I'm about halfway through my half marathon training, so I figured it was time for a post.
It's really pretty amazing to me how LAST YEAR I had just begun my weight loss journey and feeling pretty lucky to walk/run 1-2 miles. Mostly walked. I didn't realize I would actually run a 5K in July and wasn't really preparing for it at that time. My mindset sometimes says, I think 'once an able runner, always an able runner', but when you take months or years off, there's no choice but to start over. I was totally starting over, completely.
Why did I quit after my Couch to 5k in September 2010, I really don't know.
After my miserable 5K in July, I became really, really ill. Because I was in bed (literally) for two weeks, I lost my stamina and energy but my desire to run was still alive...and I was starting over....again. I still wanted
10K.
Done.
In fact, I was running a 10K about once a week, our fall was delicious and I loved getting out there...then one day in November, something began to creep into my mind. Half marathon?
Here I sit halfway into my first half marathon training. I love it. Don't get me wrong, it's tough, it pushes me...and I need that. Long runs are on Saturday and now I run long runs when all the 'real runners' do theirs. I'm a runner? I'm a runner. It's still difficult to call myself that.
This Saturday, I run 8 miles. EIGHT MILES. During this run, I know I'll be thinking "how in the hell am I ever going to run 13.1 miles?"
I don't know, but I do know that I will.
Oh I remember my first 8 miler like it was yesterday. I literally felt nauseous before we started - and then, somehow I did it. Crazy how that happens. I hope the run goes well and you felt great afterwards!
ReplyDeleteYes, you will. I find myself wondering how I'll do the 13.1 miles when I struggle through 3.1, but I know that somehow I'll reach down deep and finish it. I don't even care how long it takes me--I just want to cross the finish line.
ReplyDeleteThe key is not to think about how far you have to go, but celebrate just how far you have come! - Alex
ReplyDeleteBeing a runner is about putting one foot in front of another and pushing your limits. It sounds like you're doing both: You're a runner! I can't wait to hear how the second half of your training goes and this week's 8-miler!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it LJ. Rooting for you from Tennessee!
ReplyDeleteYou are SUCH an inspiration!!
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