It’s hard to believe it’s already August.
More than halfway through the year. The end of summer break. The last full month of actual summer (and this lame heat!!!)
And 19 short weeks from my very first marathon.
Hard to believe.
But, it’s true. And training officially began today!!
Being this is my first marathon to train for, I wasn’t really sure how to go about training for it. There are a ton of different methods out there, but I wanted a straight forward, do-this-on-this-day, set plan all laid out for me.
Such a diva, I know.
Turns out, there is such a thing!! Fortunately I found Runner’s World’s Smart Coach, a tailored training program fit to your running needs/wants, previous times, what days you’d like to run..everything. Perfect.
So what did I do for my first day of training?
Wake up, get out of bed, and fall to the floor.
I couldn’t move. Couldn’t sit up, couldn’t get out of bed, couldn’t even roll over…I was that sore. Still am. Of course, it’s my own dang fault for piling a day of Body Pump and Zumba on top of already sore muscles. But I don’t regret it at all. I was shaking the entire time through Body Pump (taking a break from that one REALLY gets you!), did my white girl dance in Zumba, and had an absolute blast in both. I’d do it all over again if I had the choice!
But it doesn’t help the fact training began today. What did help was that it was only 3 miles. I could do that.
So I did.
I’d like to take a moment to point out the humidity in this photo.
But, I geared up anyway and left excited and ready to run!
Coming back…worn out.
Not gonna lie, I felt completely defeated during the run. And even broke out in tears at one point.
Why? Pure frustration. Because 3 miles should be easy. I shouldn’t have to stop over and over, feel like I’m about to pass out, or not be able to breathe. I shouldn’t feel the need to hitchhike the rest of my way home or curl up in a ball and wait it out.
So how the heck am I supposed to be able to run a marathon if I can’t even get throw 3 miles?!
That thought ran through my head at least 20 times during the run. Hence the crying at one point.
Until I sucked it up and realized it’s not my fault. My body’s strong, I know that. It’s everything else going against my body at that one point.
I know the humidity’s making it hard to breathe.
I know my sore muscles are working against me.
I know not all runs are easy, no matter how short.
I know my negative thoughts are holding me back from running strong.
I know there’s a nice cold shower and big bottle of water waiting for me back home. ((this one really pumped me up))
The second those positive thoughts began shooting through my head, the run felt effortless. Everything else that was once working against me ended up fueling my run.
And the goal of 3 miles at a 9:59 pace from the schedule turned into 3.36 miles at a 8:56 min/mile.
Boo-ya, run. Boo.Ya.
**Have you ever trained for a race?
**What do you tell yourself to get through tough workouts?
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
If it’s any consolation Mary, I don’t even have a training plan for our race. The heat makes me feel kind-of “blah” about running, hence I’ve been spinning in an air conditioned gym…lame, I know. I’m glad our race will be chilly (you might need to remind me I said this, though, because I will surely be complaining of how COLD it is come race day).
Stay motivated, chica!
I don’t blame you one bit for taking it to the gym for the time being. It’s so much more appealing than waking up at 3 AM to beat the humidity!! But yes, I’m definitely looking forward to running in 34* weather. ;) At least when compared to this!!
I trained for my first marathon with a friend. We took it slow on our long runs and chatted as they got further and further. I looked forward to the runs because I was excited to catch up! I’ll never forget our first run together though. It was a four miler, in the snow and she was definitely in better shape than I was. I had the exact same, “how the heck am I going to do this?” thoughts that you did. And I pushed through…that run, many others and then the marathon itself. It’s so worth it. Good luck girl! Looking forward to following your progress :)
Thank you for this! It’s encouraging to hear your story and really makes me want to get to that point of saying it’s worth it..because tough runs really don’t make it seem worth it while going through them! I bet it was fun training with a friend, too. It’d definitely help the time fly by!
i want to run a marathon too, but everytime i run outside and not on a treadmill i can hardly make it over half a mile. and even that’s pushing it. it’s definitely discouraging, but just remember your ultimate goal and how intense and amazing a thing to do! plus, it’s the summer! i can’t even make myself work out outside after maybe 10 AM. but you’re right that positive thoughts help! and also remember, it’s only gonna get cooler from here on out!
