Running has been such a journey for me, throughout this entire training process. I started running at the end of May/Early June, and at that point in time I could barely run a mile. Yesterday I did my longest run to date-- 8 miles. I have come such a long way since I started all of this, and my next long run is when I'll be going for those double digits: 10 miles.
Something about pushing your body to its limit, and proving to yourself that you are better than you thought is just so rewarding. I've really proven to myself that I am more than capable of things that I never dreamed possible. With every step, and every mile I continue to learn more about myself.
Ben is training for the half too, and we talked last night about how running long distances makes you doubt in yourself, and believe in yourself all at once. I definitely never imagined I would gain so much out of signing up for a half-marathon on a whim, but in any training I think you really test yourself and your limits. You learn a lot of things about yourself physically, but you also find yourself learning a lot of life lessons. There's so much time to think when you're trucking along on that pavement, and as cheesy as all of this is: I've really come to love it.
I've always been the girl who hated running, hated working out, dreaded the thought of even running a mile. Then I started hearing of all these people doing half marathons... and secretly wished I could actually do one. I mean, what an accomplishment! It lingered in my mind for months... until I finally just thought, Why CAN'T I do one? What makes me think that I can't accomplish that too? And here I am, running my little tail off and working towards that 13.1.
A lot of you are runners too, what are some of those things running has done for you?
Aaaaand do you have any advice for first-time half marathoners?
Happy Monday friends!
7 comments:
best of luck! This is something I am trying to work towards. :)
Oh, yay! I love when people discover running. I love it and I did my first half in 2009. You will love it! My advice is to not worry about your time (unless you have a goal you really want to keep to) and just focus on finishing the race. I finished around 2:15 but I was most proud of the fact that I didn't walk at all and kept running! I would also say wear something super comfortable and look into bringing energy gels/blocks to take every couple of miles! Good luck with your last bit of training!! :)
Congrats! You go girl! :)
You'll do great!!! I took up walking/jogging back in the early summer but then totally stopped after we had the huge storm and power outtage that struck our area! Id love to get back into the routine though cause it made me feel great!
Congratulations!! I'll be praying for courage, health and safety for you and Ben!
I admire you and your training so much! I've been running since about the same time and just running my 3 miles sometimes feels like I'm pushing my limits! Other days it feels like a breeze, though, so I know my body could do more. I'm so excited to hear how this last part of your training goes and how the race goes! You'll rock it. :)
good luck with your half on saturday!! it is true how a run can change a lot of your thinking and when you realize how far you have come it is an awesome feeling!! hm.. first time half marathoners, i have done three i would definitely eat breakfast that morning for sure and put out the outfit your bib shoes and socks the night before do as much prep the night before so in the morning you are just go time!!
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