I thought it would be best to give you a little background first so you can decide whether or not to keep reading. I began running in November. I tried running in high school and was AWFUL. Can’t stress that enough. I joined because it was the only sport that you didn’t really have to try out for. They surely would be able to find something for me…
22 years and 2 children later, I didn’t like how I looked or felt and I knew something had to change. I had to change. So November 6th, 2012, after a very frustrating day I went for a run and something changed. I actually enjoyed what running. I was shocked. I thought it was a fluke. So I went out the next day and challenged myself a little more.
22 years and 2 children later, I didn’t like how I looked or felt and I knew something had to change. I had to change. So November 6th, 2012, after a very frustrating day I went for a run and something changed. I actually enjoyed what running. I was shocked. I thought it was a fluke. So I went out the next day and challenged myself a little more.
Soon the idea of a marathon crept into my head. I told my husband and he laughed, which added to my desire to run one. I have to agree with him, from the shape I was in I would have laughed to. I knew 26.2 miles was a long ways, but I would just take it one step at a time.
I downloaded Hal Higdons marathon app onto my phone and followed everything he told me to do to the letter. I listened to his encouraging voice pushing me on my hard days and giving me knowledge to continue on.
I remember each goal. Hitting 6 miles, 8 miles, 12 miles. My husband was watching the kids and not really into my new craze. At 16 miles I ran to the beach and suggested maybe he bring the kids to the state park too. I could run around while they were there. Although I would not be able to stop and talk, we would still be together. On my way out of the park, I saw him getting into the truck. He looked at me and said, “What are you doing? Go finish your run.” I got out of the car and ran home, with some choice words rolling around in my head. I was cold. I was hungry and I just watched him drive away. But he was supporting me. He knew how far I had come and if I stopped at the little things, I would never accomplish my overall goal.
Then I hit my 18 miler day and thought, “This is crazy! Why am I doing this?! It’s too far.” I came home crying and feeling defeated. I didn’t say anything to anyone. Went into my bathroom, took a bath and looked at my swollen legs. I knew I couldn’t do it…
Two days later, I ran. I did what the plan told me and when I had to run my first 20 miles I dreaded it. After a horrible 18, I knew it wasn’t possible. Yet I did it. I won’t say it was fun, but I proved to myself that I was capable.
On February 2nd, 2013 I completed my first marathon. It was 6-4.4mile loops. In a blizzard. On ungroomed trails. I had a blast. I knew that I wasn’t going to come anywhere close to what I had hoped because of the weather so I was happy the weather was horrible. It gave me the excuse I needed to stay in the race and complete it and throw my time out the window.
Since that November day, I have made drastic changes. I’ve dropped weight. I’ve begun eating healthier. I read everything I can about running. I talked to everyone I can about running. I decided teaching was no longer my passion, but fitness was. I decided I wanted to become a personal trainer instead and I love it. As of right now, I am certified in personal training and exercise therapy and I just completed my 2nd marathon. I am also registered for the Grand Rapids Marathon.
The next blog will be on race preparation. I know there are a lot of women signed up for races in the next couple of months and I will give you some helpful suggestions for the final days leading up to your race.
I downloaded Hal Higdons marathon app onto my phone and followed everything he told me to do to the letter. I listened to his encouraging voice pushing me on my hard days and giving me knowledge to continue on.
I remember each goal. Hitting 6 miles, 8 miles, 12 miles. My husband was watching the kids and not really into my new craze. At 16 miles I ran to the beach and suggested maybe he bring the kids to the state park too. I could run around while they were there. Although I would not be able to stop and talk, we would still be together. On my way out of the park, I saw him getting into the truck. He looked at me and said, “What are you doing? Go finish your run.” I got out of the car and ran home, with some choice words rolling around in my head. I was cold. I was hungry and I just watched him drive away. But he was supporting me. He knew how far I had come and if I stopped at the little things, I would never accomplish my overall goal.
Then I hit my 18 miler day and thought, “This is crazy! Why am I doing this?! It’s too far.” I came home crying and feeling defeated. I didn’t say anything to anyone. Went into my bathroom, took a bath and looked at my swollen legs. I knew I couldn’t do it…
Two days later, I ran. I did what the plan told me and when I had to run my first 20 miles I dreaded it. After a horrible 18, I knew it wasn’t possible. Yet I did it. I won’t say it was fun, but I proved to myself that I was capable.
On February 2nd, 2013 I completed my first marathon. It was 6-4.4mile loops. In a blizzard. On ungroomed trails. I had a blast. I knew that I wasn’t going to come anywhere close to what I had hoped because of the weather so I was happy the weather was horrible. It gave me the excuse I needed to stay in the race and complete it and throw my time out the window.
Since that November day, I have made drastic changes. I’ve dropped weight. I’ve begun eating healthier. I read everything I can about running. I talked to everyone I can about running. I decided teaching was no longer my passion, but fitness was. I decided I wanted to become a personal trainer instead and I love it. As of right now, I am certified in personal training and exercise therapy and I just completed my 2nd marathon. I am also registered for the Grand Rapids Marathon.
The next blog will be on race preparation. I know there are a lot of women signed up for races in the next couple of months and I will give you some helpful suggestions for the final days leading up to your race.