Less than two weeks until race day! I'm getting excited. Mostly I'm excited to have some of my own time back...but I'm also excited to run and see how I do.
Yesterday I had a huge victory. I ran a full 10 miles...only stopping to pee once. It felt good to know I can run that long. My legs are a little sore today, despite stretching well, sitting in a cold water bath, and taking some Advil last night...but I'm OK with my level of soreness. I haven't pushed myself to run a full distance for quite a while. I've opted to run/walk during most of my training. I still haven't decided if I want to run the full race or run/walk, but either way...I'm goign to finish and I know I can run the whole thing if I decided I want to run the full 13.1. That in and of itself feels great.
I cannot express how grateful I am for the support I've had from so many different people. I've had a great amount of support from the group of gals I've been running with at church...my cousins who are also training for a race...my mom...a co worker in Louisiana...it's great! I've gotten lots of support and some very helpful tips as well as I embark on this journey of becomming a runner. There's still a lot to learn about running and keeping myself healthy while doing so, but it's been a great journey so far. I'm looking forward to what's around the next bend after May 1st.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Fears
So, reality is that I'm scared of a lot of things. I'm not always brave and strong and sometimes I just want to break down and cry because I'm scared. Last night was one of those moments.
I've been working my arse off since October of last year playing roller derby. It has been so much fun and such a challenge...I love every minute of it. I can't get enough of it. When I completed boot camp, I was going to take a night off of practice semi-regularly so I could spend some time with my husband...that hasn't happened. The only nights I've taken off are nights when I have something else to do. I'm addicted to this sport. I've been working so hard to reach the point where I get to play in a real bout in a real arena against a real team in front of real people. I found out yesterday April 2nd will be my b-day (bout day). I am so excited for April 2nd...but last night at our scrimmage practice I was flooded with fear after fear as 7:00 on April 2nd approaches with each minute that ticks off the clock.
I am afraid of falling on my face in front of 3000+ people when doing something simple like skating my introduction laps...I am afraid of letting my team down and being the "weakest link" and causing them to loose a game...I'm afraid of not being good enough...I'm afraid of making major mistakes that land me in the penalty box and a hole in my team's line up...I'm afraid of sitting on the bench more than playing and disappointing the people who came out to support me...I'm afraid of hurting myself majorly in my first bout ever and not being able to play roller derby again. I'm afraid of so many things...but now it's time to get over them.
Who cares if I fall down? I'm going to fall when I'm playing and hitting and getting pushed around...it's GOING to happen...accept it.
If I think I'm going to be the weakest link, then I am. All I can do, and all my team can ask me to do, is go out there and skate my best...take criticism and direction as it comes...and work with my team. I'm the only skater on this roster who has NEVER skated in a bout before. This is going to be a major learning experience for me. I have to get over worrying that I'm going to be the worst member on my team. They would not have asked me to play if they didn't think I was capable and ready to play. There are several girls on the team who aren't getting to play this game that have more experience...but how can I get experience unless my coaches let me play? I'm trying to change my mentality from "ranking" myself against my fellow skaters to absorbing all I can in the next week and at the bout to learn from their strengths.
News flash...everyone lands in the penalty box at one point or another. It's another thing that is GOING to happen. I obviously won't try to end up in the penalty box...I'm going to try to skate clean...but a penalty will happen during the game.
There is a real possibility I will be a bench warmer for this game. I am after all, the ONLY skater who has NEVER skated in a bout before. But...bench warming isn't all bad. From there I can cheer on my teammates...I can watch the jams and see how my team is working...what they are doing well and what they are struggling with and how I can help them when I do go in to play. I have to remember derby, like all other challenges in life, are taken one step at a time. Passing my minimum skills test was baby step one (though that was a BIG baby step)...getting placed on the team roster is baby step two...being on the team roster and having the opportunity to play is baby step three...having a lot of play time in a game is baby step four...getting to be a killer player other players talk about is baby step five...etc. There are so many micro steps in between each baby step...but everything is a series of baby steps. I'm just getting ready to take my next step on April 2. I can't get discouraged by taking baby steps. I'm not the most patient person in the world so this is going to be difficult. But...baby steps...baby steps.
