It still boggles my mind that a mere 5 months ago not only did I NOT run, but the thought of running, period, was a laughable concept for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I could run, it was just that I didn’t think of running at all. Then one day, out of nowhere, something just lit up in my head and right then and there I decided I was going to do it, I was going to run. At that point, I still had doubts that running would stick. I couldn’t run a mile, let alone 5k and the thought of running 10k was just beyond my comprehension. Slowly but surely I started to realize that hey, I could really pull this off! And I did. No running turned to 5k, 5k turned to 10k and I’m about to embark in what will quite possibly be my biggest challenge thus far, bootcamp aside.
Today is the official start of my half marathon training, even if it starts with a rest day. Right now I feel about running 13.1 miles much the same way I felt about running 5k when I started C25K and about running 10k when I started the 10k program. I can’t wrap my mind around it. I can picture myself at the finish line but I don’t know how I got there. It’s just, again, unfathomable. I’m a bit apprehensive and I think it’s because my body has caught to the fact that I can run much, much faster than my brain has. I’m still in awe that I can run 5k and my brain is still lagging.
So, for the next 14 weeks I will be running my little heart out 4 times a week (instead of the 3 I had been doing) and my weekly mileage will peak at 28 miles the week before the A1A Half Marathon. Twenty eight miles is pretty low in the greater scheme of things but it’s obviously an enormous milestone for me. I have chosen to run a half marathon not because I felt that I HAD to but because I need structure. Left to my own devices, I’d never run more than what I had been running during 10k training simply because I would lack direction. Having a goal and a plan to get there is what keeps me going. I need a training schedule to tick off and keep me accountable. It is not just about race day, it’s about the journey there.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my husband for being so incredibly supportive. Thank you for everything you do so I can make my crazy dreams happen even when you think I have truly lost all my marbles once and for all. Thank you for taking over all the parenting responsibilities 6 mornings or evenings a week so I can run or ride and for getting up at o’freak early to go to races with me. Thank you. I should have saved this speech for when I (don’t) win that half marathon 😉
Damaris
Good luck. I’ll see you there. Please wait for me. I’ll be finishing 2 hours after you (I’m doing the full). Cannot wait.
BTW, cannot wait to meet you next week!
Manic
You’re quite welcome, my love 🙂
Eliza
This is really cool..all the best in your training 🙂 I plan on starting my half training today (if the rain allows me)
Julie
Somehow stumbled across your blog a couple of months ago and really look forward to checking in now. I love reading about your running progress. I also did C25K and LOVE it! You’re ahead of me… I have my first 10K on New Year’s Day but I’m already thinking about a 1/2 marathon. Nice to read another newer runner and the pride and sense of accomplishment. Last night I did 5 1/4 miles at the track just so I could pass 5 miles! Not sure when I became a runner, but I love saying it now. Keep up the great work!