I went for a run today even though it was really hard to get myself to put on my sneaks. On days when running feels hard, I visualize myself running in all the locations I know and then pick according to which feels like that day's best fit. Today that was Norristown Farm Park. Despite some tough hills, ultimately it's a really nice paved 2 mile loop, some through fields and partially through the trees.
Today it was just right. I set a goal to have my average pace be faster than Friday. What I didn't expect was to be able to run so much more of my total distance in bigger chunks than last week. After walking my first .25, I wad able to run the next 1.25! I probably could have gone further too, but I hot a wall (well, it felt like a wall, but looked like a killer hill;) so I walked it out for a little and then finished up the last half mile strong(ish) with a stead jog. So really I ran way more than half and it felt great! I love days like today! Now off to the dentist :p
Oh, and BTW... here is a link to my donation page for the Lupus Loop. Please feel free to support my run! http://www.active.com/donate/lupusloop2011/Lbeth120
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
you go, girl!
I went for a run yesterday and did the same double loop of my neighborhood that I did earlier this week. It felt a little bit better and I was able to go a little bit faster this time. As I was jogging along, I began to count how many weeks I have until my race and I was relieved and excited to discover that on top of the week I just completed, I had four more! I don't know what I was thinking before, but I had a slight panic that I only had 3 weeks! This realization helped me relax and enjoy my run that much more.
This idea of found time made me think about how, in my limited experience with running, that time has become really important. I dropped my first race because I didn't feel ready, but never dropped running, I just rescheduled for two weeks later. As I prepared for my 7 mile race this summer, I could feel that I wouldn't be ready, and I wasn't. I have struggled with the idea of quitting, but what I have come to realize is, that it doesn't feel like quitting if I am following what I know in my heart and what my body tells me it is capable of AT THAT TIME. Actually, it's funny that the title of this blog is "a year to love running" because when I started it, that seemed almost funny. But now, almost a year in, training for another 5K, something I never thought I could do, I find that while I'm not sure I could say I "love" running yet, I certainly do enjoy it! (Well, most days, anyway...)
Running is hard. If it weren't hard, everyone would do it. I tell myself this a lot these days, particularly when I know for some people it comes more easily. I am not one of those people. I work hard for progress, and the progress is small. But it is progress and I celebrate it. I have a friend who doesn't really understand why I wouldn't be comfortable running in an event when I didn't feel totally prepared. They would say, "Just go for it! No one cares but you!" But for me, that's not comfortable or enjoyable, and they are right, no one cares but me. But who else am I doing this for but me? It makes me feel bad about my performance and like I have failed myself because I just wasn't ready. It doesn't mean I will never run again, but it does mean I know I have to work harder and for a longer period of time than some people. There are some things I pick up quickly and would take a risk doing, cooking, pottery, board games, teaching, but then there is running. I have always hated running, so just the fact that I'm trying makes me feel pretty good. The fact that I didn't quit after my first 5K, makes me feel really good. I am not a person who sets goals like, if I do this, I will get myself this. Or if I finish this, I'll do this for myself. I do it just to have done it. I get a great deal of satisfaction from the process itself and the running is the goal, not the other way around. At least, for me, anyway.
Ok, this was a very different post than I had in mind when I started. I will leave with one parting thought. On my run Friday evening, a woman walking her dog shouted at me, "you go, girl!" as I struggled with the last stretch of my run. It was reminiscent of when the dude ran with me on the boardwalk. It felt good to struggle and for someone's encouragement to push me to finish just a little bit stronger. So if you are a struggling runner, or thinking about becoming one, just remember, "you go, girl!" And if you see a runner, a little word of encouragement never hurts!
What keeps you going?
This idea of found time made me think about how, in my limited experience with running, that time has become really important. I dropped my first race because I didn't feel ready, but never dropped running, I just rescheduled for two weeks later. As I prepared for my 7 mile race this summer, I could feel that I wouldn't be ready, and I wasn't. I have struggled with the idea of quitting, but what I have come to realize is, that it doesn't feel like quitting if I am following what I know in my heart and what my body tells me it is capable of AT THAT TIME. Actually, it's funny that the title of this blog is "a year to love running" because when I started it, that seemed almost funny. But now, almost a year in, training for another 5K, something I never thought I could do, I find that while I'm not sure I could say I "love" running yet, I certainly do enjoy it! (Well, most days, anyway...)