I cannot skate like I am scared of getting hurt. Derby hurts and there is a high risk of injury. BUT...this is why I have been building muscle...learning how to skate and how to fall. These will help me prevent injuries. And...one plus side to being a bench warmer...less time in which to hurt myself =)
While I have so many fears...I have an equal amount of excitement for this coming bout. I feel like all my hard work and time and derby talk will be validated the moment I put on that uniform and gear up for that game. It's going to be so rewarding to skate with my team mates and help them in any way I can skate to a victory. My team is going to bring it on April 2...are you ready? I am!
I've been working my arse off since October of last year playing roller derby. It has been so much fun and such a challenge...I love every minute of it. I can't get enough of it. When I completed boot camp, I was going to take a night off of practice semi-regularly so I could spend some time with my husband...that hasn't happened. The only nights I've taken off are nights when I have something else to do. I'm addicted to this sport. I've been working so hard to reach the point where I get to play in a real bout in a real arena against a real team in front of real people. I found out yesterday April 2nd will be my b-day (bout day). I am so excited for April 2nd...but last night at our scrimmage practice I was flooded with fear after fear as 7:00 on April 2nd approaches with each minute that ticks off the clock.
I am afraid of falling on my face in front of 3000+ people when doing something simple like skating my introduction laps...I am afraid of letting my team down and being the "weakest link" and causing them to loose a game...I'm afraid of not being good enough...I'm afraid of making major mistakes that land me in the penalty box and a hole in my team's line up...I'm afraid of sitting on the bench more than playing and disappointing the people who came out to support me...I'm afraid of hurting myself majorly in my first bout ever and not being able to play roller derby again. I'm afraid of so many things...but now it's time to get over them.
Who cares if I fall down? I'm going to fall when I'm playing and hitting and getting pushed around...it's GOING to happen...accept it.
If I think I'm going to be the weakest link, then I am. All I can do, and all my team can ask me to do, is go out there and skate my best...take criticism and direction as it comes...and work with my team. I'm the only skater on this roster who has NEVER skated in a bout before. This is going to be a major learning experience for me. I have to get over worrying that I'm going to be the worst member on my team. They would not have asked me to play if they didn't think I was capable and ready to play. There are several girls on the team who aren't getting to play this game that have more experience...but how can I get experience unless my coaches let me play? I'm trying to change my mentality from "ranking" myself against my fellow skaters to absorbing all I can in the next week and at the bout to learn from their strengths.
News flash...everyone lands in the penalty box at one point or another. It's another thing that is GOING to happen. I obviously won't try to end up in the penalty box...I'm going to try to skate clean...but a penalty will happen during the game.
There is a real possibility I will be a bench warmer for this game. I am after all, the ONLY skater who has NEVER skated in a bout before. But...bench warming isn't all bad. From there I can cheer on my teammates...I can watch the jams and see how my team is working...what they are doing well and what they are struggling with and how I can help them when I do go in to play. I have to remember derby, like all other challenges in life, are taken one step at a time. Passing my minimum skills test was baby step one (though that was a BIG baby step)...getting placed on the team roster is baby step two...being on the team roster and having the opportunity to play is baby step three...having a lot of play time in a game is baby step four...getting to be a killer player other players talk about is baby step five...etc. There are so many micro steps in between each baby step...but everything is a series of baby steps. I'm just getting ready to take my next step on April 2. I can't get discouraged by taking baby steps. I'm not the most patient person in the world so this is going to be difficult. But...baby steps...baby steps.
