Monday, January 16, 2012

Mile 1

I do believe I've just learned the importance of setting tangible, concrete goals for myself. I just ran my first mile without stopping to walk since...well, a long time ago and while, it was somewhat physically challenging, I think the issue for me has been the mental challenge. I've attempted to become a runner many times before now, but never with a set goal. In the past the goals have been abstract, such as, "I want to be in better shape" or "I want to get healthier." This time, I have a number and a date and that was what pushed me to get past any thought of, "Well, I know I SAID I wouldn't walk today, but this is getting tiring and a little boring."It's amazing how much of a mental aspect there is to reaching a challenging physical goal.

On a related note, if I'm going to play the part of a half-marathon runner in my head, I'm definitely going to have to look the part with some really sweet new shoes. Any suggestions? I like bright purple.





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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Taking the Plunge


I've decided to join the legion of crazies; that group of people with whom I never thought I could ever have anything in common. I forget how the idea got planted in my head. I believe it was a mention about it from my boyfriend that lead to the formulation of ideas and "what-ifs". Soon plans were being made and I began to get excited about it. Excited and scared. And now there's no turning back. I'm going to be a half marathoner.

Initially we were talking about a date in October or November, but while looking at races we noticed one of the San Francisco marathons takes place on July 29, 2012. That day also happens to correspond with my 25th birthday. And, while my ideal birthday doesn't involve me passing out or puking, I have decided that there is no better way to celebrate my first quarter of a century than with a major accomplishment.

I've decided to keep a blog for two reasons. The first is to keep myself accountable (although that didn't work out very well with my 365 day photo project...see below). The second is for inspiration. It will inspire me, putting finger to keyboard about my experiences, but just maybe it will inspire you to challenge yourself in some way. If I, the self-proclaimed running hater, who uses bad knees that are only bad sometimes as an excuse and who has not run more than a mile without stopping since they made us do it in middle school, can run a half marathon, then you sure as heck can do something pretty cool too. I'm also going to need your help to motivate me to keep going and to share any tips or words of wisdom you might have. Ok, that was three reasons. Apparently neither running nor math are my strong suits.