I just got the following email from my good friend Ashby. I love what she said about having something to work for. I feel the same way. Signing up for a race is the perfect way to find the motivation for running.
"After looking at your blog a couple of times it really inspired me to strap on my running shoes and to just go for it. I've never been a runner, and I've never liked doing it. In fact I don't think I've ever been able to run for more than a mile straight without having to stop. It wasn't until we moved to Arizona that I realized I needed an escape from the day to day. After talking to a few friends who have run several races, I decided I needed to set a goal for myself - a 5K. And while that may not be a lofty goal for some, it is like an Everest for me. I looked at several sites for beginners that suggested leaving a rest day in between running days. So M, W, F I wake up early and hit the pavement while the kids and hubby still sleep. I feel like a completely different person, and I love it. The race isn't for 2 more months, but I think it'll give me enough time to train really well.
I have also heard often that without a race to train for it's easy to fall off the wagon. So, my next goal after the 5K in August is a Sprint Triathlon in November! Thanks for the encouragement! Hopefully I will have some great running news to share in the next few months!"
Nice work Ashby and good luck with the big race!
2 comments:
The same works for me... when I sign up for an event it definitely motivates me to train and work hard. Love the blog.
Just wanted to say that I completely agree with Ashby. When I decided that I wanted to try to be a "runner" I couldn't even run a mile. I needed a goal so I signed up for a half marathon and had 10 weeks to train. I had heard somewhere that if you train for 10 miles you can do the last 3 on race day and be fine. I started with 1 and added a mile each week. While my time was not great, it was absolutely awesome, the feeling of accomplishment was amazing- I cried when I crossed the finish line. That's why when I see people who are just starting out in running I get so excited for them, because you can do it, and you see improvement so quickly with running. The phrase I repeat to myself in the middle of a race when all I want to do is stop, a very simple, 'just keep running.' Now I'm doing what I never thought I'd do in a million years, waking up before the baby so that I can get my run in for the day, uninterrupted, just for me. Thanks for the inspirational stories.
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