I hope to post here reflections and recordings of my ongoing efforts to be a fit middle-aged woman. I had another fitness blog, but it got linked to yet another blog I had where I didn't want to use my picture or full name. On this new blog, I would like to post race pictures, have a profile picture, etc.
Two weeks from today, at about this time in the morning, I will have just completed my first half-marathon. I feel compelled to say "But I will Be Slow." As if that matters!
Yesterday I went on an organized run with a local running club. I went against my better judgement... I had a feeling it would be discouraging - I know I am Slow. It was not only discouraging, I felt humiliated and defeated.
After the run, we congregated to eat bagels, drink coffee and gatorade, and chat. I listened to the other runners. "how far did you run today?" "ONLY ten." "ONLY twelve." "ONLY five." etc. For every accomplishment there was a disqualification. And I am clear that I also participate in this insanity. I hear myself loud and clear - I am going to run a half-marathon in two weeks - BUT I AM SLOW. I expect to average around 12 minute miles.
I need to somehow get my psyche to revel in the 12 minute mile. I need to feel gloriously healthy as I embark on this journey - this inner journey.
Thank you to anyone who has read this, and your comments are always appreciated.
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Ponderings of a 58 year old woman trying to outrun father time!
8 comments:
Trying to shush the negative messages in our heads is one of the biggest challenges, I think! I know I can say, well, I did that 5 miles (walk) but I'm stiff and sore and it took me forever. Kudos on the half-marathon, that's one hell of a long way, and just getting from start to finish will be a major accomplishment that sooo many people couldn't do! Whatever your time is, revel in it!
In two weeks, I'm going to compete in my first olympic triathlon BUT I WILL BE SLOW AND PROBABLY FINISH DEAD LAST. It's true, but see how that last part overshadows the positive in the first part? It sounds so much better like this - I'M GOING TO COMPETE IN MY FIRST OLYMPIC TRIATHLON...WOOOHOOOO.
YOU'RE GOING TO RUN A HALF MARATHON....WOOOOHOOOOO
I'm sorry about yesterday, no one ever wants to go through something like that but if you think about it . . . if you were really fast and all your runs went picture perfect every time, how rewarding would finishing the HM be? It would just be a big ole yawn if you didn't have some kind of difficulties . It won't make any difference if you go at a 12 minute pace or if you go at a 7 minute pace, you'll still feel the same way when you finish it!!! ;D ;D I highly doubt you'll be last, and even if you are . . . so what? You're DOING IT!! And that's more than the people on the sideline can say :) You'll do GREAT!!
I like the new blog. I'm going to add it to my links. Like I said before, it doesn't matter how fast you are compared to all of the others...it only matters how fast you are compared to YOU. You are still a champion of your own fitness and far faster than all the people who don't have the guts to try. Just don't ever stop trying.
Mental focus...don't give up don't ever give up! Just completing a half marathon is a great accomplishment as far as I'm concerned! Like the new blog!
My first half pace was 12:05 and I was thrilled! Comparing yourself to others will always leave you feeling like you need a disclaimer. We're all at different points on the fitness path. It's progress, not perfection. Heh. Also? Remember this:
Dead Last Finish
is greater than
Did Not Finish
which greatly trumps
Did Not Start.
I do motivational speaking to running groups, and let me tell you what I tell all first-timers: "Relax and enjoy the race, because no matter what time you do, it will be a personal best!" Just have fun with your half-marathon and enjoy all that you've done to get there.
If you get a chance, please visit my running web site, Faithful Soles. I have a categorized and searchable running Blog Database on there and would appreciate it if you would link your blog to it.
only as a disqualification was something I didn't consider until you commented to me--- thanks for boosting my confidence!
I did 6 miles on Sunday again--
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