For a while now I’ve been trying to determine where this goal came from, this goal to run a half marathon. A goal which, I might add, I successfully accomplished yesterday morning.
I’ve never especially liked running. There are times when I hated it with a passion. I just prefer other forms of activity. However, I was to the point where I wanted to stop confusing not liking it with not being able to do it. As a result I’m starting to enjoy it more.
Let’s be clear. I run, I’m not a runner. And there are several reasons why I likely won’t ever consider myself a runner. When I think of a runner, I think of someone who is in love with running, and needs it in their lives. Someone who is willing to push themselves to the point of injury and past it to run. Now, I don’t mean to generalize, certainly not all runners are like this, but I know many who are.
Personally, if I hurt, I’m not going to run. I don’t just mean sore, aches and pains hurt, I mean injury hurt. I view my body and all its wonderful capabilities as a gift. Hurting it to the point where it is injured and can’t function is not respecting this gift. Wellness means understanding your limits as well as exceeding them when appropriate. For me, not respecting this gift by pushing too hard is as bad as not respecting it by not using it and letting it waste away without any activity at all. I have issues with both.
The second reason I say I’m not a runner is that I am slow. And I mean slow. I fall into the jogger/walker category. In fact, there were race walkers flying right by me yesterday. When people tell me to slow my pace down I laugh because going any slower for me is walking and it is physically impossible for me to go any faster. I’ve tried hard, too.
My goal was to finish the race in a motion that somewhat resembled running for 13.1 miles and I did. I never stopped running and I came in at a time of 2:57:26. About a 13 minute mile. See, I told you. The fastest I’ve run is a 5K at a 10:45 mile. Still no speed of lightening.
One thing that helped me keep fighting for my goal was a comment I recently read in a book which said “there is no freedom without discipline.” I’d never really thought much about that before. But if we don’t provide structure for our lives, make ourselves do things, we really can’t accomplish much.
Setting out on my training it wasn’t until I was able to run 10-11 miles that I honestly felt like I was going to complete the half marathon. That was about 2 weeks ago, so I was basically pushing myself to obtain a goal I wasn’t sure was possible for 10 weeks.
Throughout the training I knew I wanted to present a post that highlighted the honesty of running a half marathon. Not something that says “it was tough, but so worth it.”
I don’t have finish line blinders on, I have reality set in my mind. The reality of how hard it was to accomplish my goal. I also thought a lot about the things people told me along the way or views I developed and whether or not they were true. So if you are thinking of running or shooting towards a goal you aren’t sure you can accomplish, this is for you.
12 weeks is enough time for training. Debatable.
I think everyone is different when it comes to this. My original plan was to run a half sometime during 2010 and I was shooting for fall. When I discovered this local event it was 14 weeks out. I began training at 13 weeks and used Hal Higdon’s Novice Half Marathon program which is a 12 week program. I added an extra week myself and got up to 11 miles before the race.
Initially I thought this program was too ambitious and at certain points it was. The day I was supposed to run 9 miles, I had to stop at 4.5. I did not reach the goal for many weekday runs because of shin problems in the middle of my training. Also, if I had stopped my training at the 10 mile mark, I’m not sure I could have finished. Making to 11 miles pre-race had a postive impact on me mentally.
Looking back though, I’m glad I pushed the training and got the race in early in the year. At certain times 12 weeks seemed fast, but it is also enough time to get discouraged. If I had pushed the race to later I may not have stayed motivated to meet my goal.
Cross-training is important. Truth.
I suppose there are people out there who love to run and run and run. I don’t. I ran 3 days per week and if I had been forced to run more I would not have enjoyed my training at all. I didn’t enjoy it that much to begin with. In addition, my shin problems stopped as soon as I incorporated yoga into my routine. As with everything else in life physical fitness is about balance and performing different types of exercise helps establish that.
Running will make you lose weight. Myth.
I lost only 6 lbs during my training, but I knew that losing weight by running was a myth before I started because you typically eat more. I could have cut back drastically on my caloric intake and lost weight, but I wasn’t willing to do it. If I didn’t eat, I didn’t have the energy to run. It was a difficult balance for me and stressed me out in the beginning. Finally I decided I would eat healthy foods as I needed them and let my body decide what it wanted to do.
It hurts. Truth.
Fortunately, I had no injuries, not even a blister during my training. I suffered from shin splints halfway through, and a bit of chaffing that was taken care of by BodyGlide. Everything I encountered was manageable.
That being said I have been exhausted for the past 12 weeks. I came home after runs of 5 miles and longer and basically lay around the rest of the day. I was sleepy all the time and incredibly sore after my long runs. During the runs themselves my knees, ankles and hips ached like crazy. It was just part of it for me and I’m glad that part is over.