Running is hard. If it weren't hard, everyone would do it. I tell myself this a lot these days, particularly when I know for some people it comes more easily. I am not one of those people. I work hard for progress, and the progress is small. But it is progress and I celebrate it. I have a friend who doesn't really understand why I wouldn't be comfortable running in an event when I didn't feel totally prepared. They would say, "Just go for it! No one cares but you!" But for me, that's not comfortable or enjoyable, and they are right, no one cares but me. But who else am I doing this for but me? It makes me feel bad about my performance and like I have failed myself because I just wasn't ready. It doesn't mean I will never run again, but it does mean I know I have to work harder and for a longer period of time than some people. There are some things I pick up quickly and would take a risk doing, cooking, pottery, board games, teaching, but then there is running. I have always hated running, so just the fact that I'm trying makes me feel pretty good. The fact that I didn't quit after my first 5K, makes me feel really good. I am not a person who sets goals like, if I do this, I will get myself this. Or if I finish this, I'll do this for myself. I do it just to have done it. I get a great deal of satisfaction from the process itself and the running is the goal, not the other way around. At least, for me, anyway.
Ok, this was a very different post than I had in mind when I started. I will leave with one parting thought. On my run Friday evening, a woman walking her dog shouted at me, "you go, girl!" as I struggled with the last stretch of my run. It was reminiscent of when the dude ran with me on the boardwalk. It felt good to struggle and for someone's encouragement to push me to finish just a little bit stronger. So if you are a struggling runner, or thinking about becoming one, just remember, "you go, girl!" And if you see a runner, a little word of encouragement never hurts!
What keeps you going?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
bet you thought I quit!
well, you are mostly right. I did. A few times, but ultimately I have found myself thinking more about running and remembering what it feels like after a great run and how when I'm consistently running how good it feels. So this blog post is about memory.
My last post was a positive, uplifting memory of feeling like I was going to be ready for the Falmouth Road Race. It didn't last. I think I ran a few more times after that one, then it got wicked hot, I got bored on the treadmill and couldn't even walk outside, let alone run and I decided not to run the race. My friend, H, had decided not to run either and we were going to just cheer on my BFF, A, during his first running race, and I relaxed and started sleeping again. Then, after a relaxing day on a beautiful beach in Cape Cod and spaghetti dinner (sympathy carb loading with A) H decided we were going to run too. I resisted for a long time, cried a little and finally agreed to go buy a new sports bra since I hadn't even packed mine, and at least give the race a try.
I was a wreck the night before, but by the morning of the race I had relaxed. I wasn't prepared, mentally, emotional or physically, so I just decided to go with it and see what happened. Well, what happened was, H ran with me, slowly, but I could tell I was holding her back, despite some physical foot problems she had been suffering from, she felt pretty good. Feeling guilty for keeping her, I told her to go on. She hadn't brought a phone and was anxious about completing the race too, so because her parents live two miles in to the course I told her to take mine and I would bail out at their house.
So, on she went with my phone and as soon as she ran off ahead I felt relieved. Running with someone had really stressed me out and I started to think, maybe I can do this.... But when the time came and I arrived upon her parents cheering at the end of their road, I got nervous. Now I'm without a line of communication and what if I get 5 miles in and can't finish or contact anyone to come find me. That, combined with my lack of confidence in my ability to run the race the way I wanted to, caused me to quit.
I quit and I was so mad about it. I was a little mad that I ran the race even though I wasn't ready. I was mad that I didn't finish what I started. I was even mad that I was mad. Once I got over being mad, I decided that I was actually really proud of myself for at least trying. I know what the race is like, I know the worst of the course (the beginning!) and I know that if I work hard, I could do it again, and finish it.
Despite feeling like it was something I could, and wanted to do, I came home and hadn't run again until today. My friends and I do the Lupus Loop in Philly every year and I usually walk it. I had been hoping to run it this year, but each day I would say, I should really start running again and then I wouldn't. So now that that school is back underway and I am in a routine, I decided that today was the day to start.