Thank you, Rachel!! You’re so right. The ultimate goal and the fact summer’s *almost* over is definitely something to look forward to. :P And as for the marathon..I say go for it if it’s something you want to do!
I’m currently training for my first full marathon as well. I’ve done halves in the past and I remember feeling defeated then on my long runs so going into the full training I was already having doubts. I try to take every workout as it comes and just do my best with it. If I feel like I’m not pushing myself hard enough or that I want to stop I just ask myself, “is this what you are going to do during the marathon? are you going to quit?” and it normally helps me to push through!
That’s really good advice to take each one as it comes and pushing yourself each one. If we’re already working out, we might as well not waste our time!
Good for you powering through! It is ridiculously humid – I thought I was going to die on my run this morning too. So. Much. Sweat. :)
Woot woot! Good luck with the training, kick it’s butt ;)
Awesome!!! You rocked it girl :) I can’t believe that ridiculous humidity, and I’m complaining about the humidity here. whoa do I need a reality check or what! I’ve never trained for a race but I plan on starting once my back gets better :-))
OoOOo hope your training goes well Mary~
haha! I thought you put a glow to your shoes photo till you mentioned it was humidity.
It looks like it! But nope, totally unretouched!
I’m so excited to read about your training! I’ve only ever run a half but didn’t have a training plan.
Looks like an intense plan! cant wait to hear more :)
I’ve never trained for a race, but I really admire people who do. And I think you’re awesome for being able to pull through despite feeling blah. There are definitely days where my feet drag, or my muscles just feel like they can’t lift another weight, but I always try to focus on how good and accomplished I feel when I get everything done, and that makes it easier. Good luck with the rest of your training, girl!
Yay for marathon training! Sorry to hear about your hard run :( I can’t even imagine running in that kind of humidity! If it makes you feel any better, there are times when I have to walk multiple times when I’m running 3 miles, but other times I can run 10+ miles with no problem.
Thanks, Kate! That does make me feel better. It’s really amazing how rough some days are compared to others. But it’s good to know there will definitely be much better!
Oh girl, that sounds rough. I’ll be honest, I’ve never made myself run in intense heat/humidity like this. I am definitely a treadmill kinda girl. Kudos to you for sticking to it and for bringing in positive thoughts! :)
That humidity…is intense.
The heat seriously puts a damper on outdoor runs for me these days! In fact, I prefer running on the treadmill because every time I run outside I have to stop a million times! I love that you still rocked your run despite everything! :)
No I haven’t trained for a race but I really want to! I have tried using smart coach but here’s the deal.. I have a hard time running even two miles. It’s embarrassing! I know I will get better… but I wish I knew a way to start out slow.
I tell myself that its all worth it in the end and that I am making my body healthier slowly but surely. (:
Don’t get discouraged! The best way I’ve found to add distance is to run/walk whatever distance you’re currently doing, then slowly add more running than walking within that same distance until you can run the entire thing..then do the same with adding more distance on top of that! Just take it day by day and the miles will come soon enough. :)
I think it’s great that you have a plan to keep you on track! Try to remember that every run is not going to be perfect. You will always be able to find excuses for a not-so-great run, but try to just forget about the excuses and do your best… there’s always tomorrow. :)
Congrats on signing up for your first Marathon! That is an awesome decision, Mary! Don’t sweat the sweaty and frustrating run today. Blame the weather, not yourself! Just think in 19 short weeks you’ll be running 26.2 miles. YOU CAN DO IT! :)
Ahhh it’s so exciting to think about!! Thanks Erika!
Yay for a marathon
I don’t think i will ever run that distance so i’m in awe of those who do!
Yay zumba, its one of my fav workouts :)
Those hat shots are cute!
Just remember that 3 miles will be run at a faster pace than 26 miles. The long runs should be at an easy pace- you are getting used to time on your feet. The short runs should be for speed, so may feel harder. And everyone has a bad run, next one will be better/
Running can be such a head game, no? Good for you for turning it around and ending up with a terrific first training run!
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