down but you don't have time to try exercising three times a week so drugs are your first choice. I'm not putting down medicine. What I am putting down is the current trend I see that involves pills first, exercise later (or never).
My current active life is a challenge. Basically, I have reprogrammed myself. This new way of living requires constant updates. I know that if I skip my training plan for one day, whether that be with diet or exercise, I have doubled my chances of regression.
My physical trainer told me that when you get your body into shape you will shape up spiritually, intellectually, financially, and emotionally. I believe him. Despite the infinite benefits my new lifestyle is beginning to award me, it's still a challenge at times to just quit making excuses and run. I don't know if that will ever change. I don't care if it does. Running shouldn't be easy. I'm ready to grow up and do what's best for me regardless of my temporary wants.
Something I have realized about myself is that I have gone through most of my life doing only what I want. I am successful in my career because I want to be. I earned a 4.0 in grad school because I wanted nothing but the best, not to mention that my major was creative writing so nerdy me loved every assignment.
So when it comes to dragging myself to the gym after a long day at work, I'm not always 100% willing. I am only now realizing that I don't need to be 100% willing. I have to be 1% willing. I have to trust that it's the right decision and then I have to put one foot in front of the other.
This may seem trivial to those of you who have always been disciplined when it comes to diet and exercise. There are many people like me out there. This is such a quick fix society. Are you hungry? A world of fast food awaits your desire. Are you feeling a bit down? Go see your doctor and he will prescribe you something. It's actually cheaper to eat McDonald's than to eat a baked chicken breast and salad at home. You're a bit down but you don't have time to try exercising three times a week so drugs are your first choice. I'm not putting down medicine. What I am putting down is the current trend I see that involves pills first, exercise later (or never).
My current active life is a challenge. Basically, I have reprogrammed myself. This new way of living requires constant updates. I know that if I skip my training plan for one day, whether that be with diet or exercise, I have doubled my chances of regression.
My physical trainer told me that when you get your body into shape you will shape up spiritually, intellectually, financially, and emotionally. I believe him. Despite the infinite benefits my new lifestyle is beginning to award me, it's still a challenge at times to just quit making excuses and run. I don't know if that will ever change. I don't care if it does. Running shouldn't be easy. I'm ready to grow up and do what's best for me regardless of my temporary wants.
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