After my difficult week 1 of the half marathon fitness training, I was determined to have a better week 2. I walked 2 days and then ran an “unofficial” 5k on Sunday. I wanted to get a benchmark starting point.
I’m not sure what came over me, but I woke up on Sunday morning with this urge to just go run. I knew that if I went alone, I may not run far, so I volunteered my oldest son to go with me. I couldn’t wait to get out there.
Running The 5k
I laced up my shoes, turned on my Nike+ and we just started running. We talked and ran until we had gone 2.5k. Then we turned around and ran 2.5k back home. We walked about .5k and ran the rest. It wasn’t a fast run, slow and steady finishes the race. We finished in 37 minutes averaging about 12 minute miles. I was happy with that time. I have not run consistently in the last few months and the last 5k I ran was on October 17, 2009.
When I was done, I felt so good. Running makes me happy. It makes me feel like anything is possible because for me, running wasn’t always possible. Well, physically it was, but mentally it wasn’t. But somehow I got past that and now I’m a runner.
Running The Empowered Mile
That first mile of my first 5k was the longest and most difficult mile I have ever run. It felt endless. It felt impossible. I managed to get past that first mile and I don’t know where the energy came from, but I was able to finish the 5k.
I was the kid in gym class who finished last. I was not an athlete, I told myself over and over until I was convinced I would never be an athlete. So maybe I’m not good at some sports, but damn…I’m good at the sports where you need to use your body. My body doesn’t fail me when I treat it right.
Overcoming Fitness Mental Blocks
This week was more of a fitness mental block than a physical one. I needed to get past the thought that I can’t run a half marathon. I know it IS possible, but I haven’t been able to envision myself actually completing it. As I was running the 5k, all I thought about was “I really can do this.” That run somehow helped me push past the fitness mental block.
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Here I Come!
Danie B.
May 19, 2010
I've been following your blog on and off through Facebook for quite a while. The "Fitness Mental Block" title caught my eye today so I had to check it out. I'm doing the Wine and Dine 1/2 marathon relay with my husband–a stepping stone for me to someday do my own half. The mental part of it is much tougher than the physical. Interesting.
scrappinmichele
May 19, 2010
Fantastic! I'm still nervous about doing this. We are getting a group together to do the Win & Dine. You and your hubby should join us… We are supporting each other during training and then of course have a blast at the Wine & Dine. We are just getting started!
Sam
January 3, 2011
The first mile of any run always feels unnatural but after a few minutes I always seem to ease into the run and find my rhythm! How is your half marathon training going??
Michele
January 3, 2011
I had to start all over with my training. I got really sick last year, but I signed up for a half marathon on June 5, 2011 so I'm starting over again. Thanks for asking!