I think it’s pretty safe to say I’m not a runner. For the most part, I don’t enjoy it save a few rare runs where I feel awesome before, during, and after. It takes everything in me to lace up my shoes and hit the road. And I fail terribly at beating the mind game.
So what I’m going to say next it going to sound a little crazy.
I’m signing up to run a half-marathon in November.
Did you get that, Interwebs? I. AM. SIGNING. UP. TO. RUN. A. HALF. MARATHON. IN. NOVEMBER.
Hello, who is this girl? I can barely run one mile and I want to shoot for 13 in just 5 short months? I have to be crazy.
Crazy as I am, I’m going to do this. I saw a commercial on TV advertising a half-marathon in my city on November 21st and an idea started forming in my head of signing up. Never in my life have I thought I would want to run a half-marathon. I don’t have the same love and passion for running as my mom does, or as the many runners I’ve come across do. I do it because it’s good exercise.
But I was drawn to this idea. I was drawn to being able to say I’m training for a half-marathon, run it with a bunch of women, and say I’ve run a half-marathon. The goal isn’t to run for the entire 13.1 miles. The goal is to train successfully and do the best I can, even if it means frequent walking breaks.
There is a part of me that’s excited and a part of me that’s nervous. Running a half-marathon is no joke and I think I just want to prove to myself that I can do it. Who says I can’t run a half-marathon? Nobody but myself. I’m my own worst enemy, giving myself limits and telling myself I can’t do it. The less vocal but more confident side of me wants to banish that voice forever. If I can do this, I can do anything. I just have to prove it to myself first.
I’m using Hal Higdon’s plans for training for your first 5K and training for your first half-marathon. The 5K plan is 8 weeks long and the half plan is 12 weeks long. My half-marathon is 20 weeks away. Perfect, no? So I’ll be starting off with his 5K plan this week, with a few tweaks of adding my own exercise in on rest days.
I still think I’m absolutely crazy for doing this. But I also think I’m incredibly brave and I’m just going to hold on to that image of me crossing the finish line throughout the next 5 months to keep me motivated.
But I’m really going to need new running shoes now.
I am so so so so so so proud of you right now. Like seriously, I want to reach through the screen and hug you.. That is how inspired I am by your decision to run this half marathon. I will be here to support ya every step of the way. I am a runner so if you need anything (an-y-thing) you let me know! Ah… I am so giddy to read your progress. It is going to change you so much. Get ready to feel soooo accomplished love.
Best,
Hannah Katy
I think that is SO awesome!!! 😀 Like, really really great. 😀 You can do it!!!
Cheering you on!
~Laura
wow! I ran for about 1.5 minutes at the park the other day and said "Eff this, is it happy hour yet?"
So kudos to you! good luck!!
Stephany!!! I am SO inspired. I know it would change my life dramatically were I able to run outside (working out any time of day??? Not having to pay for a gym membership???) but every time I go out to do it, I barely graze a mile before I feel like I'm going to die. My mum's company actually runs in a huge 5k race every year and I always do that, and somehow make it through (I think pressure of embarrassment) under a half hour. So I must be ABLE to do it! And one of my good friends had never run a day in his life, just up and started one day, and now runs 15-18 per DAY. He lost like 50 pounds and gained so much muscle. Running is a good thing!!! =)
OOO! I got chills reading this. Girl, if I can do it then you TOTALLY can and you'll ROCK it!!! I've got a walk-run program that I followed if you want it. Can't wait to hear how the training goes!
OMFG. You can do it! And you're better than me – I don't run unless I'm being chased. Or if someone's waving cheesecake in front of me…
What an amazing achievement it will be when you can say, "I've run a half marathon!" I'd love to be able to say that one day! You're so inspiring, Stephany, and I'm so happy that you're doing this for yourself! Good luck in your training; you'll have to let us know how those programs work.
You know – signing up for a half marathon is how I started running.
My very first race EVER was not a 5K or a 10K like most people, it was a half marathon. I signed up for it in May of 2009 and started training in January of 2009 and THAT was how I fell in love with running.
It's not going to be easy, but stick with your training and you will do wonderful! I'm so excited for you!!! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Oh, and get good shoes!!!!
HOLY MOLY. i agree. this is CRAZY 🙂 positively crazy. i am in awe.
Go, Stephany! That is beyond awesome! I was going to run one this December, but there is way too much crazy going on in my life for me to do it, so I will live vicariously through you!
I'm with Hannah – SO SO proud of you!!! YAY!! I love that you are doing this, just remember to take care of yourself while you train though k, and don't overdo it, or I'll be worrying myself silly 🙂 Good luck!!
Steph that's SO awesome! Which Half are you running? I'm not a huge fan of Hal Higdon, but I started training with the Fitness Magazine Half-Marathon…just google that exact phrase. I tweaked it a little bit, and it definitely worked for me =)
Good luck training!!! You'll have to post all your runs on DailyMile!
Get it, girl! Awesome.
That is SO awesome! It takes a ton of guts to commit to something this challenging, but I totally believe you can do it. Good luck with your training!!
OMG!!!!
I'm rooting for you 🙂
You go girl! I ran a half marathon five years ago and, really, if I can do it than anyone can do it. Hope you enjoy training at least a little bit. The race will totally be worth it.
Oh my gosh – how exciting! I think this is a great goal. I love Hal Higdon. his training plans have always worked well for me!
I highly recommend going to an actual running store to get running shoes. They will watch how you walk and will then recommend a shoe based on that. It really does make a big difference!
And PS – thanks for stopping by & commenting on my blog. I have been meaning to stop by yours for so long! you've been added to my reader!
That is so crazy and SO wonderful!! You'll rock it, I can't wait to hear about your training 🙂
Good luck!! That's going to be an amazing experience 🙂
I'm so excited for you! You have really inspired me with your dedication! You are an amazing and beautiful girl. 🙂
Best of luck and prayers for you! 🙂
good for you!! What a great goal to shoot towards, and you'll be so proud of yourself once you do it 🙂
Oh my gosh – how exciting! I think this is a great goal. I love Hal Higdon. his training plans have always worked well for me!
I highly recommend going to an actual running store to get running shoes. They will watch how you walk and will then recommend a shoe based on that. It really does make a big difference!
And PS – thanks for stopping by & commenting on my blog. I have been meaning to stop by yours for so long! you've been added to my reader!
That is SO awesome! It takes a ton of guts to commit to something this challenging, but I totally believe you can do it. Good luck with your training!!
Go, Stephany! That is beyond awesome! I was going to run one this December, but there is way too much crazy going on in my life for me to do it, so I will live vicariously through you!
Stephany!!! I am SO inspired. I know it would change my life dramatically were I able to run outside (working out any time of day??? Not having to pay for a gym membership???) but every time I go out to do it, I barely graze a mile before I feel like I'm going to die. My mum's company actually runs in a huge 5k race every year and I always do that, and somehow make it through (I think pressure of embarrassment) under a half hour. So I must be ABLE to do it! And one of my good friends had never run a day in his life, just up and started one day, and now runs 15-18 per DAY. He lost like 50 pounds and gained so much muscle. Running is a good thing!!! =)
wow! I ran for about 1.5 minutes at the park the other day and said "Eff this, is it happy hour yet?"
So kudos to you! good luck!!