Training for a Half Marathon

February 26, 2020 In Uncategorized

Literally words I thought I’d never say, let alone actually follow through on 💯 And yet here we are, just two and a half weeks away from my first half marathon! It’s a major deal for me and if you’ve ever thought it wasn’t for you, read on to see why I did it, how it’s going, and that you can too! 🙌🏼✨

Jan 24, 2020

Alright, guys! Here it is… I’ve OFFICIALLY signed up for the Shamrock’n Half-Marathon! 🙌🏼☘️😳😬😫🎉 And to be honest, I was totally chicken to actually sign up and commit to it. It was a 2020 goal and took me three weeks to get the courage to hit submit (cue all the excuses and self-doubt). The farthest I’ve ever run is a 5k (3.1 miles) and that’s only because it was a fun run and filled with color explosions 🎉 Don’t ask the last time I did one because it’s been yeeeears.

So why am I doing it?

Because it’s something I NEVER thought I could do. Had no desire to do. This girl has routinely proclaimed to hate running for her entire life💯 I may have run track in college, but it was only 120’ before jumping into the sand pit. I basically died when I got thrown into a 4×400 (that’s one lap 😂) and had to run full speed. My lung capacity sucks and long distance makes me break out an inhaler. In spite of all that, I wanted to do something I thought I couldn’t.
Obviously, I wanted to challenge myself— both physically and mentally. This simultaneously pushes me out of my comfort zone and gets me back into shape, so that’s a win-win.
I’m changing my mindset about running. I’ve let myself believe that running wasn’t for me for decades and have enough excuses to back it up, but I’m working to reinforce the fact that I’m capable of this with every run I put in. I don’t HAVE to run, I GET to run. I say this to myself all the time now… I get to. And I’m so grateful for that. I don’t have to run a certain time— I just have to finish🏆

I’ve run more miles in the past three weeks than I have in any other three weeks of my life 💪🏼 I know there’s a lot of work to put in still, but I know I can do it. I’m headed out for a run with Jackson and Zulu in a bit to hit 10 miles this week! 🙌🏼🏃🏻‍♀️🐕

Challenge your limits✨

Feb 9, 2020

Let’s just say that running with a stroller in the wind isn’t ideal 😂 I planned on waiting for Rob to get home before going for my run, but I knew he was going to be a while and it was only supposed to get windier throughout the day. So I bundled up Jackson, loaded him up in the stroller and set out with Zulu alongside! 🐕

Well, the wind catching the stroller didn’t make it easy and there were multiple times I needed to walk when the wind got intense. But I went 6.55 miles— the farthest I’ve ever gone! 🎉— in less than ideal conditions. Because what if it was windy on race day? I’d still do it— I don’t get to pick the weather that day. And if I could do exactly half of a half marathon in the wind WITH a stroller and dog, then I could totally do it without them! 💪🏼 So proud of myself for challenging my mindset and pushing through 🙌🏼✨

Feb 15, 2020

8 . MILES . IN . THE . BOOKS! 🙌🏼 And yes, it was all at the same time 😂 All four of us ran a giant loop around the city this morning, but I learned my lesson from last time and made Rob push the stroller 😂💯 Zu and I did just fine together 💪🏼

Feb 19, 2020

I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but I actually ran 22.5 miles last week with Zulu 🙌🏼🎉🏃🏻‍♀️🐕 TWENTY-TWO AND A HALF!

That’s a really big deal for the girl that used to dread a mile. Yes, a mile. All by its lonesome 😂💯 And now we’re officially less than a month away from my first half marathon ☘️ 2020 goals coming atcha!✨

Even though it’s my goal, it’s not Zulu’s and he won’t be running it with me— and honestly, he’s probably really happy about that 😂🐕

Feb 26, 2020

I couldn’t even begin to tell you the last time I took an ice bath (maybe 10+ years?!), but I got in that freezing water after my run today! 🥶

I was reminded this weekend how important it is to rest and recharge in all aspects of life… daily, weekly, monthly… and how intentional it needs to be. Who else is totally guilty of burning the candle at both ends?! 🙋🏻‍♀️

So with the half marathon approaching and my body feeling sore, I blasted some music and sat in my tub full of ice water and did the thing I didn’t want to do but knew would help me 💯

Yes, it was freezing and yes, my skin turned bright red. Yes it sucked and forced me to focus on my breathing and sing the songs to make the time pass quicker. And yes, I felt a million times better afterwards and know that it’s only going to make me better 🙌🏼✨ If you needed a sign to recharge or take care of yourself, this is it! 💪🏼

It’s just a couple weekends out and although it’s a physical challenge, it’s a major mental challenge for me too and I’m so happy to be tackling it one run at a time! Let me know if you’ve ever run a half and if you have any suggestions! And feel free to ask me any questions too!

If you’re on a similar journey, just know that you can do hard things and good luck! You’ve got this! 👊🏼☘️