I'm officially in week 3 of my training plan that will get me to my half marathon goal. I've come a long way since day 1 when I could barely run a half mile, BUT...I still have no idea how I will ever be able to run 13.1 miles! I have to put it all in perspective because I know the race isn't until May. I'm not looking to come out on top during this marathon. I just want to finish. On this journey, I've come to learn a few things about myself.
1. I hate running on the treadmill. When I started "running" (I'll put the word running in quotes because I hardly feel like I'm even doing that! Shuffling, barely jogging, walking fast...that just about sums up my ability.) Anyway, when I started running, I thought the treadmill was amazing. I was building endurance and strength, I was watching my minutes per mile go down, and I was watching my speed increase. Total BS! As soon as we had a nice day, I got out on the road, and what the hell...I ran so slow, and I had to stop so many times. The treadmill basically pushes you along, but if you're out on the road, your body is what propels itself. For me, it actually feels better to run outside than it does on the treadmill. Call me crazy, but I feel it doesn't leave my legs as sore, and I get less shin splints. Win/Win!
2. I don't know how to run. Is that weird to say? Well, it's true! I don't know how to run! Just move your legs and your arms. Uh huh, uh huh. But it's not that simple. I never realized how technical running can be sometimes. (Maybe not to you seasoned runners out there, but for me...I'm constantly thinking about it!) Fine, I won't overthink it. Just like a coworker told me today, "It's really just one foot in front of the other." You know what? Good advice. I'm taking it.
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| I'm pretty sure this is a caricature of me. |
3. Music is everything. Anyone who knows me knows that music is my life. I eat, sleep, and breathe music. I walk through life with a soundtrack constantly playing in my head. As soon as I decided to start running, I knew that I'd need to have good music. It propels me past hurdles when my legs are killing me and I want to stop, when I'm tired, and it especially propels me through all the mental setbacks. Good music for me is KEY.
As I progress in my running journey, I realize now that I don't even hesitate about putting on my running shoes and going out for my run. Sure I'm in the middle of a training plan, and sure I'm trying to lose some weight and keep up with my fitness challenge, but I have also realized that this has become a routine and a way of life for me. I'm pushing myself waaaayyyy out of my comfort zone. I swore I'd never run more than a mile or two, and now I'm gearing up for a 5 mile run tomorrow. The mind and body are truly amazing when you think about what they can do.
Tonight I'm going to leave you with one of my favorite running songs. It's not new, by any means, but I find it so motivating. I listen to it on every run, and it does inspire me to push harder. Maybe you'll use it the next time you're working out, walking, or even running. :-)
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