At Christmas time, while I was busy putting on those 5 pounds that I still haven't managed to take off, I agreed to run a half marathon with my fabulous and fit sister-in-law in May. Now, let me tell you, I agreed to this AFTER two glasses of wine. Plus, I was feeling all smug and invincible because all of my Christmas shopping was done.
"Sure! I'll run a half marathon with you! How hard can it be?"
Well, it's 13.1 miles of hard to be exact. After I registered, paid my entrance fee, and the wine and holiday high wore off I asked myself, "What have you gotten into?" Too late to back out now. The commitment has been made.
Why didn't I tell you about this earlier? Well, some part of me didn't really think I would do it. I didn't want to expose myself as a QUITTER! I thought that if it was too hard I could just slink away unseen. Not the best attitude to have for a big physical commitment, right? The attitude I wanted to have was something along the lines of, "I'm a capable and powerful 45-year-old lioness! I can do this. I can be fit and fabulous just like my sister in law!" HA! Too bad I only felt this way part-time. Self doubt being right there on my shoulder saying things like..."Maybe you will hurt yourself and have to back out! Hope for an injury!"
Starting in January, I followed a beginner training schedule on the Cap City Half Marathon website. I only had to run a mile to start. Only a mile. It was the longest mile of my life! I thought my lungs would explode and my legs would buckle. After that first run I had serious doubts on my ability. But for some strange reason, I did it again two days later.
I won't lie, it felt just as bad. I said I would give it one more try. And I did. I think it might have been just as painful.
But something clicked. It wasn't that it became easier in just three attempts, it was that I learned I could take 15 minutes of heavy physical exertion. I was strong enough mentally and physically to take 15 minutes of exertion 3 times per week.
The following week I did the same thing. Guess what? It did become easier, physically. But the mental battle was already won. In my head I could do it. Each week or two the schedule added another mile. In the beginning I couldn't imagine ever getting up to 10 miles. But that's what I ran this weekend. 10 miles. No stopping. It took me an hour and 50 minutes. I am the same woman that could barely run a mile and was hoping for an injury just 4 months ago. I can't believe I've come this far.
The race is in 4 weeks and I'm actually ready. That is why I'm sharing this today.
I found my inner warrior.
I am going to finish a half marathon in a few weeks.
