Why I Run

I don't just run for myself and for my fitness. I don't just run to meet and exceed personal goals. I don't just run because I like it or because I want to.

I run because not only does it make me feel great about myself, but hopefully, it also inspires those around me to do something good for themselves.

Since I posted yesterday about adding the Raleigh City of Oaks 1/2 Marathon to my fall schedule, I have been reeling 'em in to run with me!

My good friend Alesha (who claims she will never do a full marathon but has conceeded to possibly trying for a 1/2) printed out her training schedule yesterday and is going to train for the Raleigh 1/2 with Meredith and me. Woo hoo!

Then I thought about my aunt, who sent me this after completing the marathon:

Great job finishing the race. We are all proud of you. I must admit I was inspired - but not enough to put my knees through that - maybe a shorter race next spring??????

So I sent her an email yesterday, slyly suggesting the Raleigh 1/2 (since she lives there) and this is what I got back:

Scared - but I would like to try. I will know very early in the training if my knees can handle. When you have a chance give me some ideas about how I start.

Then yesterday when I was gchatting with my 71- years young Nana (the one yelling at the cops here) she told me that this past weekend she "ran a little." When I asked her why she said, "maybe you inspired me." I could not have been more proud of her! I actually stopped what I was doing at work to hand write her a little note to pop in the mail to tell her so.

I've been kind of down on myself since the race for not making it to the finish line under 4:30 like I was hoping to. But it's moments like these that make me proud of myself for finishing the race period!

So I ran it in 5 freaking hours and walked too much in the final miles. So what? I accomplished something not too many people can accomplish, and if I can inspire my aunt (who is not a runner) to get out there in training to run 13.1 miles, if I can inspire a 71-year old woman who lives in the hilliest part of Virginia to get outside and run up and down her long and winding driveway, I more than accomplished my own goal.

Next goal? To get my mom in on the fun too! She's been going to the gym lately (she hasn't worked out in years, but still looks great) and told me that she would like to train for a 5k with me. Maybe I can convince her to train for the 1/2 instead? :)

A little inspiration can go a long way :)

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."
- Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

***
I ran a quick 4 miles last night in 37:13. I accidentally had my Garmin on bike mode so it didn't record my splits, but I know my last two miles were in the 8s. I felt pretty strong.

One thing that I didn't like about my marathon training (or did like at the time but now I sort of regret) was that I wasn't focused on time at all. I was okay with running as slow as possible just as long as I got the miles in. Well that worked for my first marathon, but this time I am attacking this monster with SPEED!

My run last night was tough for me, but I was constantly aware of my pace and I made sure that I sped it up each mile--which is something I never do. This is part of my new strategy...more speedwork, more hills, fasterfitterstronger!

I'm also going to be doing ab work MWF so I started the week off yesterday with one 60-sec plank, and then two more 60-sec side planks. I should have done more but I was rushing to start dinner!

Also, I am faxing in my TNT registration today for the Marine Corps Marathon! Hot and muggy Charleston summer training here I come!