Hello. I am not quite sure how to start this (I wonder if this is how everyone starts?!) but here we go. Last year, on my 25th birthday, I decided that I was going to start doing a "birthday challenge" every year on or around my b-day. I figured it would be an easy, fun and surefire way to slowly chip away at my "Life List". Last year I decided to start taking piano lessons, as learning piano (or guitar) was on my list. I've been taking lessons since May of last year and have been really enjoying it. As far as measuring success though, I'm not quite sure how I'd define the experience. I've learned how to read music (well, very basic music, but still). I can play a several songs (well, snippets of them at least). I'm having fun doing it. I guess that is one of the most important things. And I LOVE my teacher, she is fantastic! I hope that it is something I will continue to do for the rest of my life but we will see. It's a bit early for that.
So that brings us to the present. On Saturday while I was on my treadmill, I started thinking about what my challenge could be this year. As I was walking along suddenly it hit me like a flying fish (this is a reference to my bf Kim getting whacked in the head at Pike's Market during our trip to Seattle a few years ago. If you haven't heard the story it's a good one. That entire trip is a great story. But I digress). I thought, "since I will be turning 26 in March, what is something significant (numerically, if nothing else) that I can do?!" And then it hit me: I can complete a marathon: 26.2 miles! Ta Daaaaa!
All of a sudden, I was more psyched than I have been in a long time. Sure, it's going to be pretty difficult (understatement of the year perhaps). But I think this will be really, really great for me. Of course, I've already been plagued with my moments of doubt - "But you can barely run 2 miles right now!" "But you hate running" "Is it possible to train and complete that in a year?! Maybe you're biting off too much". I am trying my best to acknowledge those thoughts and then argue against them. I think right now, the most important thing is that when I start training - this week, that I do it super slowly. I don't want to burn out. I have several runners in my family so I will definitely be taking advantage of that. As far as hating running...I don't think I've really found my groove. I decided that I hated running a year and a half ago while doing a 5k for the Susan G Komen foundation. In retrospect, I think if I had actually trained (and passed on all the free food and drinks vendors were giving out prior to the race), I might have enjoyed it.
I've long been of the opinion that our bodies are capable of truly incredible things in the fitness realm, and have sooo much respect for people who push themselves and achieve things they had no idea were possible. I hope to be one of those people sometime in the next year. Wish me luck! :)
4 comments:
Yay!
Just remember: Even if you run one day a week consistently more than what you do now, you're working and improving. Like you said, don't overwhelm yourself by trying to run so much, but start off by trying to enjoy running, whatever the intensity, distance or frequency. After a while, it does get addicting - and get new headphones so you can use your MP3 player!
you are awesome!!! i have ALWAYS wanted to do a marathon myself...so i'm super duper pumped for you. i have also ALWAYS wanted to do a blog like this, you are soooo cool. i don't know if i can sound as clever as you, but i guess the point is to just get it out right...have i ever told you how awesome you are?!? can't wait to see you in about a month....ps i'm thinking of moving back! i'm about to have a nervous breakdown...but i'll save that for my own blogspot, and/or our gno. love you. big hug!
sorry that last comment was totally about me, now that i read it...jeez. anyway, you can totally do this! i am not the best runner, but i really get into it, as i set goals and reach them. start out slow, and work your way up...you will be amazed at the rush you get, knowing you are accomplishing your goals...you should be very proud of yourself, thus far. make sure you get the right shoes too...i recommend mazunos (sp). they are awesome, you need something light weight, but supportive, like me....lol (not)
I'm really proud to see you reaching for your goals and expanding and sharing your knowledge (ie. a blog?) I never would've guessed, but I guess there is a lot of personal growth you miss in 8 years. I will be wanting updates and will be requesting weekly progress reports :) :) :)Love ya, Jes
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