I cannot skate like I am scared of getting hurt. Derby hurts and there is a high risk of injury. BUT...this is why I have been building muscle...learning how to skate and how to fall. These will help me prevent injuries. And...one plus side to being a bench warmer...less time in which to hurt myself =)
While I have so many fears...I have an equal amount of excitement for this coming bout. I feel like all my hard work and time and derby talk will be validated the moment I put on that uniform and gear up for that game. It's going to be so rewarding to skate with my team mates and help them in any way I can skate to a victory. My team is going to bring it on April 2...are you ready? I am!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
6 weeks to go
It's six weeks to race day. It's becoming a little more real. I'm excited for the race to be over. I've really liked running, and I'm thinking I might keep up with the running once I've completed the half marathon...just not to the same extent as I've been running now. I'll probably only run once or twice a week on top of derby...that will be enough for me.
With six weeks left to go I feel like I'm in a pretty good position. My runs start getting longer this week....7 miles which I believe will be difficult, but not impossible. It was nice to be able to run 3 miles with "ease" today. I pushed myself a little bit, so it wasn't all easy, but I was able to do it and didn't feel like quitting at any point during the run. That felt really good. I ran 4 miles outside this last week and that was difficult. I'm glad the weather is starting to warm up so I can run more outside. I need to be doing that. I was surprised when I ran the 4 miles outside how much more difficult it is to run outside. I don't have the treadmill to help me set my pace and the incline is not steady. But...I've still got 6 weeks to get my body used to running outside.
Thankfully my knees have been cooperating with me. They hurt every now and then, but a little bit of ice and rest and they really do feel better. I'm so grateful for that. I was very nervous about what my knees would be doing about now...but they are hanging in there.
My goal for the next week is to get comfortable running and setting my own pace outside. And getting some songs together for a play list to listen to during my race. Any suggestions you have would be awesome. I haven't looked through my library too much yet...but that is certainly on my to do list between now and May 1.
With six weeks left to go I feel like I'm in a pretty good position. My runs start getting longer this week....7 miles which I believe will be difficult, but not impossible. It was nice to be able to run 3 miles with "ease" today. I pushed myself a little bit, so it wasn't all easy, but I was able to do it and didn't feel like quitting at any point during the run. That felt really good. I ran 4 miles outside this last week and that was difficult. I'm glad the weather is starting to warm up so I can run more outside. I need to be doing that. I was surprised when I ran the 4 miles outside how much more difficult it is to run outside. I don't have the treadmill to help me set my pace and the incline is not steady. But...I've still got 6 weeks to get my body used to running outside.
Thankfully my knees have been cooperating with me. They hurt every now and then, but a little bit of ice and rest and they really do feel better. I'm so grateful for that. I was very nervous about what my knees would be doing about now...but they are hanging in there.
My goal for the next week is to get comfortable running and setting my own pace outside. And getting some songs together for a play list to listen to during my race. Any suggestions you have would be awesome. I haven't looked through my library too much yet...but that is certainly on my to do list between now and May 1.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Waiting for the sunshine
I learned something about running this last week...it gets very boring when you have to run inside. Running for 5 miles on a treadmill or on an indoor track gets really old really fast. Thankfully, when you run with company it's not as bad. At least then you have someone to talk to. Forecast for this weekend is looking pretty good for running outside though...woohoo!
I struggled this last week with one day's run. It was very discouraging to me to have to quit before I finished my distance, but my body couldn't take it any more. I was doing my hard run of the week. I discovered if I walk for a quarter mile, jog a quarter mile, then run hard for a quarter mile, I'm pushing myself really hard without killing myself. I did that two weeks ago and got through 3.75 miles no problem. Last week I tried the same thing and couldn't finish. I don't know what it was, but my body just felt off and I couldn't do more than 2.8something miles. Part of it might have been that I was running at least an hour later in the day than I was used to..without eating anything extra. I was also running on a different treadmill and I'm pretty sure I hadn't been drinking as much water that week. But...whatever the reason, my body would not let me finish. Frustrating for sure.
