Every so often I mention the St. Jude Marathon I am going to run on December 6. (notice I said "GOING TO RUN" - positive affirmations)For the past 6 months or so I've been running in an effort to build up mileage and strength so that I can complete the 26.2 mile race without injury. In this process I have gotten a trainer to help with the preparation for the race because I have never done this before. Yesterday - he finally sent out the specific training schedules for the race and I have to admit that I was a little shocked and then a little frightened by what I received.
For some of you, the mere idea of ever running 26.2 miles for FUN - is delusional. I too used to be of this mindset. I usually joke my kids drove me to this point, but the truth is I enjoy running (most days.) When I first started training (8 weeks after my daughter was born) Walking 2 miles was hard, running 4 miles seemed difficult and 26.2 that was beyond psychotic at the time. Eventually, 2 miles turned into 4 which has turned into 10 and sometimes 12 miles. Running 6 is an easy thing now.
What's the problem?
Well, when I was reviewing the training schedule I noticed the 20 & 24 mile runs on there over the next few months and honestly, those numbers seem, well...a little frightening. I've been saying these numbers for a while now - telling myself "sure, whats a few more miles than what you've already been doing." Truth is, seeing them in black and white is a whole new ball game. Regardless of what I thought before, they seem to be looming ahead in all their massive glory.
I'm sure, much of it is still in my head and once I face this dragon it will seem much smaller than I imagined...it's just the getting there that is the hard part.
Have you ever wanted to do something only to find when you are facing it head on, it's more frightening than you imagined?
4 comments:
26.2 miles, and nobody chasing me??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I would "probly" drop dead.
ok, seriously - I used to have to run for P.T., and would frequently do 10 miles... but 26? wow. But then, you are in much better shape than me, so it won't be a problem for ya. At least it's in cooler weather, which would make it much more possible, for me anyway...
Sounds like your trainer is a good one, and you have plenty of time to get there... Just like you probably couldn't see doing 12 miles back when it was hard to do 2, I expect you will progress similarly from 12 to 24, and then you are so very close, that last 2.2 won't even seem hard, right?
J/
Oh yes. I felt the same way about marathon training. It seemed so intimidating, but then as you add each little increment of mileage, it becomes actually do-able...
I'm also far more frightened about this most recent development in my life than I ever thought I would be. I worry about EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME!!
Kudos to you for signing up for the marathon! I've always wanted to do one, but those long runs scare me! The most I've ever done at one time is 10 miles.
Yea...once you face your challenge head-on, it seems much more difficult. But you can do it! Don't think of it as 26 though. If six miles has become easy for you and 10 miles is on your schedule...then just think +4. Then it'll seem like you need to focus on the 4 miles rather than the whole 10. Our minds are tricky bastards, but they're fooled by simple things. Try it!
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