Last week, as I ran in the dark, I had some "ah ha!" moments. Perhaps it was how wrong the run went. I had to turn home to replace my contacts, I had to turn home again to change shoes (not loving my new shoes...dang). The sunset. My GPS I downloaded to replace my Garmin that I can't find, wasn't working. And it hit me.
I am tired of training. That is not exactly true. It's an emotional statement. But 15 weeks is a l o n g training plan (for a half marathon). It leaves a lot of time for doubt to creep in. For bad runs to start piling up. For life to get in the way.
When I ran the Shamrock 15k a few weeks ago I felt like I was ready to take on the half. But since then my confidence has dwindled. I know it has to do with recovering from being sick and not nailing my training runs but also I think I learned something about myself (don't I always) during this training time.
I chose to train for 15 weeks in part because I was not confidant I would have what it takes to run the half marathon if I trained in less time. This is not true. It use to be, I use to need all the time I could get. But since I started my training with a decent base, 15 weeks is too long. I need to trust my training, give myself the benefit of the doubt, to dream bigger.
My lesson is learned. I need to not approach races and challenges with an attitude of fear. That is self-defeating. And really just lame.
So April's race was Bridge to Brews. I ran it with my husband. He commented on my bad attitude at the beginning of the race. In a nice way, I might add. He was surprised I wasn't more excited. I wasn't aiming for a PR. I just wanted to get it done. Why? Please reread the 5 paragraphs above.
The race started out going up up up and over the Freemont bridge. Immediately I was regretting my slacking on the hill training. I don't think I have even headed towards a hill since the Shamrock. I leaned hard on my music to get me going. It wasn't working. I panted my way through Portland's industrial area. At mile two I was done. Not with the race, but with my bad 'tude. I gave myself a pep talk, told myself to get over the gloom-and-doom frame of mind, and get it done. I started focusing on just completing the mile I was in. Focusing on my form.
We crossed over the Broadway Bridge. It was congested and everyone slowed in the bottleneck. I knew we were close to the last mile. I began to speed up, finally finding my stride. And then three songs saved me.
Super Bass
All I Do Is Win
A-Punk
I sped to the finish line. Finish time 1:00:28 or 9:44 min. miles. Not a PR but still not to shabby for me.
I am tired of training. That is not exactly true. It's an emotional statement. But 15 weeks is a l o n g training plan (for a half marathon). It leaves a lot of time for doubt to creep in. For bad runs to start piling up. For life to get in the way.
When I ran the Shamrock 15k a few weeks ago I felt like I was ready to take on the half. But since then my confidence has dwindled. I know it has to do with recovering from being sick and not nailing my training runs but also I think I learned something about myself (don't I always) during this training time.
I chose to train for 15 weeks in part because I was not confidant I would have what it takes to run the half marathon if I trained in less time. This is not true. It use to be, I use to need all the time I could get. But since I started my training with a decent base, 15 weeks is too long. I need to trust my training, give myself the benefit of the doubt, to dream bigger.
My lesson is learned. I need to not approach races and challenges with an attitude of fear. That is self-defeating. And really just lame.
Bridge to Brews (April race)
It is dawning on me that my 12 in 12 challenge that I started in July 2011 is on its way to being COMPLETE! I have loved loved loved this challenge, and of course am already brainstorming what challenge to go for next in July 2012. Ideas? |
| rolled out of bed 2 minutes before picture was taken, can you tell? |
So April's race was Bridge to Brews. I ran it with my husband. He commented on my bad attitude at the beginning of the race. In a nice way, I might add. He was surprised I wasn't more excited. I wasn't aiming for a PR. I just wanted to get it done. Why? Please reread the 5 paragraphs above.
The race started out going up up up and over the Freemont bridge. Immediately I was regretting my slacking on the hill training. I don't think I have even headed towards a hill since the Shamrock. I leaned hard on my music to get me going. It wasn't working. I panted my way through Portland's industrial area. At mile two I was done. Not with the race, but with my bad 'tude. I gave myself a pep talk, told myself to get over the gloom-and-doom frame of mind, and get it done. I started focusing on just completing the mile I was in. Focusing on my form.
We crossed over the Broadway Bridge. It was congested and everyone slowed in the bottleneck. I knew we were close to the last mile. I began to speed up, finally finding my stride. And then three songs saved me.
Super Bass
All I Do Is Win
A-Punk
I sped to the finish line. Finish time 1:00:28 or 9:44 min. miles. Not a PR but still not to shabby for me.
Nice job! I like how you kicked the bad attitude to the curb :)
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for a July challenge, there is a hard, but fun, 10k party in Eugene- the Butte to Butte on the 4th.
I can't believe your 12 in 12 challenge is coming to an end. What a great accomplishment! YAY! And way to dig deep and bust through Bridge to Brews:).
ReplyDeleteWay to bust out the 10k. Yes, it is a long training plan but you have stuck with it and will take this half marathon head on! It will be great to do it and it will be great to have it over with :) You're doing awesome.
ReplyDelete