Wednesday, September 9, 2009

My new goal

I ran my required two miles last night in 23 minutes -- which means I ran a mile in about 11:30 each time.

I was discouraged Monday at my seeming lack of improvement after two weeks exercise, but yesterday, I realized something.

I never ran ONE mile until I started this half-marathon training. I've NEVER been a runner. I'm a walker at best. A Wii Active exerciser on most days. Running a half-marathon was my goal for six months' time.

And then I realized it last night. I'm not hear to break records or run multiple miles under 10 minutes. I'm here to finish.

Wow. It was like a revelation.

My personal goal is to finish (in a decent amount of time). I'm slowly improving, and, I have only been training for two and a half weeks. But running is my stress reliever, not something to add stress. I don't want to get all in a tizzy because I'm not shaving full minutes off my time.

So. I'm running for fun. Maybe next year I'll run for time, but, for now, my runs are for fun.

And my time last night? It was a minute better than last week. Not that I'm counting or anything...

15 comments:

Kayla said...

Haha, yes a dead body... Only because I've always told my husband that the Magnum (in black) looks like a hurst(SP)! You know, the thing that actually does carry dead bodies to the cemetery and all...

On another note, way to go with your running! I've been trying to get back into it, but I'm slacking big time. What are you planning to do when it gets cold? (I guess maybe you live somewhere where it doesn't get too cold to run! haha)

sara said...

way to go!!! we have too many things to stress us out in life to add another!!!

looking forward to hearing about the finish!!

Brooke said...

its totally about finishing!! and once you get a few races under your belt you can try for besting your personal times. but the number on the board when you finish should just serve as a challenge for the next race.

Kayla said...

Ugg... I wish it was warm enough here in the winter to run outside! Last winter it got down to 40 BELOW zero w/windchill! No fun, that's for sure! By the way, we live in Iowa! haha

Growin' With It said...

well chickadee...i'd say with a time like that you are well on your way of finishing with a great goal! you are right, the clock can consume you and you can miss out on all the "ride"....good for you learning that now! ☺

Beth@playinwiththepaulsens! said...

you go girl! great perspective!

Anonymous said...

You do DO it!!!! I'm SO proud of you!

Hey, IM me when you get free. I miss chatting with you. I leave at three today, though.

Michelle said...

yay! for you..that's wonderful. i've recently started walking in the mornings. i hate any form of exercise but figure i better get moving if i wanna be able to walk around when i'm older =p

misti said...

I think anyone who had only been running that long would be ECSTATIC about those numbers! Last year when I was running 5 miles a day my best time was 60 minutes, so you're already faster than me!

Rachelle said...

Way to go!

Sabrina said...

One thing I tell myself is...just run. Don't stop. Some runs are ugly. It's just true. Taking all that pressure off is bliss.

Anonymous said...

that's a great goal...simple and doable! when i did my triathlon, my goal was also to simply finish with my team and NOT come in last. i succeeded and it felt good!!!!! i'm sure you will do great. you seem to be starting early and doing well! keep it up!

Mari said...

That's a great revelation! And hooray for a minute shaved off!

Anonymous said...

I've been trying to get back on my treadmill, so your post inspired me. Your blog header is adorable!

septembermom said...

Running for fun sounds like the right way to go!!! Keep going.