It has been over a year since I hit the ground running- literally. Like any other runner, I’ve had to go through some growing pains (which I’ve happily shared as my Cardinal Rules).I suspect after a year, I’d be better at this…
Nope. Still learning. Remember those pants that you had to hold up for 9 miles didn’t fit at the last race? Guess what, Vanessa… They still don’t.
Bring cash, a credit card, and an ID- you never know when you’re going to need them. I’ll typically put my car keys in my pants built-in pocket (which might be why they fall down). But, don’t worry, you learn how to pack more efficiently with each race.
The biggest obstacle, however, has been running in and of itself. These last few months have been a struggle. Which is why I’m shocked I clocked in at 50:05 today:
Tips for getting started…. again:
1. Give yourself a break. Please!
Okay, so you are not in your best shape. You’re not going to get a PR every time. Things happen. The important factor is you try to get back into a routine. Keyword: You try.
2. Interval Training/Cross Training meets Stamina.
You want me to run 7 miles… comfortably? Bye-bye stamina!
Even though those days seem long gone, it’s just a matter of building your endurance back up. By cross-training, you can do that while avoiding injury from over-training. Interval training, on the other hand, will help boost your aerobic capacity.
3. Sign up!
Out of shape? Sounds like you need to get yourself on a schedule.
Sign up for something that excites you, be it a color run or a muddy obstacle course. Chances are, if you invest in it financially and emotionally, you’ll get yourself into shape for it.
4. Track your mileage.
Not only will this help keep you on a schedule and reinforce the habit, but it challenges you to continue doing so.
5. Find a cause.
Running can be such an inspirational tool. Thirteen-year-old Winter Vinecki, for example, plans on running a marathon on every continent to help raise awareness for prostate cancer in her late father’s name. No matter what your cause is, every mile is that much more rewarding.
Question is: What inspires you to run?
Today I ran for those fighting cancer. Sure, I’m struggling to get back into my running shape… But, whenever I felt like walking today, I reminded myself that chemo isn’t easy. Cancer isn’t easy. When I started getting uncomfortably hot, I knew taking off that layer would remove the most important reminder of why I run. My bib. Which raised awareness and hopefully more money for those with cancer.
I’m not the fastest. I will never be the fastest. And that’s okay.
I run because it reminds me that we are only as great and as powerful as the limits we set upon ourselves. We can supersede our expectations with hard work, determination, but above all else, our mindset. To say, “I can’t” is merely succumbing to your own worst enemy. Yourself. Meanwhile, there are people out there who are battling far worse. Find a cause and fight a battle. Help show your support for those who are fighting every day. Stand up for something you believe in. One day, you won’t be able to.
Today is not that day.