So here is where the idea of memory comes back into play. I think that muscle, and maybe even what I might call physical memory is an amazing thing! I haven't run in almost two months, and that was just once for the race, before that it was probably another month. So I didn't know what would happen when I went back out there. I can't say it was sunshine and rainbows. Actually, it was humid and cloudy, but that's not really what I mean. I did just shy of 2.5 miles and ran almost half of that, in intervals. It was slow, and it hurt, sometimes a lot, but it certainly didn't feel like when I first started the couch to 5k plan 9 months ago. I remembered. I could recall what it felt like to run two miles, both emotionally and also physically. My muscles remembered too, and I find this pretty amazing.
Maybe even amazing enough to remember this feeling on Thursday and to go back out there and run some more!
My last post was a positive, uplifting memory of feeling like I was going to be ready for the Falmouth Road Race. It didn't last. I think I ran a few more times after that one, then it got wicked hot, I got bored on the treadmill and couldn't even walk outside, let alone run and I decided not to run the race. My friend, H, had decided not to run either and we were going to just cheer on my BFF, A, during his first running race, and I relaxed and started sleeping again. Then, after a relaxing day on a beautiful beach in Cape Cod and spaghetti dinner (sympathy carb loading with A) H decided we were going to run too. I resisted for a long time, cried a little and finally agreed to go buy a new sports bra since I hadn't even packed mine, and at least give the race a try.
I was a wreck the night before, but by the morning of the race I had relaxed. I wasn't prepared, mentally, emotional or physically, so I just decided to go with it and see what happened. Well, what happened was, H ran with me, slowly, but I could tell I was holding her back, despite some physical foot problems she had been suffering from, she felt pretty good. Feeling guilty for keeping her, I told her to go on. She hadn't brought a phone and was anxious about completing the race too, so because her parents live two miles in to the course I told her to take mine and I would bail out at their house.
So, on she went with my phone and as soon as she ran off ahead I felt relieved. Running with someone had really stressed me out and I started to think, maybe I can do this.... But when the time came and I arrived upon her parents cheering at the end of their road, I got nervous. Now I'm without a line of communication and what if I get 5 miles in and can't finish or contact anyone to come find me. That, combined with my lack of confidence in my ability to run the race the way I wanted to, caused me to quit.
I quit and I was so mad about it. I was a little mad that I ran the race even though I wasn't ready. I was mad that I didn't finish what I started. I was even mad that I was mad. Once I got over being mad, I decided that I was actually really proud of myself for at least trying. I know what the race is like, I know the worst of the course (the beginning!) and I know that if I work hard, I could do it again, and finish it.
Despite feeling like it was something I could, and wanted to do, I came home and hadn't run again until today. My friends and I do the Lupus Loop in Philly every year and I usually walk it. I had been hoping to run it this year, but each day I would say, I should really start running again and then I wouldn't. So now that that school is back underway and I am in a routine, I decided that today was the day to start.
So here is where the idea of memory comes back into play. I think that muscle, and maybe even what I might call physical memory is an amazing thing! I haven't run in almost two months, and that was just once for the race, before that it was probably another month. So I didn't know what would happen when I went back out there. I can't say it was sunshine and rainbows. Actually, it was humid and cloudy, but that's not really what I mean. I did just shy of 2.5 miles and ran almost half of that, in intervals. It was slow, and it hurt, sometimes a lot, but it certainly didn't feel like when I first started the couch to 5k plan 9 months ago. I remembered. I could recall what it felt like to run two miles, both emotionally and also physically. My muscles remembered too, and I find this pretty amazing.
Maybe even amazing enough to remember this feeling on Thursday and to go back out there and run some more!
Friday, July 15, 2011
back on track
Haha, back on 'track!' I crack myself up :) Anyway, after a much too long hiatus, I went jogging today. My last run was a good one, and one I never shared about because I forgot, but the memory of my four mile run up and down the boardwalk many weeks ago was what got my sneakers on for me this morning. I recalled the feeling of joy when some random guy started running along side me, cheering (probably looked like I needed some encouragement as I huffed, puffed and sweated my way down the boards!) When I passed him as I headed towards home, he remembered me and cheered again, demanding a high five. I obliged and smiled for a good deal longer than I usually do when running! So this running memory was what made me get back on it today. I have been really busy, and while that often feels like a good enough excuse for me not to run, lately I've been seriously considering not running the Falmouth Road Race.
