Coming Out of the Running Closet
Time to blow the doors open and come clean. I, someone who has had an on-again, off-again relationship with running, am totally committed. Well, at least for the next three months. That’s right folks, this Fit Bottomed Girl just registered for her first half marathon. God help me.
For the past few months, I’ve been quietly logging miles both outside and inside. Being a little shy, I decided not to declare my official running intentions until I was a) sure that I was going to do it and b) brave enough to make it public. Seeing that you guys are so welcoming and encouraging—not to mention inspiring with your own athletic endeavors—I feel safe in sharing my new lifestyle with you.
From today until race day on March 29, I’ll be running three days a week, strength training two days a week and doing at least one session of yoga per week, give or take. My runs are starting at about 3 miles and will gradually build to prepare me for the 13.1-mile race. My goal is to finish. I don’t care about the time, I just want to enjoy it. As the weeks tick by and I adapt to my new way of living, I’ll give you little updates every other Monday as to how I’m progressing. Nothing too long or detailed, but a few notes on my progress, challenges and triumphs (hopefully mostly the latter).
Why did I decide to do this, you may ask? Well, I wanted a challenge, and honestly, when I run regularly, I feel fantastic. There’s nothing better than that runner’s high, and I need an event to prepare for to really combat my exercise ADD. Plus, running a half marathon has always been in the back of my mind since I was in high school, and, you know, there’s no time like the present. And, when it’s time, it’s time.
I’m psyched to have a new goal for 2009. It’s much better than my usual “I’ll stop biting my nails,” when I know I’m way too fidgety to ever give that up. Erin already filled us in on her resolutions for the New Year, but here are mine.1. Run a half marathon. For all of the reasons mentioned above. Anyone care to join me?
2. Take more time for myself. Life is short, and I work hard. Between a full-time job, the blog, a husband, a dog and goal #1, I don’t have a lot of free minutes in the day to do some of the things I love to do like reading, playing the Wii and, honestly, sleeping. Just as I schedule my workouts, I’m going to make sure the TV and computer are off at least 30 minutes before bedtime so that I can take some much-needed relaxation time for me.
3. Continue listening to my body.I’ve heard horror stories of people training for events and getting injured and then feeling guilty for taking time off, etc., etc., etc. I do not want to be one of those people. Although I am dedicated to training and I will push myself possibly harder than I ever have, nothing is worth compromising my health or body for. So, despite the challenge, I will continue to respect my body and its boundaries as I always have. Love thyself. It’s my motto.
Now that I’m out of the running closet, do I feel different? Am I treated differently? So far, the retail world has embraced me with open arms as I’ve racked up a sizable bill with Nike for “must-have” running apparel (pricey sweat-wicking gloves and hat) and my husband has noticed my fitter bottom, but I’ll keep you posted on how the rest of society responds. —Jenn