Thankfully my friend and I had already made plans to run the next day. I got up and ran 5 miles with her. That felt so good for me to know that I can do it. Having an off day was a little discouraging, but I had to get up and try again the next day because I had made a commitment with my friend. She keeps telling me that I'm encouraging her in the running, but I don't think she realizes how much of an encouragement she is to me. As I've alluded to in previous posts...I struggle with self-discipline. It's very easy for me to become a quitter just because I don't want to work that hard. She (and the other women in my group) are encouraging me to not be a quitter. They are giving me a reason to keep running. The best part about it is I'm starting to like running and seeing HUGE benefits from it (namely in roller derby...my endurance is awesome because of all this extra endurance training!).
So...thank you ladies...thank you Micki for not letting me get lazy. Let's hope Saturday is 40s and sunny like they forecast so we can conquer our 6 miles outside.
I struggled this last week with one day's run. It was very discouraging to me to have to quit before I finished my distance, but my body couldn't take it any more. I was doing my hard run of the week. I discovered if I walk for a quarter mile, jog a quarter mile, then run hard for a quarter mile, I'm pushing myself really hard without killing myself. I did that two weeks ago and got through 3.75 miles no problem. Last week I tried the same thing and couldn't finish. I don't know what it was, but my body just felt off and I couldn't do more than 2.8something miles. Part of it might have been that I was running at least an hour later in the day than I was used to..without eating anything extra. I was also running on a different treadmill and I'm pretty sure I hadn't been drinking as much water that week. But...whatever the reason, my body would not let me finish. Frustrating for sure.
Thankfully my friend and I had already made plans to run the next day. I got up and ran 5 miles with her. That felt so good for me to know that I can do it. Having an off day was a little discouraging, but I had to get up and try again the next day because I had made a commitment with my friend. She keeps telling me that I'm encouraging her in the running, but I don't think she realizes how much of an encouragement she is to me. As I've alluded to in previous posts...I struggle with self-discipline. It's very easy for me to become a quitter just because I don't want to work that hard. She (and the other women in my group) are encouraging me to not be a quitter. They are giving me a reason to keep running. The best part about it is I'm starting to like running and seeing HUGE benefits from it (namely in roller derby...my endurance is awesome because of all this extra endurance training!).
So...thank you ladies...thank you Micki for not letting me get lazy. Let's hope Saturday is 40s and sunny like they forecast so we can conquer our 6 miles outside.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Biggest Challenge Yet
I think the biggest challenge I'm going to face in training for and running this half marathon is my self discipline...or lack there of. I have always struggled with the ability to set a goal or a limit for myself, completely independent others, and stick to it. I don't know why, because I am an independent person completely capable of doing things on my own, but self discipline has always been difficult for me. Whether it's eating, keeping up on dishes or laundry, limiting the time I just sit around and do nothing, or whatever...I really struggle with setting a limit for myself and sticking with it.
Taking on this challenge is helping me develop some level of self discipline. I am proud to say I have stuck with the training program. I had one little hiccup when I got back to Nebraska...and then three hours later drove to Kansas City for a very full family weekend. Now to keep it going...partially to keep building my endurance and ability to run the entire 13.1 miles and partially to see if I can develop some more self discipline in other areas of my life. I want to be able to set limits for myself and stick to them. I want to be able to get up when my alarm goes off so I can do something for me (read, run, get to work early, whatever) instead of hitting snooze until I absolutely have to get up or else I'll be late for something I have to do. I want to be able to eat one Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Heart from Valentine's day and be satisfied instead of eating half the bag at one time. Maybe I'll get there, maybe I won't (especially with the Reese's). But I want to see if I can improve my habits a little bit between now and May 1.
