I am a serious WANNABE runner. I LOVE how I feel after a run. I love running gear (my husband calls my fuel belt my "tool belt", because he thinks I look like a tool when I wear it...thanks babe.) I buy my athletic shoes at snooty running stores (I can't help it, the Mizuno Nirvana has won my heart)...but I can't seem to get myself to be a consistent, hardcore, TRUE runner. If it's freezing outside (freezing = below 70) or even sprinkling, I happily throw off the overpriced running shoes and plop on the couch. Weak sauce.
To make me feel even MORE wimpy, there's this oldER gentleman that my husband and I see running nearly every morning on our way to work. We could be in the middle of a MONSOON...and there he is. Mile after mile. It's amazing. Sheesh!
Well, for about 6 weeks I felt like a "runner." I was following a training plan for a half marathon, and making sure to fit my runs into my daily routine...And then came the Oklahoma weather (a few weeks of rain). Strike one. Followed by severe Oklahoma allergies. Strike two. And then the lack of motivation that comes after a few weeks of NOT running...the lure of the couch and love for rediscovered free time got the best of me. Strike three. As a result, my sister and I only got six miles into training for the half marathon (13.1 miles) that we ran yesterday- we decided to "wing it." How's THAT for procrastination? When I went to pick up our race packets, the high school guy that was working registration asked if I had a time goal for the race. I started cracking up, I could barely get the words out: "OH NO- we just want to finish within the 4 hour time limit!"
The whole race experience is AMAZING- the adrenaline rush is indescribable. I had been worried that my sister and I would be left in the dust, but there were runners of ALL levels from ALL walks of life, cheering each other on and chatting as we huffed and puffed together, mile after mile.
We ran through neighborhoods, where families were out on their lawn cheering for us and waving encouraging and funny signs (my favorite? "Run like you stole something!") Hundreds of volunteers were spread out over the course, handing out water and Gatorade to us as we ran by. (THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WONDERFUL PEOPLE!!!)
On our own, my sister and I probably couldn't have run more than about 7 miles. But with all the encouragement, we ran the entire 13.1 miles, crossing the finish line as my mom, dad, husband, and my husband's friend cheered us on.
Here's to you, Running. I hope we become reacquainted again in the VERY near future. :) (Running a 5K with my husband on Saturday!)
P.S. To bring my sister's and my pride level down a little...the winner of the New York Marathon ran 26.2 miles in less time than it took my sister and I to complete our HALF marathon. Ouch.
P.P.S. I recommend running the day after Halloween. Everytime I reached for the candy bowl I reassured my parents that I was "carbo loading." YUM!
P.P.P.S. I would NOT recommend the whole "wing it" method of training. We managed, by the grace of GOD, to run the whole thing in about 2 1/2 hours, but MAN my muscles are paying for it! I was quite literally running on caffeine (caffeinated runner's jelly beans for carbs/energy) and Jesus. :)
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I have stolen a friend's phrase when it comes to running. She calls it jogging (with a soft "j" so it is more like "yogging"). Jogging is not fast enough to be a run but just faster than a walk...almost. I am pretty slow but I must admit that this weather (60-50 degrees) is my favorite running temp. I was dying this summer when it was in the 90's! Get back out there lady!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could run like that. I don’t seem to be able to do it right? How pathetic and out of shape does that make me? I can’t even run right, seriously? but it’s true. I get like a block and I’m like, “wait, why am I doing this?” Ugg!
ReplyDeleteI have had a similar experience with cycling, got the bike, shoes, shorts, helmet, yep - the whole nine yards.....trained did one race and yes the bike has been pretty much hanging in the garage since!!
ReplyDeleteI think we all have great expectations of our selves, but at least we can say we been there done that!
Mandy- I like this "jogging"....I may have to go for a jog today! :)
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, "Cupcake"! :) It took me about 2 weeks of MAKING myself run before it got easier and easier and actually became fun. :)
Tim- Cycling sounds fun!!! I want to do a race, but I have the same bike I've had since about 6th grade. It's purple and says "Awesome Giant" down the side. Oh yes- it is AWESOME. haha! I look like a little kid when I ride it!