I ran a half marathon in 2006 October. That was my first one. Or I should say that has been the only one so far.
It all started when my husband ran his first 1/2 marathon as he turned 30. That was the first time I witnessed a running event. The cheer and the group spirit of it all excited me so much. It was very inspiring to watch little kids cheering for their moms. Next came his full marathon run. I got so inspired watching a 66 year old man finishing his umpteenth marathon. The momentary inspiration made me take the plunge. So without giving it much thought I decided to train for a 1/2 marathon.
Since I was not a runner I had to start from scratch and my training period was long. My training days were a mix of emotions. I got bored easily when I was running. I would start questioning why I decided to run in the first place. I remember there were days I hated to be outside and running, as my mind repeatedly went over million other things I could be doing instead. I hated it as I thought it was taking too much of my time. I lacked the discipline and was too cynical. I also remember being afraid especially going uphill, I would have a mental block which would be far worse to overcome than any physical pain. I did not have a goal and enough inspiration to keep me going.
But I also remember that after finding my running pace, days when I had to do 7 or 8 mile run, I actually did enjoy running. My body was willing to and was very much able to run but it was my mind that would not want to do it. Well anyway, after the roller coaster training period I did finish my half marathon. I did it in 2 hrs 48 mins which is about 4.6 miles/hr, which is not very bad for a first time runner. I went from 'I don't run' to 'I finished a half-marathon'.
It has been 3 years now. Now I am thinking of doing it again. This time I want to do it with an open mind. I want to try harder and discipline myself better - at the same time have a good time. One other reason is to become fitter! Full time desk job, comfort food and the cozy winter weather is taking its toll and I better watch it.
There is a marathon in Seattle in June which sounds just perfect to me. There is enough time to train. Spring would be a great time to run in Seattle. Not crazy hot or crazy cold. Also this time I am thinking of doing it for a cause (ASHA miles for smiles), so I have a reason to keep going and engaging in group runs whenever possible to make it more fun.
It all started when my husband ran his first 1/2 marathon as he turned 30. That was the first time I witnessed a running event. The cheer and the group spirit of it all excited me so much. It was very inspiring to watch little kids cheering for their moms. Next came his full marathon run. I got so inspired watching a 66 year old man finishing his umpteenth marathon. The momentary inspiration made me take the plunge. So without giving it much thought I decided to train for a 1/2 marathon.
Since I was not a runner I had to start from scratch and my training period was long. My training days were a mix of emotions. I got bored easily when I was running. I would start questioning why I decided to run in the first place. I remember there were days I hated to be outside and running, as my mind repeatedly went over million other things I could be doing instead. I hated it as I thought it was taking too much of my time. I lacked the discipline and was too cynical. I also remember being afraid especially going uphill, I would have a mental block which would be far worse to overcome than any physical pain. I did not have a goal and enough inspiration to keep me going.
But I also remember that after finding my running pace, days when I had to do 7 or 8 mile run, I actually did enjoy running. My body was willing to and was very much able to run but it was my mind that would not want to do it. Well anyway, after the roller coaster training period I did finish my half marathon. I did it in 2 hrs 48 mins which is about 4.6 miles/hr, which is not very bad for a first time runner. I went from 'I don't run' to 'I finished a half-marathon'.
It has been 3 years now. Now I am thinking of doing it again. This time I want to do it with an open mind. I want to try harder and discipline myself better - at the same time have a good time. One other reason is to become fitter! Full time desk job, comfort food and the cozy winter weather is taking its toll and I better watch it.
There is a marathon in Seattle in June which sounds just perfect to me. There is enough time to train. Spring would be a great time to run in Seattle. Not crazy hot or crazy cold. Also this time I am thinking of doing it for a cause (ASHA miles for smiles), so I have a reason to keep going and engaging in group runs whenever possible to make it more fun.