On a different note...three different people came up to me this week and made some comment about me looking like I had lost weight. While I'm not doing this half marathon to loose weight, if I loose some in the process woohoo...and maybe having more complements about how I look will give me some motivation to stick with the training and derby...and maybe only eat one Reese's =)
Taking on this challenge is helping me develop some level of self discipline. I am proud to say I have stuck with the training program. I had one little hiccup when I got back to Nebraska...and then three hours later drove to Kansas City for a very full family weekend. Now to keep it going...partially to keep building my endurance and ability to run the entire 13.1 miles and partially to see if I can develop some more self discipline in other areas of my life. I want to be able to set limits for myself and stick to them. I want to be able to get up when my alarm goes off so I can do something for me (read, run, get to work early, whatever) instead of hitting snooze until I absolutely have to get up or else I'll be late for something I have to do. I want to be able to eat one Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Heart from Valentine's day and be satisfied instead of eating half the bag at one time. Maybe I'll get there, maybe I won't (especially with the Reese's). But I want to see if I can improve my habits a little bit between now and May 1.
On a different note...three different people came up to me this week and made some comment about me looking like I had lost weight. While I'm not doing this half marathon to loose weight, if I loose some in the process woohoo...and maybe having more complements about how I look will give me some motivation to stick with the training and derby...and maybe only eat one Reese's =)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
First Week of Running
On Monday I had to travel to Orlando for work. I'll be in Orlando until February 11th. That's right...three weeks in Orlando. It's been nice so far, but it's still a long time to be away from home. One of the benefits though is I have started my running training since I don't have as much to do and I have access to treadmills in the hotel to help me learn distances and the pace I am comfortable running. It's been a difficult week to stay motivated to run...and the first three mile run I had to do was not fun...but I think it will be good. I learned a couple of things about the training experience though in this first week.
1. I am so thankful for the program set up for me. The program that has been set up for the group of gals I'll be running with is:
Monday-cross training
Tuesday-longer easy run
Wednesday-shorter easy run
Thursday-strenth and core
Friday-hard run
Saturday-rest
Sunday-long run
If I didn't have this program set up, I don't think I would have any clue of how best to go about training. This is a great jumping off point since I am a new runner.
2. Keep thinking positive thoughts. I was running today (odd since it was supposed to be my rest day) while in a competitive scavenger hunt with a gal in my large training group who used to train people for marathons and half marathons. We were talking a little bit about running and she kept correcting some of my verbage. I said "I'm not a runner" when I was talking about having to run on treadmills to guage my distance and speed. She corrected me and said "you're a new runner". I also said I have bad knees...she said I have delicate knees. Her basic point was that I need to think positive and phrase things positively if I want to do this and be successful. Saying "I'm not a runner" doesn't make my brain think that I am a runner and capable of running this half marathon.
3. Hard runs don't necessarily mean fast. On my Friday hard run, I didn't do very well. I didn't push myself super hard 1. because I was tired and 2. because pushed myself too hard immediately after the warm up. Since I pushed too hard in the beginning part of the work out...getting through mile 3 was very difficult. I reviewed my training materials and it gave me a few ideas for how to have a hard run without just running faster (e.g. inclines, run-jog-run-jog intervals, etc). Now I'm looking forward to Friday's run to try something different and see how it pushes me.
4...I'm going to be my own worst enemy. Not just because I phrase things in more negative thoughts, but I also have a tendency to give up. When I reach a point where I think I did a good job, I'm ready to quit...even if I didn't run the full distance. For my first run this week, I was supposed to run 3 miles. I did it...but that last mile was a mental fight. I kept thinking that I didn't need to complete the three miles after 2 because 2 was pretty good. But I pushed through and saw that my mind can win that battle. In a couple of weeks I'll have to run four miles...then five...then six...then seven...etc. It might be a battle each time, but I think it will get easier and I will prevail...all the way to 13.1 miles.
This is already proving to be a challenge and a good experience...and the training has just started. The next couple of weeks will be good to get me into the habit of following the plan so when I get back to Omaha I am on the right track already.
1. I am so thankful for the program set up for me. The program that has been set up for the group of gals I'll be running with is:
Monday-cross training
Tuesday-longer easy run
Wednesday-shorter easy run
Thursday-strenth and core
Friday-hard run
Saturday-rest
Sunday-long run
If I didn't have this program set up, I don't think I would have any clue of how best to go about training. This is a great jumping off point since I am a new runner.