The adrenaline and atmosphere will push you through the last few miles. Myth.
I’ve heard and read this several times, and I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. It is highly dependent upon the race you do. This was not a high energy race, it was a rainy day and I was running past other people leaving as I rounded the ½ mile mark to the finish. The last two miles were complete agony. I got maybe two cheers when I rounded the bend for the finish and a couple claps once I crossed the line. Perhaps if you choose a high energy race with lots of people, music and celebration on a sunny day this statement could be true. Yes I made it, but it would have taken a lot less effort on my part if there had been more support.
Crossing the finish is the best part of the race. Debatable.
I’m going to be honest, because of this particular race, crossing the finish was one of the most disappointing experiences of my training. I was hoping for cheers, music and lots of people around. The place had cleared out. It was me and a handful of people there to hand me a medal and take my picture (a special thank you to them). There were granola bars, water and bananas left to eat, and all the vendors had packed up early. To be honest, it made me sad and even sadder for all the people behind me who still had to finish. Because of this, I think it is important to be prepared that the finish may not be what you have envisioned in your mind.
Note, this doesn’t include seeing my husband there to take pictures of me and hug me afterward. Now that was the best part of the race.
After all this, am I glad I did it? Of course! I accomplished something that I honestly didn’t think I would ever be able to. I also fully believe that pushing myself this hard was beneficial to my well being. I think it is important to find things that push you as hard physically, but it doesn’t have to be running.
What are my goals now?
My running started back in January 2009 with a goal of being able to pick up and run a 5K at any point. I accomplished that and then set one to run a half. Now, I’ve accomplished that.
I’ve discovered that I do enjoy running out in the country and seeing the landscape, I just enjoy running shorter distances. To be honest, I’m tired of running long distances and having to be so structured with my workouts.
So the plan is to now be comfortable with running a 10K at any point in time. I’ll likely run 2-3 miles two days per week and 4-5 miles on the weekend. I want to increase my speed and get closer to a 10 minute mile. I also want to start concentrating on other activities again such as more yoga, spinning and strength training.
Will I run another half?
I haven’t decided that yet. Three weeks ago I would have said no. Everyone told me that when I made it to the finish I would want to do more, but I’m not there yet. I can see signing up for a half that is guaranteed to be fun and energetic at some point during the future, but now I’ll stick with 5Ks and 10Ks. I just find them more enjoyable and don’t view them as work like I do a half.
Now for all those who have been holding out for the food. We had an amazing post-race brunch at Alfalfa Restaurant in downtown Lexington, KY. I’ve posted about this place before and we certainly weren’t disappointed on this visit. I enjoyed a Spanish Omelet with white cheddar and ranchero sauce with their special Alfafries. My husband had the Breakfast Burritos. We split the Buttermilk Buckwheat Blueberry Pancake. This thing is amazing. The first bite tastes like a blueberry cake donut!
Special congrats to my husband! Although he’s run relays of the same or greater difficulty, this was his first official half marathon finish as well. He finished in 1:53 and is preparing for the Flying Pig Marathon in May.
I loved this post! I agree with everything you said 🙂 I’m debating on whether or not to do a half. I don’t know why I want to do one other than I want to see if I can, I guess. Congrats on setting a goal and achieving it!
Congratulations!
Lori, it sounds like we have similar feelings and experiences with running. Although, you are far more ambitious running a half marathon! Congratulations!
Congrats! I just did my first half marathon last September. I am a slow ‘un too 🙂 I finished in 4 hr 15 min….but I finished!
It can be a wild ride, that half marathon business. You’ve gone and done something that not many people do, overall!
Now my looney mind has convinced me I want to do a full marathon so I am training for that at the moment. Still just planning on finishing, not being a speed demon 😀
Congratulations! I just finished my first half on March 7th. I hate that you didn’t have a positive experience at the finish line 🙁 If you decide to do another one, you should try the Disney Princess Half in Orlando. There was entertainment along the route and there was lots of cheering at the finish line. Yes, there were portions where it got kinda boring, but before you knew it another character was there.
Just a thought if you decide to do another 🙂
Btw, I found your blog via a tweet by Fit Bottom Girls 🙂
congratulations!
Congrats to you, Lori!!!!
Congratulations Lori! What a great achievement. I love, love, love, the quote. What a great post about all the aspects of the run. I really hope that you will let us know after a few weeks what it is like in retrospect.
WOW Lori, I read this post with such interest. I think you know already but Kev and I signed up for the 1/2 marathon (Reggae Marathon in Jamaica in Dec.) and I am a total beginner runner. I have only been running for a total of 8 weeks with 3 off in between due to pneumonia. I am really struggling and I have a very long way to go. My shins are horrible (I have tried shin sleeves but they are too tight so cut off my circulation), ice and stretch, etc.
