Today was my long run day. I was really feeling anxious about it because my confidence was shot with yesterday’s run. Even though I improved my time by so much, I waaay over-paced my first mile trying to keep up with a friend. So, when the race was over, I felt AWFUL. Usually I feel great after a run, but I pushed myself too hard that first mile so the rest of the race was insanely tough. So, last night I was doubting myself thinking I wouldn’t be able to run today, or that I’d have to walk most of the way.
So, I tried to just do it. Just get out there, run through the stiffness and the anxiety. I ran the whole 7.5 miles with only three very short walking breaks to hydrate and de-layer along the way. I did fine. I think I just find it so hard to believe that I’ve made it so far in my training. I keep thinking back to when I started running and the fifth-of-a-mile stretch to the next street was too far for me to run. I keep thinking, “How is this me? How am I able to run seven miles? Surely this is not possible…” I psych myself out and lose all confidence.
But – I did it. That’s what matters. I guess with each long run I make, my confidence should grow. And I need to learn to brush off the bad days and not let them get me down. I’m doing it. Slowly but surely – I need to keep reminding myself that nothing says I can’t do it – so I need to just keep going.
De-lurking to say congrats on your progress! I’ve also recently started running, and it’s inspiring to see how well you are doing as I struggle with my current 2.5 miles a day.
Yeah, it’s so tough not to be tough on yourself sometimes. There is something about running though, that gives you that extra special edge to break through old belief systems about yourself. I think that’s why it is so addictive. Congrats too on a wonderful race! So you pushed a little hard the first mile- no big woop… that’s how you learn about pacing!
You kick ass, and give me hope that a non-athlete like myself might actually be able to pull it together at some point. Congrats!
I’m so proud of you.
Well done.
But seriously? Does it really get cold enough there for the ear cozy? Seriously?
Good work!!
I’m totally impressed. Seriously. Especially knowing you’re a former couch potato– gives me hope. I hope you’re right proud of yourself.
I just want to say the whole writing you’ve been doing on your running is SO timely and inspiring for me because I’m just starting a running program and I really wonder if I’ll be able to actually do it. 🙂 So thanks.
The next time you splurge check out zootsports.com. You could wear “Zoot” clothes
It’s hard not to get psyched out, isn’t it? I want to work my way up to seven miles. Just running 3.5 miles is still hard for me, but I know I can do that. Now I just have to convince myself I can do more.
Delurking to say congrats! That’s a sizable distance! I am stuck in the beginning of your story, just trying to figure out how to walk and run 2 miles. I could walk forever… but the running…