Wednesday, September 26, 2012

I did it...and I'm not sorry

Athletes are goal oriented people.  There is always a competition, a record, a rivalry win to go after and train for.  Runners are the same way, though I never thought so before I started running.  I would see people running along the side of the road or through the parks and wonder "why are they running?"  There is no goal, there is no race, they are just running to run.  What are they running for?

Then I got into running and I realized that you will never get better unless you run and run and run and run some more.  Did I mention that you have to run?  Though there is also speed work, fartleks (I still giggle when I see that word, immature I know, hehehe) hill training, also people working on BQing or simply not bonking during a race.  Whatever it is that gets you out the door and encourages you to run, be it for weight loss, exercise or merely enjoyment, there is always a goal in mind.

Since running I've had goals set out for myself.  At first it was to run a 5K.  Check.  Then it was to run another 5K to show that the first one wasn't a fluke.  Check.  Then I wanted to venture into longer distances.  I wanted to run a couple of 8K's.  Check times two.  Then I wanted to run some 10K's to see if I could really run for a long distance. Check, and I'm signed up for another 10K in a couple of weeks.  But I've had this nagging voice in the back of my head saying...what's next?  What's your next goal?  Why are you bugging me? I haven't gotten through my other goals first!

Wouldn't you know, I've had one in mind for months.  It's something I've been stewing over very quietly over the past 8 months since I'd heard about it and I knew...well, I just knew I had to do it.  The question was when?  Notice I never said IF, I said when...that's kinda big for me when I tell you what it is!

So I talked to the hubby about it and he was and is fully supportive of my idea, that he basically told me to do it.  He said, "do this for yourself, you put everyone before you almost all the time, do this for you."  Have I mentioned how much I love this man?  So I let his words marinate for a few days, and I went back and forth and back and forth of wanting to do it and feeling guilty for even contemplating it.  I find it so hard to justify doing something big for just myself, it feels so selfish and I hate having that feeling.  Why can't I put myself first?  Why can't I dream to do something big and not feel guilty for actually doing it? 

Up until the very end I was feeling uneasy and second guessing myself.  This is something I've wanted to do for months and I'm now at the moment of truth and I'm considering not pushing the button?  Not willing to take the leap of faith that this could be a great experience?  One that I've dreamed of and thought about for months and now that it is within my grasp I am willing to let it slip through my fingers?

So I did it.

I clicked the button.

I exhaled.  I hadn't realized that I was holding my breath until that moment.

I sat there breathless for a moment.  Then I smiled, breathed in and let out a little giggle.

I had done it.  I had just set into motion a series of events that will change the face of my daily life for the next 5 months.

I signed up for my very first half marathon.

And not just any half marathon...


Yes, I took the plunge and I am registered...(gasp)...to run a half marathon...(gasp)...in Disney World in February.  I am going to finally be involved in a racing series that I've read nothing but raves about over the months I've been reading blogs and twitter feeds.  I will be running with thousands of other people that love these races and where it is being held.  I will finally have that medal around my neck that I have seen countless people post countless pictures of themselves wearing.  I will be doing something completely and wholly for myself and because I worked hard enough to make a dream of mine come true.

I guess their slogan is true, "Fairytales do come true one mile at a time". 

I've got a goal, now I just need a training plan.  And because apparently my Fairy Godmother carries a stopwatch, I have exactly 148 days until the race, let's get to work!

17 comments:

  1. Woo hoo!!! We'll sweat pink together and rock the half marathon :)

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    1. Heck yeah we will! I'm so excited for that WHOLE weekend, though I need to find roomies, going all by myself on this trip.

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  2. I'm so excited for you! I just ran my first half this past Sunday and it was the greatest day of my life!! You're going to do so well, and just fyi....they are addicting! :D

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    1. Congrats on finishing your 1st half. Isn't is awesome? I ran my frist about 3 weeks ago. I couldn't be prouder.

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    2. Thank you so much for the support! I'm really excited and nervous all at the same time.

      I've heard that these races are addicting, I'll have to watch out I guess! :)

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  3. OMG! I am seriously super duper excited for you. You will do it and do it well. I used this training plan if you want to check it out. Squee!!!

    http://anothermotherrunner.com/2012/06/11/corrected-and-free-finish-it-half-marathon-plan/

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    1. Thank you SO much Anne! You've given me so much inspiration that I feel like I can train and do this! I was actually going to ask you for your training guide, so thank you for sending it to me! I can't wait to look it over!

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  4. Very exciting news! I'm doing my first half in Richmond in November and know of this apprehension/excitement you speak of. Enjoy the training and remind yourself often that this is something you GET to do. And don't let anyone tell you YOUR goals aren't the "right" ones (yes, I've experienced this)
    GOOD LUCK!

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    1. Thank you Becca, I appreciate the advice. I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to be involved in this experience, that includes the training! :)
      Good luck on your half in November! I know you will rock it!

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  5. YAY! Great call, and good luck :-D. A training plan...the internet+advice+friends+anyone you see for injury/personal training and you should be able to tailor one for yourself. xxx

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    1. Thanks Kate for the support and advice! I'm excited and know that this will take a lot of commitment on my part to keep consistent with my training.

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  6. I did the Princess Half in Feburary as my first Half and it's a huge field and your corral placement is important. If you want tips about this race and what to expect, let me know. I used the Galloway training plan that's available on the Run Disney web site. My email is terria517@gmail.com.

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    1. Thank you Terri! I'll drop you a line about this! I'd love to know what you thought about the whole experience.

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  7. I'll be there too;) how exciting will it be to run this as your first;)

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    1. It's very exciting! I can't wait! Maybe we can meet-up during the race weekend!

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  8. Hey! I was just Tweeting you and I linked over here. Don't take me as a stalker. :P If you want a training buddy just LMK!!!! :) I'm always on the lookout for new online friends and training buddies!!! :)

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    1. Hahaha...no, I don't think you're a stalker. I'd love to have a training buddy, accountability is paramount to success. Especially for me! I'll send you an email later today. Thanks!

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