Staring the Year Right

Last year was a year of transition and during that year, one of the sacrifices I made was to drastically scale back on running I still managed to run 2 half marathons and a full marathon, with a Warrior Dash in there for good measure. I ran a 5k and won a plaque for being the top female over the age of 40.  But I really let all the rest of it slide. I didn't train and was happy to have completed the races with the times I achieved. I know I could have (and should have) done better. Can't expect to without training though, and I am darn lucky that I didn't get hurt. I had no business running a marathon when my longest training run for it was a half marathon.

I only really started running about 3 years ago. During that time, my runs have consisted of just that. Going out (or in) and just running. Usually I'd set a time or distance and then I'd run until I achieved that. Or a route. But I didn't plan. I trained for my first marathon, but really all I was training for was endurance. Nothing to do with strength or speed. The first time was really just to prove that I could do it. In my second marathon, I ran a better time. But I didn't have the extreme knee pain that I did in the first. And I didn't train. I didn't even keep an eye on my time.

I don't have any great illusion that I'll be a Boston qualifier. I really don't have a desire to do this. Honestly. I love running for the sake of running, and I don't like the exclusiveness of Boston. Maybe it's because I was never an athlete growing up. It's okay that Boston is Boston and has it's rules and prestige. And it's okay that I don't want to do that. We'll both live happily-ever-after without me setting a goal to qualify. But this year, I am setting goals. And I am going to train. Properly.

I am planning on two marathons this year- the Flying Pig in Cincinnati on May 6th, and the Chicago Marathon in October. I'd like to do maybe three half marathons throughout the year. And some local 5ks to keep me on my feet. If anything, they are great for training. I'd like to run with friends. I'd like to inspire a few of them to run and to run with me. I'll say what everyone says... "if I can do it, you can do it". It's the truth, though. You can do anything that you set your mind to doing. This was me about 15 years ago...

My Mom always told me that I could achieve anything as long as I was willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve those goals. I firmly believe this. To run, you need to make time (you'll never "find" it), you need to stick to it and not give up after a bad workout, a bad week, month or even year. You need to be realistic and ask for support when you need it. It's not easy. And it's not for everyone. If you give running an honest try for a few months and still hate it then find something that you love and stick with that. It isn't for everyone. There are other sports that you can do that are equally as beneficial as running. For me, it is running. I love it. Love it. I feel so unbelievably good after a great run. It gives me such confidence and a glow that lifts me for hours and hours. I am grateful to be able to run. To have the ability and the support needed to have the time to train. And to have a boyfriend who is a runner himself and understands. It makes it a lot easier!

Anyhow, my marathon goal for the Flying Pig is 4:30:00. Barring injury or long line at a porta-potty again, there is no reason that I cannot do this. I'll set a new goal for Chicago once I complete the Pig. The training has begun!