Hey guys! Happy Tuesday! How’s it going? Despite waking up to more of the white stuff, it ended up being a pretty good day! Work has been incredibly busy but we finally finished up a big project and so tomorrow should be a little more relaxing.
After reading a post written by Melissa today about exercise and how to avoid getting sucked in to comparing your own routine with someone else’s, I thought it might make sense to talk a little bit about why I’m training for the half marathon and what it means to me (and what I hope you will get out of me sharing my training here). Plus, even my Dad asked me the other day about what made me decide to train for another marathon and so I’d imagine it could be something others are wondering about as well.
I think its important to start by saying that training for a marathon isn’t necessarily about staying or getting into shape; it is not about that for me. I was in shape and happy with my fitness by doing yoga, walking, and a bit of weight training. For me, training for this half marathon is about the challenge. Its about setting a goal and making a plan for getting there. It is about seeing progress and overcoming adversity. After finishing my masters degree in December – it was just what I was looking for.
Additionally, the last time I trained for a half-marathon, I didn’t train smart (by running too much and too often) and running became something of an addiction that affected my mood and how I felt about myself. I was tired and cranky and physically and emotionally drained. It was the opposite of a fulfilling experience and led to a long hiatus from regular, focused, running (until I started training just this year!).
I hope that by sharing my training and race with you that we can all navigate how to healthily and gratifyingly train for a race that’s hard and anything but glamorous (think blisters, lost toe-nails, snot rockets, etc.). I also, selfishly, know that this is an amazing community of support and who couldn’t use some in taking on a challenge?
I hope that if you are ever feeling pressured or have questions about why I’m training or exercising the way I am you would comment or ask about it!
With that…I have to say that despite my 8 miler and a soccer game last night, my scheduled 5 mile run went really well tonight. I was nervous going into it but felt great and am starting to think that this training thing is working. :)
Hope you guys have a great night. Sorry for the super wordy post!
Em
6 comments:
I think a half is a good thing to train for where it's a challenge but it doesn't have to take over your life. Of course, I haven't actually trained or run a half marathon, but it seems more manageable to me than a full :) Looking forward to reading about the rest of your training.
I loved Melissa's post and I could not agree with you more on your training and setting goals! You are a smart lady Em! I am glad the run went well! Have a great night my friend!
Great post Em! I think your training is very smart and you don't take it super serious or go overboard. I like reading your thoughts after each run. Running (and a lot of workouts) can start to take it's toll mentally so thanks for sharing!
I think you're doing a great job balancing training and life. :) And I'm glad your 5-miler went well!
I think all marathons are about the challenge. And training for one is most definitely a way to challenge yourself. However, I know a lot of people who are on this road right now and it has become quite well, trendy. I hope everyone who takes on this challenge approaches it from a place as healthy and smart as you.
A friend of mine from grade school actually passed away last year, just as he crossed the finish line of a marathon. He was fit and trained for a long time - he was a college baseball player as well. He left behind a wife and two children. These stories are more common than people think.
Now I feel like Debbie Downer. Sorry.
My point was to encourage others who may read your posts to be sure that they take on challenges that are right for them. While your challenge may be a half marathon and mine developing a consistent yoga practice, neither may be for everyone. Pushing yourself is healthy, just make sure you push yourself to your own limits, not those of another. And now, we end up right back at your initial statement of not comparing your routine to that of another.
We have come full circle. :)
You know you always have my support and I cheer you on from various Southern states as you progress forward. Go forth and conquer, my friend!
i think you're doing a great job and have a good outlook on training. alot of times i fall into the comparison trap but in the end i come out training well! good luck!
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