Just Keep Running ~ Just Keep Running

When I signed up for the Tri-Cities marathon (coming up in a couple weeks) I remember thinking "oh ya I've got this!" I've always been a runner and with spending the last year triathlon training I figured it would actually be easy to transition from triathlon training to marathon training; I mean come on it is only one event so much easier than training for three!!  

Now don't get me wrong I am very realistic about the challenges that occur with running especially with running a marathon:

• Running 26.2 miles is a very long ways,
• Managing nutrition,
• Finding the time to train via long runs,
• Bowel issues (because we all know how kind running is to our GI tract),
• Blisters,
• Sore legs, feet, neck, arms, and various other body parts,
• Getting bored after a couple miles and realizing you still have at least ten miles to go...

I love to run and I could still give you a list a million times longer than the few I just gave you.  In truth I was excited to start my marathon training and despite being a bit nervous I am still excited to run the race.  Running is a healing tool for me and the last couple of weeks have been recriminating; just having to focus on one event and it being the one that I find the most joy from.   Now the big question is whether or not I am prepared??

16 miles of treadmill running while on the road for work

While I am a little unsure as to whether I am prepared enough to run my first marathon (the longest run I have been on is 18 miles) I am very excited to participate not only because I believe every runner should experience the energy of running a marathon but also because my parents are going to be running as well.  They are going to relay the marathon with each of them running a half; their rationale being that it would force them to run.  I must brag for just a minute about my parents as they are amazing.  Both work 50 to 60 hours a week and still find time to run, bike, ski, golf (sometimes two of these activities in the same day!) all while supporting my sister and myself in whatever crazy adventure we are on at the time.  I am truly blessed and excited to have them running in the race with me.  

As those of you who follow my articles know I am a strong believer in having goals for yourself and this time is no exception:

My first overall goal is to just finish the marathon. :) 26.2 miles is no small feat and those of you who have completed one know that it isn't always easy no matter how good of a runner you are.

Next I am striving to finish the marathon in under 3 hours and 30 minutes.  Finishing under this time would qualify me for the Boston Marathon a race I have always wanted to compete in.

Secondly, I plan to run a smart race.  For me that means not starting out to fast and remembering to keep my nutrition on par. I have a tendency to one start out way to fast and two not consume any calories during my long workouts and bonk near the end.  

Lastly, I want to remember why I run and that when I am out there on the road it is just me and the road so go out there and have fun!!  

I have one more week of long running with the hope of getting 15 miles in on Saturday and 18 to 20 in on Sunday and then taper off into the 26th of October where I will step up to the start line of my first marathon!!  

What races do you have coming up?  Any advice for a novice marathon runner?  What training plans do you follow for preparing for your race?

Maintaining Your Goals

The fall season is officially upon those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest; and while we have been blessed with a beautiful fall season the sun does take longer to great us in the morning and says good night much much earlier.  For myself this means my motivation begins to follow the suns lifestyle and begins to diminish along with the amount of light we receive through out the day. Following right along with the motivation goes my goals and sometimes even my belief that I can accomplish them.

This morning while preparing myself for the work day and accomplishing my usual social media viewing I came across a quote by Jordan Belfort the author of The Wolf of Wall Street that struck a cord deep within me:

"The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it"

It is easy to make up an excuse as to why you cannot do something; much easier than actually doing it.  We've all been there.  We have all said "oh its too dark to go for that run", or "going back to school is too expensive I can't do it" with the key note excuses of "I just don't have the time", "that costs to much money", or "I am just not good enough to do that". What many of us forget is that these are just hurdles or as Jordan Belfort calls it "a bullshit story" that can very easily be over come if you are willing to take the chance.

Goals do take work.  They take time, effort, money, strength, and sometimes even tears to accomplish but that is the point of a goal.  It is a marker or a dream to something bigger and better.  Goals are important as they keep you focuses and dedicated.  Yet it can be easy to loose sight of those goals.  When you do feel yourself loosing the sight or always having a story as to why not, remember that you are the only person that can affect change.  You are in the drivers seat and it is up to you to move past those stories and find the belief in yourself to accomplish your dreams.  

This morning Jordan Belfort reminded me to continuing pursuing my goals and for me that means not giving up on setting them.  For myself to always strive for something new and to continue believing in myself that I can accomplish what I have set out to do.  To believe in the strength that resides within; through that belief you will find a way to continue pushing forward and realize that those stories are not as exciting as the ones you obtain from accomplishing your goals.

My goal for this month is to complete my first marathon and push towards qualifying for Boston. 

What are some goals you have set for yourself? Do you have a dream for someday?