In 88 days I'm running a half marathon, which is five more miles than eight. Crap.
I just started running again "for real" in July and I haven't given up yet (and don't plan to). I'm improving, even if it's way slower than I'd like, so I know I'm doing something right. I need to get out of my head. I often wonder if everyone started out running like this; filled with doubt and nerves.
A lot of times when I'm feeling like I just want to quit on a run, I find inspiration somehow. Most of the time it's a saying, like, "eye on the prize" or "just live through it". Yeah, it sounds really lame, but in that moment when you're feeling weak and like a better alternative might be to just lie on the side of the road and die, sometimes it doesn't take much.
I've found running to be a lot like drinking. Drinking is fun while you're doing it and the next morning, you think, "I'm never drinking again"...until the hangover wears off. A lot of times while running, I'm thinking, "I hate this. I'm never doing this again" and then as soon as I'm done and showered, I can't wait til the next time.
I hope, after the 15k, I can't wait to do another race. I think that is what will determine how I feel going into the half. At least I know I'll be running with an amazing "team"!
Are there any mantras you say to yourself to kick your own butt into gear during a run?
Did you have a hard time reaching new distance goals as a new runner?
Just so you know, a 15k is a little over 9 miles, not 8...
ReplyDeleteYou're going to be awesome next week. The crowds alone will keep you going!
I realize I may have misread the above. Disregard my comment.
ReplyDeleteOne thing my husband said to me once that I repeat to myself on my runs is, "If running were easy, everyone would do it." So true....
ReplyDeleteIt's not the 9 miles that will get you, it's that last .3
ReplyDeleteAlso, "Suck it up cupcake" is a good mantra. Try that one :P
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the chocolate will be enough for me to keep running at the 15k ;) Otherwise, I just tell myself "Every step is closer to being done!"
ReplyDeleteI really like the "I'd rather say I did it, than I give up"....something along those lines got me through the woods in the dark for the last several hours of my 55 miler.
ReplyDeleteI had a horrible time reaching new distances, and it was all in my head. I would get anxiety starting like, Wednesday, if the run was Saturday. I am my own worst enemy, and it sounds like you are too, so start realizing you can do it!
You'll feel so good wearing that medal after the hot chocolate race, you will be chomping at the bit for the half.
ReplyDeleteI always ask myself "if the finish line were around the corner would you stop, no" so I usually just keep going along.
ReplyDeleteI always tell myself
ReplyDelete"this is what I have been training for, I can do this, this is MY race" helps I have a few others but that is my go to.
Good luck with the 15k!
I think it is hard to up the miles the first time for sure! I think the hardest thing to do is remind yourself that you are going to be slower. You need to slow down for those long runs and you will be able to do it!
ReplyDeleteI promise you will be fine! I jumped from a 5K to a 15K and the key for me was just to slow down and not run as fast as I would in a 5K. You're going to do great!
ReplyDeleteOnce you are running the race, you'll just do it. I felt like I had only one direction to move during my half and that was forward. It felt like it took 10 years, but it genuinely never occurred to me to stop running, even with hyponatremia. Besides, if you've done 7, you can do 9. And frankly, once you've done 9, you can manage a half. Adrenaline will get you everywhere.
ReplyDeleteFirst--love your new header. Second--I emailed you because my comment was too wordy. But, I promise you will be fine. Promise.
ReplyDeleteNo mantra, but whenever I have wanted to stop running I tell myself I have to make at least until (a time, a side street, something) and usually the feeling passes. It's more on runs involving speed than distance. Give me long slow runs, but tempo runs or later reps in speedwork hurt a little. I remember when completing a 5k sounded crazy. For a while longer runs were exciting as they became my new longest distance (like in the 5-7 range). Not worrying about your pace on long runs takes some pressure off.
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