I am pretty active and do other cardio and I’m good at all that but boy I have a hard time with this…today was my 5th time running outside and I am still doing the run 1 min/walk 3 or more LOL
I keep telling myself I will keep trying because we have already paid for it and I am getting a Garmin for my b-day this week but right now I cannot see myself completing the 1/2 or even a 5K running. I’m sure I could walk it no problem.
I sure hope that the Reggae Marathon is upbeat because I would dread running my 1st race having to endure what you did. I’m so sorry they had all packed up. I would have totally been there to cheer you on.
I have been having a hard time breathing as I run then I get freaked out and start crying and I feel so defeated. But I keep pushing forward. Thanks to people like you who write about your experience.
Right now I’m at the jog/walk and sometimes can’t even make the 1 min. Crazy! But I’ll keep trying.
Now if you would just sign up for the Reggae 1/2 with me, I would be so happy. There is one gal that lives in Jamaica and says she’s going to run it with me and of course hubby will although he says he’s going to stay and run with me, I want him to go ahead because he would total rock the 1/2 if I wasn’t holding him back and I truly don’t mind.
Hey sorry for such a long comment HA HA I’m very proud of you for accomplishing the 1/2 marathon. It will help me to keep going!
I love this… thanks for posting about your half marathon. I’m a slow runner too, and reading about how you did a half inspires me to train for one, too! So far the biggest thing I’ve done has been a 10K. Maybe this summer I’ll train for longer distances!
Congratulations!!
I used to be pretty comfortable running 10K, but any further and my body would protest… plus I ate constantly!
These days I just hike in the woods with little sprints, it fun, the air is great and the scenery is prettier 🙂
Congrats! That is so awesome that you reached your goal. Thanks for going over all the things that were truths and myths based on your experience.
great job on running the half marathon! i don’t think i can muster the courage and strength to do that! the most i’ve done is a 10k mud-run and it was bad enough! kudos to you!
Andrea – Thank you! I know what you mean. I feel like I just wanted to see if I could do it.
Happy Runner – Thank you!
FLB – It’s great to know that I have found some people with the same experience. Thank you!
Miss Nessa – Congrats to you as well and best wishes for your marathon. That is great!
Meghan – So glad you stopped by from the tweet. Congrats to you! That’s the kind of event I’m thinking of so thanks for the tip.
The Food Hunter and Kim – Thank you!
Joy – Thank you! It really struck a cord with me too. It made it easier to discipline myself even if it hurt a little. Ha!
Angie – Hang in there! That was me. I could not run over a minute when I first started. You will get there. If it feels too ambitious for this year, just set a goal to run half of it. That is still along way. I emailed you!
sarah marie – Thank you. I think we need to start a slow runners club or something. 🙂 I need some buddies. Ha! Best wishes if you choose to train!
Zibi – It does make one hungry, that is for sure. I love hiking too and really want to try getting into trail running for the scenery.
MelindaRD – Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Krissy – Thanks! I was just by your blog the other day. I hope you all are doing well since the Foodbuzz event. A 10K mud-run sounds like quite a challenge. Thinking of running and mud together makes my legs hurt. 🙂
Lori I love the honesty and openess of this post. You’re right, so many people will tell you how amazing everything is and that’s not really the reality. Even for me who loves running!
Training for one half and then starting to train for another I quickly realized that 10-12 weeks was not enough time for me to get those miles without doing damage to my body. I learned the hard way and got two injuries. Meh. And then was sidelined from running.
I think you’re awesome for achieving such a goal! YaY!!
Awesome job! I’m doing my first 1/2 marathon in a few weeks. I’m excited!
Thank you so much for this honest and heartfelt post! I am not a runner but I picked it up for a while, mainly to join my husband in an activity. (Ironically, we had to run separately because, not surprising, he’s much faster). I found that as I kept at it, I got better: I could run for longer distances and at a faster pace w/o feeling like I’d cough up my lungs.
Unfortunately, I’ve fallen out of it but your post has inspired me to try again. You’ve clarified that like so many things, running takes a great deal of effort and some pain/exhaustion but that the rewards of self-accomplishment can really make it all worthwhile!
Plus, it gives me a great reason to buy a new pair of running shoes! 😎
Congrats on completing your first half marathon – that’s a heck of an accomplishment. Its funny, I was a sprinter in high school and now I am definitely a distance runner. For me running is a way to spend time with the hubby, but I also love to run solo – its a great way to clear my head and relieve stress. Its also portable, when I travel I explore new places by running.
