The proof:
(My Garmin didn't start working until .8 into the run...equaling 11 miles total. I'm assuming the final time would have been about 1:56!)I had missed my last two long runs and was nervous that with my upcoming trip to Florida I would get sidetracked again. My half marathon is less than a month away and with temperatures in the 40s, I knew it was now or never. I started "prepping" last night by drinking a bunch of vitamin water and eating some whole wheat pasta with the last of my Grandma's sauce. I made a great playlist and read a couple of blog posts on how to enjoy long runs. The furthest I had run up until today was 8.5 miles and that was with a friend, so I was beyond nervous about this run.
Today I woke up and had 2 clementines and lots of water before heading to class. About an hour and a half before my run I ate a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, a banana, and drank a gatorade. I figured that would be the most filling and fueling food I could eat before a big run. I was so nervous all day that I felt myself becoming really nauseous and anxious at points. My mind was really tearing me down and I was filled with thoughts of "there's no way I can do this", and "I'm going to dissapoint everyone when I can't finish this race". These negative thoughts started after a pretty tough 6 mile run on Tuesday. I had just returned from a sedentary weekend at home and knew I had to get a run in ASAP. I couldn't believe it but I had to stop after both the first and second miles and walk due to a cramp in my side! I haven't gotten a cramp since the summer and could feel my nerves creeping. I was able to finish the last four miles without stopping but was still pretty upset with the run overall.
Today I ran the entire 11 miles without stopping except for the occasional traffic light! One thing I did realize was that those traffic light stops definitely helped. Even if I stopped for 5 seconds, it was enough time to just shake out my legs and keep going strong. I ended up finishing in a little under 2 hours which is great for me and right on target for where I want to be in my first marathon (average speed = 5.6 mph). My legs were super tight after the run but I'm sure that's to be expected. I also was starving once I got settled at home and was shoving pretzels in my mouth like crazy! I think on my next long run I'm going to experiment with gatorade/gu/some other energy fuel during the run to see if it helps/hurts.
Overall, I am SO proud of myself. I accomplished something I never imagined I could. I remember during soccer and track when I used to try to cheat my way out of running a complete mile! During this half marathon training I feel like I've been coasting a little. Keeping up with the workouts has been rough, but the workouts themselves haven't been that challenging. This was the first time I really had to push myself and push through the pain multiple times. I just kept repeating to myself that IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE EASY! If it was easy, everyone would do it. So this is my big step at taking pride in this accomplishment and not diminishing it based on a time. I am proud. Period! Now off to study and eat some fro-yo. Florida in two days!! wooooo!
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