I'll admit it. I'm scared. I am scared I won't finish. I'm scared, if I do finish, I'll come in last. I'm scared that people I know and love will see me run and know how slow I am. I'm scared that strangers will think I'm silly for running so slowly... the list goes on and on. So today, I decided, I at least have to try. I may be nervous, or even scared of all of these things, but at least I'm doing it. How many people can say they've run a seven mile race? It may not seem like much to some people, but to me, that could be a pretty big deal.
So I put on my shoes, thought about where I felt like running and decided to try somewhere new. I drove the mile over to Valley Forge Memorial Park and immediately felt like it was a perfect choice for my first run in what felt like ages. It was quiet (I guess most cemeteries are) peaceful, a good mix of shade and sun, and some gently rolling hills. I did a little over two miles, and ran most of it. I felt ok, not great, but probably better than I expected. I feel now, like I can do this race. Two miles is not even close to 7, but I know that with some consistent work over the next few weeks, I'll at least be able to finish the Road Race. I just have to keep simple goals in mind and not let my competitive nature take over, because that's when I feel like giving up!
Stay tuned!
I'll admit it. I'm scared. I am scared I won't finish. I'm scared, if I do finish, I'll come in last. I'm scared that people I know and love will see me run and know how slow I am. I'm scared that strangers will think I'm silly for running so slowly... the list goes on and on. So today, I decided, I at least have to try. I may be nervous, or even scared of all of these things, but at least I'm doing it. How many people can say they've run a seven mile race? It may not seem like much to some people, but to me, that could be a pretty big deal.
So I put on my shoes, thought about where I felt like running and decided to try somewhere new. I drove the mile over to Valley Forge Memorial Park and immediately felt like it was a perfect choice for my first run in what felt like ages. It was quiet (I guess most cemeteries are) peaceful, a good mix of shade and sun, and some gently rolling hills. I did a little over two miles, and ran most of it. I felt ok, not great, but probably better than I expected. I feel now, like I can do this race. Two miles is not even close to 7, but I know that with some consistent work over the next few weeks, I'll at least be able to finish the Road Race. I just have to keep simple goals in mind and not let my competitive nature take over, because that's when I feel like giving up!
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
I tackled Valley Forge Park!
I decided today was the day to conquer the loop in VFNP. It is 5 miles with some grueling hills, but I did it! I was not able to run the whole thing, I probably jogged 2/3s and walked the other third, but it felt pretty good and it certainly was a beautiful day for it! I figure, if I alternate doing my gym work outs and strength training with running the boardwalk when I'm at the beach and doing the Park when I'm home, I should be in pretty good shape for Falmouth Road Race. Baby steps, just like the 5k!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Let the summer training begin!
I feel like today was my official start of summer, so I kicked it off with a trip to the gym. I had decided that if I'm going to really do this training for the Falmouth Road Race right, I need to work on my strength as well as just the running. Today seemed like as good a day as any to start cross training. I ran 1.5 miles to get myself warmed up and it was harder than it should have been, in my mind anyway. The last several weeks I've really slacked off in the running department and I'm feeling the burn of regret! Luckily for me, with summer comes the gift of time, so I plan on hitting the gym a few days a week to work on strength training, and keep up the running as well. I really don't like running on the treadmill, so I'm hoping it stays cool enough in the morning that I can keep running outside. I don't feel pressured to run the whole thing, but I just want to do the best I can. I never thought I could run 3 miles and I did, so hopefully 7 miles is an achievable goal as well.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
I did it!
I completed my first 5k. I was able to run about 98% of the race, which I feel good about, especially since my training definitely tapered off the last week and a half. The course was pretty hilly and it felt strange running with other people around. I had trouble fighting my competitive tendencies as people passed me, but I just kept telling myself that I was not in it to win, just to prove to myself I could do it! My time was slow, like 46min. but I know I can do better next time! Also, it was awesome to do something in honor of my friends Allie and Jess's Mom :)
So, looking forward, I may add another 5k sometime this summer, but I will keep training for the Falmouth Road Race (7 miler) in August. Stay tuned!
So, looking forward, I may add another 5k sometime this summer, but I will keep training for the Falmouth Road Race (7 miler) in August. Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)