Have all of you been seeing these adds saying “Anyone can run a half marathon”? Maybe it’s just me, but they are received as a bit of a mockery at my current struggle. I mean, I KNOW that I can do it; it’s just not as easy as the tone of these infomercials would suggest. Am I wrong?
Once again, Ryan (aka YaYa) and I are planning to run another half marathon. This next one is in April. It’s near home but not the one that had me running circles around downtown feeling like a I was stuck in some sort of a maze. Officially, my 12 week training plan started this week. And although I ran 6 miles a week ago, today I lacked the inspiration to get out the door.
I found it a little strange since last week’s run was in less than optimal conditions (cold and drizzly weather). Yet, today’s running conditions were optimal. I was dressed, fueled, hydrated, had done my pre-run drills. But I just couldn’t get myself out the door. I felt like I needed a little nudge (virtual or other) to get going.
My initial self-examination reveals that the main difference appears to be Ryan’s training. Don’t judge; it is what it is. Although I do not envision us running this race together (side-by-side), I somehow find that I am more accountable if he is hitting his scheduled runs. Yet, when his competing priorities prevent his training from going well, I have a harder time pushing myself out the door. If I thought I was doing the same for him, I’d probably have an easier time of it. But our means of motivation/inspiration are different.
It should be noted that I have not missed a single training run; it’s just been harder to begin each one of them.
I’ve enlisted the help of others for complimentary activities such as Strength & Mobility Training, and Nutritional Coaching. It is my hope that these measures will help me successfully train for and run the race without injury or compromising my wellness level (including body composition, bone health, joint stability, overall health, etc.).
The support ends there, however. My training runs are done alone. It’s up to me to do my drills, properly fuel, and get each of the training runs done. During today’s run, I thought about how the members of the Running Blog Family (RBF) supported each other in my years of marathon training. Back then, even though many of my long runs were also run alone, I always felt like we were connected as we all shared our training plans, trials & tribulations, and other aspects of the training experience on our blogs.
Although nowadays, I often feel a bit isolated, I find connections with the people I pass.
Today, I saw a man up in his tree trimming back its branches, several people walking their dogs (big and small), and a few others being walked by their dogs. There was a man pushing a walker with his cheering squad at his side, a few cyclists, and another man under the hood of his truck trying to convince it to GO. I smiled as I passed these people and somehow felt each of us supporting one another simply by our solo effort. For each of us are working towards something better. It won’t happen by itself; we have to make it happen.
What are YOU working to make happen?
I’d love to hear about what you’re working to make happen this year. Please leave a comment to share with me — and anyone else who may be reading.
I totally understand. For a number of years, blogging and forums were THE place of community. I am part of a FB group that are athletes coached by the same coaches. But over the years, the people that I knew the best and would meet at races, are gone.
I’m on a comeback tour with my 2nd 5k on the horizon (next weekend). Even for a 5k, there have been days that I have had low motivation and days that I crush the workout. I feel great. I’m hoping I can beat my last time slightly. Getting back into shape is reeaallly hard, but I’m enjoying it.