A year ago, I was well into my weight loss journey and as you can see, my March totals were pretty...sad. Keep in mind, those 10 miles were probably over 5-10 runs, and when I say 'runs', I mean mostly walking and some running.
(and it's okay that I ran or walked last March, I'm just comparing my progress)
When March is over, I'll have at least 60 miles done. Not just 60 miles, but 60 miles of purpose. Every step meaning something. Every hill tackled. Every breath in 20-30 mph wind - with extreme effort. Every run with focus and determination. Every run is a run closer to running my very first Half Marathon.
The day before my 12 mile run, I mapped it out with my car. I was surprised but not really that my run would take me to Lincoln. Last summer I remember joking around and saying "wouldn't it be cool if I ever ran out here?" Guess what? That's where I went. It was a goal I never really took seriously, but I ran up and down all those hills for 6 miles. Yes, hills. In fact, going west on that country road is one long incline with a nice series of torture, I mean hills. Now, add in the wind. Straight in my face...for 6 miles. I knew it would be hell and it was, but I also knew I'd be earning that downhill...and I did. It was worth every step to be able to turn around and have that wind at my back. I was still doing hills but overall, they were downhill. There was even a gust of wind that caused me to trip up my step, but I was running the best part of the run....and I just kept going. I loved it.
see this? There's like 10 more of these little inclines
Week 9 of training was no joke. There's no limping around 12 miles, you do it, or you don't. You hydrate hard all week, you eat foods that fuel you, you don't drink alcohol, you sleep properly...all in the name of a good long run. I loved waking up on Saturday at 7am just to go running. I keep asking myself 'who am I?' but I'm realizing I'm a runner, I'm really a runner.
My next "I DID IT" picture will be with a sweet, hard earned medal. I cannot wait!
Amazing is all I can say! Looking at that road is just unreal, I can't even imagine running DOWN ONE of those hills! You look awesome too! I'm so proud of you, way to go!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy...that route is grueling, when I did my first 8 miler on it, I said I would never do it again. Now, I want to kill that route with a great time! (or a better pace)
DeleteWell written! It's cool to hear you declare yourself a runner - the payment for all of your hard work.
ReplyDeleteBob, thank you! You know...it's still hard to call myself a runner! I know, I'm crazy lol.
DeleteI love your sign! I am so proud of you. I honestly woke up excited for you Saturday morning, because I knew how good you were going to feel when it was done. It is SUCH an amazing accomplishment. And like your run itself, the rest of the training is all downhill until you reach that medal!
ReplyDeleteI loved so much seeing your tweet before I left for my run, it's the little things that carry me through the tough times in a run. I think of what you say, or what someone on Twitter or Facebook says, and think of how happy I'll be when it's done.
DeleteI can't wait for that medal! I know you're excited for your first half, too! I know you're going to smash it!
Yes! Each step has a purpose. You're rocking this training. Love the picture at the end!!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me laugh (because you ARE funny - 'series of torture. I mean hills...') and it made me emotional because I'm so so proud of you! Once again - very inspiring and awesome post!
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