I guess you can call me a runner. I run therefore I am, right?
I have always tried to stay healthy and in shape, but instead of doing a little here and a little there I now am setting goals and pushing my body despite how it may whine and cry.
On March 20 I will be embarking on my first 5K race adventure with the 38th Annual Al Kayner's St Patrick's Day Race in Bay City. 5K... not a big deal. But I don't just want to finish but finish well (there is most definitely a difference).
I ran 3.5 miles today and an internal struggle between my mind and body weighed heavy. I'm a poor self motivator. I like to think of myself as a social runner. I push myself more when running with friends. It's more of a distraction maybe... or less boring. Who knows.
But anyways let me replay the situation for you:
Body (particularly the calves) — I feel tired. I feel tight. Please slow down... or stop all together.
Mind — Focus on the goal. Keep running. To improve I must push myself.
Body — C'mon. A little rest wouldn't be bad. I could always run more tomorrow...
Mind — NO. Bad idea. Run. Run. Run.
Body — Fine. *sigh*
To those of you who think you can't get in shape, you can't run, you are letting your body complain and win.
Often my body does win. I come up with excuses or take it easy for a night, but I want to change my habits, improve my health and feel invincible as I continue to cross more finish lines and surpass more goals.
I'm not saying I will turn into a addicted runner who would go crazy without it and I will probably never run a marathon. But I won't deny the benefits of a good run: stress relief, fresh air, feeling of accomplishment and an in shape body.
So as I prepare for the race next month with my friend Alex and Lindsay (check out her blog as she's preparing for the Chicago Marathon, runs with asthma and deals with injuries) I will push myself to listen to my mind and not my body.
With that said I need advice. Calling all runners: Leave me some tips on how to prepare for a 5K, 8K and eventually a 10 mile race. The Crim is my ultimate goal.
Happy Running :)
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Great post! You are awesome and well on your way to meeting your goals. The more you run and more you make healthy choices, the more you'll want to. It becomes a habit you just cant go without. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I've said before, make it a habit of running, say, 4 days a week. If you make yourself get out there even if you don't want to, it'll be a mental boost when you do. I often find I feel better than I thought I would when I get out on those days.
Runner's World, Competitor.com and Running Times all have great information and training plans.