There are only 45 more days until the Salt Lake City Half Marathon. As of today, I have officially been training for 32 days. I am worried that I am not doing enough or running enough in order to be ready for the race. I just read this yesterday, on the Salt Lake City Marathon website:
I have been religiously following a training schedule. Only running when I am supposed to. And running the distance that I need to run each day. I need to have faith that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing.
I've been letting myself get easily discouraged though. Especially when I see other runners outside or at the gym. I instantly start comparing myself to them, thinking they are somehow better. I do not have a runners body. I do not have long runners legs. I am not lean like a runner. And I don't have the endurance of a marathon runner. Therefore, I think, I am not a runner.
Yet... on the other hand... I found out the hard way what "Jogger's Nipples" are. I have also learned that while short running-shorts are comfortable and look sexy, chaffing inner thighs are no fun. (Has anyone ever used "Body Glide"?) I've had 4 blisters from trying to break in new shoes. My shins are so tender that even wearing pants can send me through the roof. And I hear that black toe nails are a badge of honor for runners, so I am looking forward to that ailment surfacing soon. So let's question the thought, "I am not a runner!" Is it true? Hell no! If I get to suffer like a runner, then by damn I get to call myself a runner!
In the coarse of only 4 1/2 weeks, I have tripled the distance that I used to be able to run. Which will now need to double in order for me to make it through a half marathon. But I know I can do it. This is the first time that I have ever, in my entire life, trained for anything athletic. My brother was the son who played all the sports. I was the son that enjoyed the quieter things in life, like painting and drawing.... and NOT running. I have opened myself up to a completely new side of life that I have never experienced. And it feels pretty damn amazing. This blog entry is my reminder to stop self doubting and remember...
"we
ask that our runners maintain a maximum 13 minute 45 second per mile
pace. The finishing time at this pace is 3 hours. Should you fall below
this pace, you may be asked to continue the run on the sidewalk adjacent
to our course."
OMG! What if I am the guy they move to sidewalk. I think this is my worst fear.
I have been religiously following a training schedule. Only running when I am supposed to. And running the distance that I need to run each day. I need to have faith that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing.
I've been letting myself get easily discouraged though. Especially when I see other runners outside or at the gym. I instantly start comparing myself to them, thinking they are somehow better. I do not have a runners body. I do not have long runners legs. I am not lean like a runner. And I don't have the endurance of a marathon runner. Therefore, I think, I am not a runner.
Yet... on the other hand... I found out the hard way what "Jogger's Nipples" are. I have also learned that while short running-shorts are comfortable and look sexy, chaffing inner thighs are no fun. (Has anyone ever used "Body Glide"?) I've had 4 blisters from trying to break in new shoes. My shins are so tender that even wearing pants can send me through the roof. And I hear that black toe nails are a badge of honor for runners, so I am looking forward to that ailment surfacing soon. So let's question the thought, "I am not a runner!" Is it true? Hell no! If I get to suffer like a runner, then by damn I get to call myself a runner!