I have “wanted” a lot of things in my life. I have “signed up” for even more! What I have a short list of, are ideas I have followed through with, to the very end. I mean- we all get the crazy ideas that we can do anything, try it and find out it just was not for us. But I am a person who dives into everything, neck deep- until I admit I never could swim to begin with!
But this last year has been so different, as I have actually followed through with losing the weight I wanted to lose. Sure, I changed my goal from 100 lbs to feeling comfortable at 60 lbs gone. Do I still want those other 40 gone? maybe, but it is not my priority now.
Ultimately, I just wanted to be able to run three miles- three long miles- last year! I was pretrified out of my place, with following through to the Mokena race last year. But I did it. For the first time in my life, I followed through and completed something.
Then it happened- the half marathon bug bite me! I signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon- thinking nearly one year of training I could actually learn to complete 13.1 miles. I even got a treadmill; then upgraded it for the winter months! But then I met this amazing group of people- F’N runner club!
This group of people have the most amazing synergy about them! I started walk/running with them in the dead of winter January! I quickly learned to love running in the winter -OUTSIDE! Each run got easier, and before I knew it I wanted to cut time off my miles- I went down from a 14 minute mile- to a comfortable 11 minute. I was in shock! My distance grew with each outing- and I was able to run 4 miles with little to no walking and even found a few sub 10 minute miles along the way!
Everyone in the group started talking about all the spring races and I was addicted! I planned out my whole season!
Timeline wise- this would be March- My first 5k of the new season, and only my second race ever! After just over 2 months with the group, 5 weeks of boot camp and gym time, I was ready. All I wanted was an improved time- 35 minute range. Some how I ran 29:38! And I thanked everyone for their support and advice!
Shamrock Shuffle was next. 8k or just shy of 5 miles! Could I do it? And yes I did- I even drove downtown! I managed
to run (with very little walking) that 4.97 in 49:30! I felt official- I was ready for a half marathon! So, I signed up for the Palos Half Marathon!
In the meanwhile, I had the Joliet Rockdale, which was hard. It is hills, yes, but it was hard to find that perfect pace and keep going- so 10k or 6.2 took me 1:07. Which, all in all, I was just okay with, because I know I could have done better. I told myself next year.
Ashleycan.org was really an excuse to see old neighbors and donate to a great cause! So how managed to run that 5k in 30:19 and 4th in my age group. Granted it was a much smaller race- but still that was great!
Next up was Palos- 13.1 miles and I was at 7 miles in my training. I had started a new job, causing practice excuse. I ran my longest distance 8.5 miles and actually felt good. Was able to run about 2 miles at a time with just 15 second breaks. Then it happened- my first real injury- my right knee felt horrible.
Now when I say horrible it means just that! it took me a few days to admit I might actually need medical attention- they decided it was patella tendinitis. Okay I can deal with that and my new brace! problem was it was only making it worse. But I have to run more before the race, so I dusted off the trusty treadmill, set up the fan, and slipped on the even to loving compression socks and WOW that hurt! it was all because my socks are too long (or my shins are too short) and the tops were pressing on the tendon. So adjusted where those sit and was able to run 5 miles at a comfortable 10:30 pace in just about an hour again. GREAT!
Now the mantra I know is something like if it matter you find time- but life for me is just busy. I have 4 kids and a husband that work retail management- meaning my life changes by the minute (sometimes less if the baby is around!) . Well between sickness, work schedules, and extra curricular programs – oh and homework- I didn’t get to run but one more time!
I went into my first half marathon with my longest run being 8.5 miles- and a possible injury! Leading up to this past Sunday, I was sure something would prevent me from going- my kids, my husband, family otherwise- my appendix! But all was very well at 4:30 Sunday morning, as I started the process to run my first half marathon.
After just over 1 year of learning to run, I finished my first half marathon in 2 hours 32 mins! It was hot, and hard, and caused me to want to rip off clothing- but I finished it! I am not upset I missed my goal of 2 hours 30 mins- by just 2 mins- because I know that was caused by my choice to fix my music and shoes. Yes I struggled with each and every mile- I walked more than I really wanted to overall- but I learned so much! I know I need to work on specific parts of my body, and how to prioritize mile running again, and what I really can do when I apply my desire for a goal!
Today I looked at my new facebook profile picture and felt so much pride in my hard work- and felt guilt because I knew there was so much more in me to be applied! I have a long list of races for this year- and plan for each one of them! Join me on my journey as I continue to track my training until November when I finish up with the last Joliet R3 race!
And if you made it through that WHOLE flashback- thank you! promise from now on they will be shorter entries and some pictures!
melissa
Madmamaof4's Blog 