2. Keep thinking positive thoughts. I was running today (odd since it was supposed to be my rest day) while in a competitive scavenger hunt with a gal in my large training group who used to train people for marathons and half marathons. We were talking a little bit about running and she kept correcting some of my verbage. I said "I'm not a runner" when I was talking about having to run on treadmills to guage my distance and speed. She corrected me and said "you're a new runner". I also said I have bad knees...she said I have delicate knees. Her basic point was that I need to think positive and phrase things positively if I want to do this and be successful. Saying "I'm not a runner" doesn't make my brain think that I am a runner and capable of running this half marathon.
3. Hard runs don't necessarily mean fast. On my Friday hard run, I didn't do very well. I didn't push myself super hard 1. because I was tired and 2. because pushed myself too hard immediately after the warm up. Since I pushed too hard in the beginning part of the work out...getting through mile 3 was very difficult. I reviewed my training materials and it gave me a few ideas for how to have a hard run without just running faster (e.g. inclines, run-jog-run-jog intervals, etc). Now I'm looking forward to Friday's run to try something different and see how it pushes me.
4...I'm going to be my own worst enemy. Not just because I phrase things in more negative thoughts, but I also have a tendency to give up. When I reach a point where I think I did a good job, I'm ready to quit...even if I didn't run the full distance. For my first run this week, I was supposed to run 3 miles. I did it...but that last mile was a mental fight. I kept thinking that I didn't need to complete the three miles after 2 because 2 was pretty good. But I pushed through and saw that my mind can win that battle. In a couple of weeks I'll have to run four miles...then five...then six...then seven...etc. It might be a battle each time, but I think it will get easier and I will prevail...all the way to 13.1 miles.
This is already proving to be a challenge and a good experience...and the training has just started. The next couple of weeks will be good to get me into the habit of following the plan so when I get back to Omaha I am on the right track already.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Going for a lil' run...
...if by little I mean 13.1 miles. I've decided to run the Lincoln half marathon in May. This is going to be an incredible challenge for me, but I'm excited for it and terrified all at the same time. Especially since I HATE to run. So why am I signing myself up for this? Well...it goes a little something like this.
I'm a big believer in setting goals and working to achieve them. I've never been much of a person to consider my physical fitness let alone enjoy running. The only time I'm really physically active is when I'm involved in a sport or some other physical thing. I did cheer leading in high school and my first year of college, but that was really the extent of my physical activity. Now, I've picked up roller derby. While derby is incredible for getting me into shape, I'm not pushing myself outside of derby. I go to the practice 2-4 times a week (depending on the week) and leave it at that. I don't go to the gym...I don't do much working out at home...and I enjoy eating junk (I write this as I stare down the mug the moments ago contained vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce) I don't do much to get myself fit and maintain my fitness if I don't have a goal to work towards or a commitment to fulfill. While derby is in my life now, I know it won't be forever. Face it...if I mess up my knees or something, I'll be out for a time or forever depending on the severity. Derby has helped me to experience how GREAT I feel when I'm active and working out. I have more energy and I feel better. I want that to continue even if I have to take a leave of absence from derby or if I have to "retire" at some point down the road.
Enter the half marathon. The idea of running a long race first was put into my mind by my cousin. She came up with the crazy idea that I be the runner in a team triathlon in June is Des Moines. If only she knew how I felt about running. But then I started thinking that 10K wouldn't be so bad. If there's something I can set my mind to and then work to achieve it...I will hopefully be able to build some self discipline and make sure I have the knowledge to get and keep myself into a physically fit condition without relying on a sport or activity. Here's hoping.
