My adventures in running started about 2 years ago. I never dreamed I would be a runner. I used to actually have a saying that "running was only good for giving you shin splints." My how times have changed! When I started really working out and making it a part of my weekly routine I started out walking, using the elliptical, and riding my bike. I enjoyed all of those things and would think about running but in my mind that was the ultimate physical activity that I wasn't sure I was ready to tackle (it's now become spin class). After a while I built up enough confidence to at least give it a try. What did I have to loose!?! I started out on the treadmill. Would run a little, walk a little, run a little walk a little. I eventually built up some distance. That got boring to me fast. I wanted to be in the open outdoors. I began to do the same routine outside on the streets or the trails. It was much more difficult and took me a little more time to build up any kind of distance. Then one day I reached my first out door mile with no stops. It was an awesome feeling!
Tackling an obstacle I never thought I would complete is a great confidence booster for me. That's all I needed and I was hooked. I started pushing myself a little harder and further each time. For me it's been a slow process. I don't think I was born a natural runner, but when I have a goal in mind I get excited about reaching it. I started out with a few 5Ks, went for a couple of 10Ks and then I thought why not a half? My first attempt of training for a half failed. I began my training in the heat of the summer and had no running partner. I have learned that accountability is very helpful tool for me when running long distances. I decided to put that goal on the shelf for a little while and regroup. I think that if something doesn't somewhat remain fun and meaningful to you then you shouldn't spend your time on it. I got back to just running for fun and on my own time and schedule.
A few months later I received an email about a running group that was starting in Oxford in preparation for the Run for Hope half marathon. It was a group that would meet once a weekend for long runs and as often as possible during the week for shorter runs. By this time I felt like I was ready to give it another shot and thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to take advantage of. It was a busy time in my life. Training really swung into full gear about a month or so before our wedding day. Although it ended up being one more thing on my to do list, it also became a great stress reliever and gave me something else to keep me focused on other than constant wedding details.
The biggest thing I have found about training for a long distance is that you have to REALLY want to do it and you have to be committed. When you go out on Friday night, it's important to remember how you want your stomach and body to feel when you are out pounding the pavement early the next morning. When you are really tired after work, it's important to remember how each run counts towards the final outcome. When you wake up at 7:00 a.m. and it's 28 degrees with ice on the ground, you REALLY have to want it! This was the case for a few of my morning long runs for the Run for Hope. There were some days I would ask myself "Now why do you want to do this again?" After the run, after meeting each new mile, each new distance, I remembered why I wanted to do it.
So on February 26, 2011 I completed my first half marathon. I came in 19th (last) in my age division of 25-29 year old females, with a completion time of 2:37:39 (this included a quick restroom break in the student union or I'm sure I could have made it under 2:35). Did I care that I was last in my division!?!?! Ummm No! First of all I wasn't even aware until the results were printed and second of all I had just run my butt off for 2 hours and almost 38 minutes! I ran up MOUNTAINS to get to the finish line. If you have ever run in Oxford, you know exactly what I mean. The last 3 miles were extremely tough and painful. I'm not sure what I did wrong that day, but I pushed through it and made it, and that's all that mattered. I was extremely happy and pleased with myself.
This is my medal. I worked VERY hard for it!
This is me after running for 2 hours and 38 minutes. It was February....
My shirt says "How bad do you want it???" Haha I love it!
Sooo here we go again! Like I mentioned earlier, I'm really looking forward to this run. I'm a little nervous because the run is in Memphis and won't have actually ran the course until race day, but I am excited because I have heard it's a much easier route than the Oxford route that I ran. I also have a running partner who will be with me! I am planning on blogging about our progress and our stats each week. Mainly just distance. Neither of us are too concerned about time. We just want to finish. We do keep track of our time and try and keep it to a certain time but don't beat ourselves up to hard about it. Race day is December 3rd so I'm sure we will have a variety of weather to run in and I think it will be fun to keep record of thoughts, feelings, and progress as we go through the training. Maybe this will inspire you to hit the pavement!?!? I never thought I could do it and now it's often something I can't wait to get out and do! Have a great week!
Week 1 of SJHM Training:
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: Strength trained
Wednesday: 2 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: undetermined when this post went to press :)
Total miles: 12
Feelings: Hopeful!
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