Howdy! I know it's been awhile since I've blogged steadily. However I still have ideas and thoughts to share. I think of ideas mostly when I run. You know, when it's most inconvenient to start typing.
I'm spending a fair amount of free time training for an upcoming 1/2 marathon. It's my first ever. I decided last September to start training for it, well, just to see if I could. And I can. I knew once I hit the 8-mile-threshold, that I will make it. I can do this. I got it!
The hardest threshold for me was to run 5 miles several times a week, and then to up that to 6 miles. I never thought I'd be able to walk again after going this far just a couple times a week. My feet hurt so bad and my ankle was not a happy camper. I stuck with it though, and now 5 or 6 miles just feels GOOD. It's a great distance for me.
I went 9.5 miles last weekend, and I'll go 10.5 the weekend after next. I know I can do it, and that makes me happy. I keep breaking personal record distances, and it's an amazing feeling.
I did not always like running. But what changed my mind was the day I realized one simple fact. The first mile ALWAYS SUCKS. There is no way around it. Warming up and loosening up is not fun. Walking, then jogging and getting into a pace just plain sucks until about mile 1. Once I realized this fact, accepted this fact, and expected this fact, I started enjoying running.
I run on a treadmill, and I like it. Most people think I'm nuts. I don't care to run outside. I hate the wind, loathe the sun, and value my ankles more than uneven pavement. I always know what the climate will be. My chances of skin cancer are reduced. There are no mosquitoes. There are nothing but positives to me for running on a treadmill. I don't get bored because I have my tunes and my thoughts. I am my best company.
But I will be at a disadvantage when it comes to race day because I haven't been running outside. But I'm OK with that. I don't have lofty goals. I don't want to run fast. I just want to finish.
And I know I can.
3 comments:
Awesome! You're doing better than me right now!
You might think about getting out and running some short runs on the sidewalk soon though. I know you don't want to, but pavement is a lot harder than treadmill. You could be setting yourself up for some nasty shin splints. If you were only training for a 5 or 10k, I wouldn't worry about it, but 13 miles is a long way!
I'll just drive you to start at Mile #2, problem solved!
Your husband is so helpful!
Once again, I am in awe of your awesomeness! Running! Long distances!!! I do not understand it, I truly don't, but I admire it like crazy!!
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