Friday, May 30, 2008

Marathon Training! Week 1

Ok, so this is the third time I’m writing this post about the first week of my official marathon training. The first post was overly positive (Training is great! I’m following my dreams!), while the second was overly negative (I’m out of shape after Hawaii! It’s crazy hot here!). The reality probably lies somewhere in between. It’s true that I’m excited to be actually taking the steps – literally – towards a challenging goal. It’s also true that it’s just plain hard, and I’m having to let go of my previous, unrealistic expectations. [And, it’s just as true that it’s insanely hot here, which will require me to make friends with even earlier morning runs and treadmills in air-conditioned gyms.] I’m really trying to take everything for what it is. One bad run doesn’t mean I’m going to fail, just like one good run doesn’t mean I’ll automatically succeed. It sounds cliché, but there’s so much wisdom in saying to take it one step at a time. So here I start with a few small, but significant steps. And I’ll rejoice not because I’m breezing through the steps, but because I somehow found the courage to take the steps at all.

6 comments:

Kristen M. said...

I don't always feel like running but once I'm running it feels great and I remember why I'm doing it. I wasn't doing so well but I've been back outside running this week. I'm nowhere near a marathon goal but thanks for the inspiration.

Nicole said...

Whoo hoo for you!

Which one are you running?

I'm thinking of starting to train for one myself...it's one of the greatest experiences you'll ever have! Savor every minute (even the painful ones:)

Britni said...

I love the last line in this post... it really is the courage to start at all that matters. Congrats on starting :)

Anonymous said...

I have to keep telling myself this as well--one day at a time, one run at a time...

Anonymous said...

I can totally relate to your "I don't want to run in the heat" feelings. I'm thinking I might have to move to running in the mornings, too (and/or move to the treadmill at the gym, but I just find that environment so boring as opposed to being outside!).

Angela said...

I too hate to run in the summer heat, and have tried the 4 am run, but I am not as young as I used to be! After the schedule is in place though, I find it gets easier... much luck with your training and marathon!