Training for distance isn’t just about endurance of the body, it’s strong will of the mind.
When I set out to run a half marathon in 2009, I never imagined the mental journey would be just as arduous as the physical journey. It wasn’t just about musceling up the strength to run the distance. I had to make my mind ready for each work out. And just when I wanted to give in to the mental fatigue and head home, I’d refocus on the end goal.
Running is addictive
When I take too much time off from running pessimism settles in. It becomes difficult to see bright side of any scenario. My self-esteem drops, and I pick fights with my husband. Recently I’ve been struggling to fit in the time to work out. I’ve had two weddings, and several transitions at work to keep me occupied, and it's not the overwhelming amount of items on my todo list that gets me down. It's the fact that I can't find time for my "drug" . . . running. It's as if I go through withdrawal without it. And as soon as I get to run again, the world is a better place. I know I can handle anything that comes my way.
I’ve found a strong community in running
It's been a challenge to find a group I can relate to in my new life. My husband and I moved to a new town when we got married two years ago. We were able to maintain old friendships, but neither of us found it easy to make new friends in our town. I was also struggling to find friends at work because everyone was older than me. Things changed when I really started to focus on running. Word got out at work that I was running a half marathon and "runners" came out of the woodwork to offer support and advice. It's so uplifting to know that people are really interested in my goals. This summer I coordinated a group from work to paticipate in a 5k fundraiser. One of my colleagues, my running mentor, hauled out of bed early, the morning after her 20 year high school reunion, just to be there. She decided to just take pictures and didn't plan to run, but I found myself at mile 2 running along side her. She pushed me all the way till the end. I didn't know I could run at that pace.
I'm capable of more
I didn't fall apart after the half marathon. I took a long time to recuperate, sure. But it didn't leave me never wanting to run again. And I know that I can do it again, and if training goes well, run faster next time. I'm even planning to run a marathon next December. In fact, a few friends plan to tackle the Ragnar relay and the Vegas Marathon. This time around I'll know when I can push harder, and have a community of support to accomplish it.
