Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Half

So. I signed up for a half marathon. I'm a little terrified but also excited. I've been running more regularly and yesterday started my official training. I decided to log my runs and was initially just going to keep them in a draft and then publish when I finished so I'd have them for my records (good idea Elise), but I decided I'll post each individually. Once I start writing I tend to ramble, so that could be a very long log at the end. This way it's cut up, and at least I'll be blogging more regularly. Sorry it'll be sort of boring. Oh yeah, I welcome all advice from runners. The most I've ever run was 5 miles and that was once.

Monday March 27th – Three miles. Tonight’s run was good. Of course as usual when I run on the treadmill I hit about two miles and feel like I want to be done. Luckily, when I’m only going for three I can tell myself it’s just one more mile. I’ve done a lot of reading about running and training and my belief in positive self talk has only been further confirmed. I decided my mantra for the next twelve weeks is going to be, “I get to run!” It’s safe to say there isn’t a single time I walk to or from the gym, or to the park to run, that I don’t see someone who doesn’t have the physical ability to run. I feel guilty comparing myself and I’m sure they wouldn’t want that, but I can’t help but say a silent prayer of gratitude for the healthy body I have.
I think if I focus on thinking and saying, “I get to run x miles” instead of “have to” it will help my attitude, desire, and even performance. I feel especially grateful when I get to run in Central Park. It’s hard for me to imagine a more beautiful, more inspiring place to run. I wish every runner could experience a run in the Park on a spring day when everything is blooming and everyone is outside enjoying it. There is an undeniable energy that just makes you grateful to be there.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

With that great attitude there is no way you won't finish!

laura said...

I love everything about this post! What half marathon are you doing? And yes, running is SO mental and a positive mantra is incredibly helpful. Good luck with your training!

Cindy Robinson said...

you are awesome...and my motivation. i totally want to steal your 30 before 30 idea, but i don't think i would be able to do half the things i want. so i will once again live vicariously through you. i've wanted to run a half, but after Ty i just haven't had the motivation...but maybe reading your logs will help! i need a goal in my life!! good luck dear!

maggie said...

You will do great at the half! BELIEVE was my mantra for my first half, and it still is! You can do it, and it is ok to walk if you want to! Treadmill running is definitely different, so do as much outside as you can! I'd love to run in the park some day!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I love the "get to" mantra. And yes, lucky about getting to running in Central Park. I have a beautiful neighborhood that I love to run in but I don't think it quite compares. ;)

Michelle said...

Live the dream girl! Good luch with the training! You can do it!

Steve and Rebecca said...

That is so awesome! I wish I had time to read all your training posts. When is the 1/2 marathon?