As I sit trying to working I am mentally getting myself ready for my first half marathon on Sunday I realise so many things are going through my head. It started about three o'clock this morning.
I woke up and my brain set into action. Thinking about the travel, breakfast, nerves, when to go to the loo and the start of the event. ( I always say event as I haven't a competitive bone in my body)
That part of the thought process was fine, it's just sorting out details so I feel prepared. I did it for my run 3 week 5, (that run took me quite a few attempts before I completed it) I did it for my graduation run, my fist 5km, my first 10k, my first 14 km and finally my first 17 km. I still remember these runs like they were yesterday. My running milestones. I have a feeling they will stay with me forever. It's not the distance that makes them special it's the fact I prepared and worked for them. I earned them, the lovely thing about going through the c25k program is it teaches you to respect and acknowledge these milestones. All through my journey with running I have kept the ethos that the program has inspired in me. That feeling that just sometimes to push past that comfort zone and see where I would end up. And here I am two days away from 21.1 km run.
The things that stick in my mind about my journey.
Training has to suit you and fit in with your life - I chose a plan with only 2 runs week because I like to cross train.
Food is very important as your distances increase - I crashed and burned early on after my first 10km because my calorie intake was not sufficient.
Training plans are great but if it starts to feel like it isn't fun take a break from it and find your feet again. I treated myself to a fun run a few weeks ago as I was just desperate to have a break from it.
I love training for an event. Something I never would of thought I would have found my feet with.
Pros
Heading into my 50th year next year I feel fitter and healthier than I ever have
My Arthritis doesn't hurt as much when I keep moving
I use food for fuel and have a healthier approach to eating
I drink a lot less alcohol
Cons
I can worry too much about my pace and speed taking enjoyment away from my running
I can forget to rest leading to little niggles
I can talk non stop about running (good and bad I suppose)
So whereever you are in your journey make sure it's yours and it's going the way you want it to go. Running is at it's best when your doing it for you.
Happy running all.
If anyone is around Hackney on Sunday and you see a very beetroot faced person running with the number
5394
Please give me a wave.
Written by
Realfoodieclub
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Well said RFC, best of luck for Sunday! I'll be going for a long (not HM distance though, my dog does not like that at all!!!) slow run that day for moral support. XXX
good luck RFC! I'm a worrier so i can appreciate where you're coming from! sounds to me like you've trained hard for this event and will really enjoy it! can't wait to see a triumphant picture/medal/report on sunday, have faith in your abilities, we are all rooting for you! definite reason for choccy cake baking to reward yourself i reckon!
As stated in a previous post I am in awe of anyone who can even consider running such a distance, never mind complete it. (I'm worried enough about attempting my first Parkrun!!)
I kneel down to you for effort alone & I will bend even lower when we receive your post event update.
I can only wish you the best of luck on the day! You will do it! ☺
What a fantastic post, RESPECT to you, as others have said in in total awe of anyone doing these kind of distances. You are a shining ( even if that's red faced) beacon of hope to us run/walking our way behind you and again it's been said but, you worry because you care so much and I think that's brilliant x I hope you have a fab day, and another happy memory to keep with you forever more x
I shall be thinking of you and of Aliboo on her long yomp across the IOW. I will be with you in spirit as I have a race too, a more modest distance than you though☺
A lovely post RFC and many can identify with your feelings, comments, worries etc, I am sure. Have a fantastic run and enjoy your day, you are so right, we must enjoy what we are doing. Wish I could be in Hackney to cheer you on, but sadly I won't be able to make it. I will be cheering you along in my head and looking forward to your event report. Enjoy! x
Haha - your cons could have been written by me! A very long way away from all your accomplishments (and with an extra year before the big 5), but hoping to get through a few events (I agree that sounds better, especially for me who is still not that fit and still feels very slow) over the next 12 months.
It's great to ready about the journey others have completed!
Good luck on Sunday!
PS: What was the running plan with two runs per week?
Thank you. Being slow takes nothing away from accomplishments, trust me I am one of the slowest runners on this forum. I used the Asics plan and it gives you the chance to change the amount of running days a week.
You are not alone! Your experience is very similar to my own. I don't know about you, but every single itch, every single ache this week has felt like a major problem waiting to strike! Nevertheless. I'm confident that you'll get round. The course looks good, the whether forecast is warm, but not too warm and you've put in the hard yards.
24 hours now........ You know your right my arthritis has been a bugger these last few days I feel like I can hardly walk. I know it will go tomorrow but it is strange how it does that. Good luck have a great day and most of all enjoy it.
What a wonderful blog. Those words ring so true for me too and you describe it beautifully. You know we will all be right behind you on Sunday ...and I will be Panthering right behind you pushing you on and shouting,'push that body, punish that body,' till then- stay calm and collected and don't forget to breathe......
What a gorgeous post, and your words ring true for me too. We will all be right behind you on Sunday pushing you on...I will be right behind you Panthering along shouting,'push that body, punish that body,'... Until then, try to stay calm and breathe.......
Thank you so much. I promise I will listen to those wise words as I go round, I have one that pops into my head when things get really bad but I'm hoping I won't have to pull that one out. " failure is not an option". I have used it in the past. And definetly I will try and stay calm and enjoy it. There will only ever be one 1st HM so I have to make sure it's a good memory.
Great post RFC and I so get it as I tend to think too much too. But you're doing it for you so you'll be great tomorrow. You've put in the training and you've got all of us behind you. It'll be such a memory making experience and I can't wait to read all about it.
All the best and I'll be thinking of you. I've got my first 10K race and you'll spur me on. xxx
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Think I’m going to give up 
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Just sayin' hello and thanks very much to all of you!
Taken on too much?!?!? 