Regarding your point on loosing weight – its funny, but I always gain weight when I’ve had to stop and restart my running as my body is craving the extra food and my metabolism has not revved up sufficiently to support the bump in calories – then I plateau and then I loose weight when I find my equilibrium. I become much more conscious of what I eat as I get to bring it all with me on the runs, and frankly thats not so fun. The flip side is that I can eat more than most of my friends because I burn it off, but I have an added awareness of how my body reacts to it, I just feel much more sensitive about what I take in.
Your 12 week program seems a bit optimistic – I agree with you, better if you had a strong base in the beginning, but not starting out – too much of a sudden uptick in mileage leads to stress injuries. Slower and more gradual is my motto after learning the hard way – repeatedly.
Good for you for setting a goal & following through. It is so hard with fitness related stuff!
Wonderful post! I think we have very similar views on running. I’m not a runner and I don’t like running…but I’ve done 2 1/2 marathons (a few years ago) and no races since…been kind of wanting to get back into it but just not sure yet…I would rather walk or do elliptical…and then I just wonder if I’m being lazy and need to make a goal!
Awesome job though, it is NOT easy!!!
Such a great post! I used to run in my 20s but bad knees put a stop to that. I agree it’s too bad there weren’t people there to cheer you on when you crossed the finish line–they should be there for all the participants! But what a fantastic accomplishment. And I’d say losing SIX POUNDS is “losing weight”!! 😉
Congratulations!! Great, honest post about your experience. I’m running my first half on 4/11 and am getting pretty excited about it. We have a lot of the same views on running, and I feel I’m slow too. I finally got past the “time” thing when I ran 12 miles. I can say I ran 12 miles…Who cares how long it took me!
I’m developing that love for running, but wonder how I’ll feel after I complete the half? Like, I wonder how many rest days I’ll need (or how many I’ll take?) 🙂
Congrats on your half marathon 🙂 I am definitely not a runner, not because I don’t think that I could do it, but I just don’t like doing it, so I can appreciate some of your feelings as well.
Congrats! It is awesome you did it. I so hate running but I admire you and any one with the gumption to do a race, let alone a half marathon! 😉
Congrats on the accomplishment, Lori! As another person who really does not enjoy running, I am most impressed! And btw, you look really awesome! Glad to see the move back is agreeing with you so well!
I’m so glad you posted this Lori! I’ve been wanting to run a half but it seriously took me 8 weeks to train for a 5k! So I wonder how long it would take me to train for a half.
I think it’s great that you accomplished this goal and didn’t stop running. I’m still at the point where I need to take tons of walking breaks.
Wow lori, congratulations, I couldn’t run to save my life, I have all sorts of knee problem, so I have to do different things. You look great by the way.
Andrea – Thanks! I do consider myself fortunate that I didn’t develop an injury. At times I knew that the progress of the program was pushing it for me.
Blake – Thanks and great news about yours. Best wishes!
TN – Oh, the fun running gear (all necessary of course :)) is a huge bonus. I can’t run with my hubs he’s much to fast for me.
OysterCulture – I think it is great that you both can run together. The whole eating and running thing is so interesting to me. It seems to affect people in different ways. I agree that running is a great way to see new places!
kat – Thanks! I know, it is such a challenging area in life.
Emily – Thanks! That is a bit how I was. I ran 5Ks in college, but got out of running for exercise. I’m glad I’ve been able to get back to it.
Ricki – Thanks! I guess I say that because my goal was 15 and after our big post meal I gained 4 back. Ha, ha! Regardless of my experience and education weight loss will always be a mystery to me in some respects. 🙂
Jenn – Thanks! I was concerned about the rest days too. I finally got a 3 mile run in today and it’s Thursday. I really needed some days completely off both mentally and physically. I know what you mean about the time. I got to that point too.
Marianne – Thanks! I’m surprised that I”m actually liking it now. I never thought I would. 🙂
Deb – Thanks. It definitely feels good, well, a few days afterward anyway. 🙂
Emily – Thanks! I’ve been by your blog a few times. I see you all are settling back in too.
Amanda – Glad you liked the post. It took me 12 weeks to get to the point of running a 5K! 🙂 Running is challenging no matter how far you go, in my opinion.
Anna – Thanks! I’m glad to hear you’ve found other things that work around your knee problems. Those are never fun.
congrats on the half marathon! It is such an awesome accomplishment and I really enjoyed reading your take on it.
And a 2nd congrats to your husband and best of luck training for the Flying Pig marathon. Do you guys live in Cincinnati? I apologize if I missed you saying that – my blog reading has been sporadic since getting my new job. Anyways, my fiance’s family is there and we have plans to visit in a few weeks!
I gained a few pounds when I started running. That was really frustrating. By the way, your pug is adorable! 🙂
Like that write up and the reason why you run.
Got some idea about the myths and the facts too about loosing weight.