Sunday Runday – One year later

I started running on July 5, 2013. It was a fairly insane whim born out of stir craziness after a few months of relative inactivity surrounding my surgery in June. But out of that insane whim was born a hobby/mini-obsession that has changed the way I define the word “challenge.” I’m not sure I’ve ever asked as much from myself as when I committed to training for a half marathon. I am not a natural runner – my body protests just about every time I run – but over the last year I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of. Last night I ran 9.5 miles. Can you believe it? That’s crazy! Never in a million years did I imagine that I’d be able to do that. And I actually felt pretty good when I was done! A little tired and slightly sore, but otherwise not too bad. I guess this training program I’ve been following is working so far. However, three weeks ago when I had to run 8 miles, with absolutely brutal results, I had a decidedly more negative opinion. That was the worst run I’ve ever had, by far. When I set out I was nervous because I’d never run more than about 6.5 miles before, but I thought I was pretty well prepared. I’d eaten a decent breakfast and lunch, and I’d had plenty of water during the day. Also, I took a handheld 10 oz water bottle with me since there weren’t any easily accessible water fountains on the route I had mapped out. Unfortunately it was still a miserable run. By mile three I was completely exhausted, but I was determined not to quit. So I dragged myself around Seal Beach until my Map My Run app told me I’d run 8 miles. That night I remember getting in bed and thinking, “I’m going to die.” I felt that horrible. Fortunately the next morning I was mostly recovered so I was able to meet some friends at Disneyland. Crisis averted, but I wasn’t exactly looking forward to running 7 miles the next weekend. Luckily, that run was much, much easier for some reason. Who knows exactly why (there are numerous possibilities), but I was very encouraged when I finished a 7-mile run feeling like I could keep going if I needed to. It made me think that I was making some serious progress towards half marathon distance. This was bolstered by how excited I was to hit 9.5 miles last night and still be on my feet. My feet and legs were definitely feeling the effects this morning, but relatively speaking, I was in good shape! I still have a long way to go before I’ll be ready to run 13.1 miles on 8/31, but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m starting to feel confident that I’ll actually be able to cross that finish line and not collapse right afterwards. One year ago I could barely run a half mile and look where I am now! It’s practically a miracle. Here’s hoping that the next year holds just as much progress, at least as far as running goes.