I read about running. I talked about running with friends. I studied running. I just didn't work hard enough to become a fast runner. Granted I did reach my milestones of running 1mile in 10 minutes. I did run my first 1/2 marathon. I didn't die doing it, like I fully anticipated would happen. Couldn't walk up stairs for a few days...but I recovered. I injured my knee this past fall and had to take some time off to let that heal. But guess what!!!! I am back at it and in full force.
I have been "training" for my upcoming May 4th half marathon since the end of October. I had read about it and knew I needed to do it, but never really got around to actually doing it--- I need to build my strength. I am a wimp...when it comes to wimpiness. I was by no means strong in any way shape or form. So I worked out for 3 months...at least 6 days a week on strength training. I honestly can say all that hard work of getting up early every morning paid off. I feel stronger!
Then my running part of my training started at the beginning of February. Last year I had to run the rolling gravel roads in Pleasant Dale. It was not fun. Going to the YMCA was a big chore with 4 kiddos in tow...but I did it as much as I could. My husband traveled quiet a bit and I bruised my leg really bad. I know excuses, excuses....I was full of them. I know I didn't train up to my full potential and basically felt like I winged my first half marathon. I did hit my 3 hour goal mark...woo hoo! But deep down I knew I could do better.
Now that we have moved and a Y is now 5 minutes away, I am fully confident that my training will lead to a better race. I have been either waking up extremely early (in my books) or going during my husband's lunch break. I have grown to actually like running on the treadmill....a lot. I know weird, but I really do like it. I don't have to take the kids and spend time checking them in and out of the day care. I have stuck to my training calendar...and look forward to the next days workout. I am actually running faster than ever before!
Another duh moment...that I knew about, but once again never did anything about, was my iron levels. I have always been anemic, as long as I could remember. But I strongly dislike taking vitamins...I would just forget. I surely didn't eat enough iron rich foods. But after an insurance wellness check...and my iron levels coming back low...I have taken action. I am now on a super dose of iron and drink iron rich juice every day. I truly think the extra iron is helping me as well.
So barring any injuries....I am pumped and can't wait to see how fast I can run this year!!
Oh-- and if anyone wants to run with me and a few friends in the Race for Grace...it is 1/2 way through my training! You can run either a 2 mile or a 6.2 mile race. I am doing the 6.2 miler. I rarely give to charities because you never know where the money is really going to, but this is a local charity that raises money to help families that are undergoing cancer treatments here by providing transportation, food, utilities etc.
You can click on the link below:
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