So I've got the idea of a 10K in my mind, and then a friend from church says that there's a small group forming for women to train for the Lincoln half marathon. The church I go to is BIG on small groups. The whole purpose behind small groups is to get a group of people together, build relationships that turn into a community, and go through life together experiencing all we were meant to experience and living a life that is full of adventure and passion. I've really enjoyed the small groups I've been a part of. I've met some amazing people and really formed some great friendships that were begun in a small group setting. Anyway...this spring one of the women's small groups is intended to help women train for the Lincoln half marathon. So...I signed up. I'm going to go through this journey with 10-12 other women, and I am soooooooo glad I won't be doing this alone. I know there are going to be days when I don't want to get up and run. There are going to be nights when I just want to veg out...eat ice cream...play a game...do the dishes...do laundry...anything but run. That's not going to be an option in a few weeks. I'll have to run whether I feel like it or not. But I won't be going through this alone. I'll have other women around me who don't want to get up either...who would rather eat ice cream...who would rather do anything but run. I'm excited for how this is going to challenge me and how the other women in the group are going to help me out. I'm sure at times I'll want to quit...but I can't do that if I'm letting a team down. I'm committed now...I have to pull through. I can't wait to see how I feel about this all after the race in May.
I'll post more about the training and how I'm doing once we get started. Until then...I'm going to eat some more ice cream =)
I'm a big believer in setting goals and working to achieve them. I've never been much of a person to consider my physical fitness let alone enjoy running. The only time I'm really physically active is when I'm involved in a sport or some other physical thing. I did cheer leading in high school and my first year of college, but that was really the extent of my physical activity. Now, I've picked up roller derby. While derby is incredible for getting me into shape, I'm not pushing myself outside of derby. I go to the practice 2-4 times a week (depending on the week) and leave it at that. I don't go to the gym...I don't do much working out at home...and I enjoy eating junk (I write this as I stare down the mug the moments ago contained vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce) I don't do much to get myself fit and maintain my fitness if I don't have a goal to work towards or a commitment to fulfill. While derby is in my life now, I know it won't be forever. Face it...if I mess up my knees or something, I'll be out for a time or forever depending on the severity. Derby has helped me to experience how GREAT I feel when I'm active and working out. I have more energy and I feel better. I want that to continue even if I have to take a leave of absence from derby or if I have to "retire" at some point down the road.
Enter the half marathon. The idea of running a long race first was put into my mind by my cousin. She came up with the crazy idea that I be the runner in a team triathlon in June is Des Moines. If only she knew how I felt about running. But then I started thinking that 10K wouldn't be so bad. If there's something I can set my mind to and then work to achieve it...I will hopefully be able to build some self discipline and make sure I have the knowledge to get and keep myself into a physically fit condition without relying on a sport or activity. Here's hoping.
So I've got the idea of a 10K in my mind, and then a friend from church says that there's a small group forming for women to train for the Lincoln half marathon. The church I go to is BIG on small groups. The whole purpose behind small groups is to get a group of people together, build relationships that turn into a community, and go through life together experiencing all we were meant to experience and living a life that is full of adventure and passion. I've really enjoyed the small groups I've been a part of. I've met some amazing people and really formed some great friendships that were begun in a small group setting. Anyway...this spring one of the women's small groups is intended to help women train for the Lincoln half marathon. So...I signed up. I'm going to go through this journey with 10-12 other women, and I am soooooooo glad I won't be doing this alone. I know there are going to be days when I don't want to get up and run. There are going to be nights when I just want to veg out...eat ice cream...play a game...do the dishes...do laundry...anything but run. That's not going to be an option in a few weeks. I'll have to run whether I feel like it or not. But I won't be going through this alone. I'll have other women around me who don't want to get up either...who would rather eat ice cream...who would rather do anything but run. I'm excited for how this is going to challenge me and how the other women in the group are going to help me out. I'm sure at times I'll want to quit...but I can't do that if I'm letting a team down. I'm committed now...I have to pull through. I can't wait to see how I feel about this all after the race in May.
I'll post more about the training and how I'm doing once we get started. Until then...I'm going to eat some more ice cream =)
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