Be Prepared

I grew up in a scouting family. The motto was "Always be prepared". The rest of the motto was of course "even if its at the last minute" because my family are notorious procrastinators. Drives me nuts and I'm always striving to break those old habits! 

Part of being prepared is becoming knowledgable. I figure I can learn how to do almost anything in 6 months. But I do have to learn. I've begun trolling Pinterest and websites for information on beginning a running program. I'm soaking up motivational quotes and tips like a sponge. I'm getting excited about this goal I set for myself.

I have to do these things or I'll chicken out. I set a pretty big goal. It's going to take lots of preparation. That's a lot of time, energy an learning to be done. As a working mother to four kids I don't have time for re-dos. I have to be efficient ar using my time. 

I met with a trainer yesterday and signed up for personal training sessions. I actually belong to two gyms. The one at the park district that I pay for and the one in my office that my employer pays for. I will need to utilize both to train in the Winter. He asked me about my goals.

My goal: To finish the race.

He asked if I had any particular fitness goals. Just to be healthy. Throwing a number on that hasn't worked in the past. Losing 50+ lbs intimidates me. Discourages me and I don't want to be discouraged. I want to be encouraged. He agreed and told me he always tries to steer clients away from weight goals and go for fitness goals. 10 push ups, complete a race, new personal best. He also recommended buying training sessions in small packages such as three at a time. I like this guy already!

So I'm set to start with him once a week Wednesday. I skipped the gym this morning in favor of organizing "stuff" at home which included multiple trips up the stairs, lifting boxes, and lots of bending. Now it's time to hit the showers!

Dedication

So why a 1/2 marathon? Well for one thing I don't think a 5k is enough of a challenge. I think I'd allow myself to slack off and do just enough. I can walk a 5k no problem. Walking a 1/2 marathon, let alone run it, is another story entirely. I also really, really, really would like to do a race at Disney World and the Princess 1/2 Marathon in 2015 seems like a justifiable goal.


I've never particularly liked running. I played soccer in my teens and I don't ever remember enjoying laps around the field. I did enjoy being dedication to something. I enjoyed practicing. I enjoyed being outside. I enjoyed being a part of something.


Here is the part I like about running. I don't have to go fast. I just have to finish. I'm not trying to become an Olympian. I'm not even trying to be a winner. I'd prefer to be better than last, but if I am, oh well! At least I started in the first place. That's way better than those who never start.


So I'm super impressed with my perseverance this week. Despite a car accident, and a run in with the treadmill (pun intended) I kept to my training schedule. I woke up this morning and my body craved the physical activity. I could have used my ankle injury as an excuse. I chose not too. And to reward myself I bought some new exercise gear. So every time I put on my new shirt that says, "My Mascara Runs Faster Than You" I'm going to be proud of my dedication.

Note to Self

Make sure: 1) the treadmill is set correctly 2) both feet are firmly on the sides when the machine starts moving 3) no one is looking when you wipe out and skin your knee, shin and ankle.

The year of the 1/2 Marathon

I spent 2013 attempting to make it the year of me. I spent a ton of time processing what I needed during a very difficult period of letting go of children I cared for and love. I decided a job change was required, and made that happen. I spent time connecting to those important to me as I realized that was missing. And I ended the year as a Mom to another set of four children. 

As January hit and I began 2014, I decided this year was going to be for me.  Like last year, there is a lot going on in my life that I have no control of. None. So I decided I needed to set a goal for myself that I had complete control of. Hence the year of the 1/2 was born.

Stay tuned as I blog about my journey to become a distance runner, even if its only for 2 races.

The year of the 1/2 Marathon

I spent 2013 attempting to make it the year of me. I spent a ton of time processing what I needed during a very difficult period of letting go of children I cared for and love. I decided a job change was required, and made that happen. I spent time connecting to those important to me as I realized that was missing. And I ended the year as a Mom to another set of four children. 

As January hit and I began 2014, I decided this year was going to be for me.  Like last year, there is a lot going on in my life that I have no control of. None. So I decided I needed to set a goal for myself that I had complete control of. Hence the year of the 1/2 was born.

Stay tuned as I blog about my journey to become a distance runner, even if its only for 2 races.