January has not been kind, fitness-wise. The kids have been sick, I have been sick. I have felt sluggish and slow. My workouts have been supbar at best. I’ve been terrified to run outside in the cold or when there’s a trace of snow on the ground, for fear my inner klutz will lead me to trip on the ice. I tried CrossFit, which I didn’t really like, and it totally threw off my carefully orchestrated exercise plan.
I know my half marathon is not until May and I have plenty of time to train, but the first two-and-a-half weeks of January have shaken my self-confidence a bit. Doubt has started to creep in. One morning, I struggled through a 3 mile run on the treadmill at the gym, and that annoying, pessimistic voice in the back of my head kept saying, “If this is tough, how are you going to do 13.1?”
But then I had an awesome run on Sunday. A glorious run. And my confidence has been restored.
I didn’t really want to go. I had taken the kids to swim class that morning and had spent 30 minutes in the pool with Mimi. It wasn’t like I was actually swimming or anything, but being in the water, in the chlorine, always make me sleepy.
But I knew I had to rally because I couldn’t waste a sunny, 50-degree winter morning. So I bundled up, strapped on my various devices (new Garmin Forerunner? Check!) and said to myself, “Self, just run! Enough with the pity party.”
I hadn’t run outside in, well, I don’t remember how long it had been. So my goal was to do 4 miles.
And I cruised through 6.2 and could have easily gone 7 and beyond. I felt good when I was done. I wasn’t panting, I wasn’t nauseous, I wasn’t even that sweaty. I felt victorious and happy … and proud.
What changed? After running in the gym for so long, I think I truly enjoyed being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, flying past house after house, nodding to my fellow walkers and runners who were also out that morning.
But mostly? For once, I didn’t worry about pace. I kept an eye on my Garmin every so often, but instead of telling myself I had to run a certain pace (and beat myself up if I couldn’t maintain it), I said, “Screw it,” and settled in at a comfortable but not super-speedy pace.
And it was awesome.
I know from all the research I’ve done on half marathon training that this is what you want your long runs to be like. You don’t want to run at your 5K, or even your 10K, pace. Save that for your shorter mid-week runs. The goal with the long weekend runs is to build endurance, stamina. I had read about it and thought I knew what it meant, but had never actually experienced it. Until this weekend.
Here were my splits (and mile 3 is totally not accurate; I had to stop to fix my headphones and I forgot to pause the Garmin). Sure, these times are nothing to write home about; I can’t remember the last time I ran a mile in the 9-minute range (I’ve been hovering around 8 minutes). However, these splits represent a major victory for me … and renewed both my faith in myself and my goal to be a half-marathoner.
And they served as yet another reminder that the only person I have to prove anything to is myself.
The Crying Cook says
I needed this motivation! I’ve let the cold weather act as an excuse and it’s time to get back in gear!
Michele C. says
I needed to read this. I have only been running for about 18 months, and have a 10K under my belt (at a snail’s pace but I finished!), and need a push to get back into training this year. I have a 5K in March, and now I’m motivated! Your description of that great run, when you just feel good, was perfect. I miss that feeling, and I need to get back there!!
Jane - MomGenerations.com says
Isn’t it amazing how one fabulous run can adjust your mindset about, well, almost anything? Way to go! You’re going to rock those 13.1 miles in May!
Audrey - Mom Generations says
That’s awesome!! So important to get out there and do it. It seems so easy, but it’s not. Great that you did it and you’ve motivated me to do something today.
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
Good for you, the hardest thing is just going out there especially in the winter.
Shell says
Good for you! I always feel so empowered when I run in the winter- it takes guts and serious motivation to get out there! π
Joanna {Baby Gators Den} says
Your fitness posts really inspire me to get moving and start running! Good for you getting your run on π
candice says
Sunday’s weather was pretty amazing for January. I can see how you felt motivated to get out there. Good for you!
Jessica says
Thanks, ladies, for your support! It felt good to get back in the groove of things (although now we all seem to be sick AGAIN) π
Jennifer (Savor) says
Go Jessica!!! keep it up and stay motivated. I hope to hit spin class at 5:30 am tomorrow….call me on it. Gulp
Jessica says
Woo-hoo! I have class at 5am. We can do it!
Kameron @ My Wrinkle in Time says
I started running a year and a half ago. When i started i could barely run more than 4 miles at a time. This May I will run my third half! The training program that i did with my friend made all the difference. We increased our distance in our long runs by a mile each week and now 6 to 8 miles is my sweet spot. π Running outside in the winter is rough but treadmill is so boring so I feel your pain!
Leah DeCesare says
Congratulations! I’m not a runner – I like a quick 3 mile treadmill run to jump start me now and then – but I sometimes wish I wanted to run. I’ve cheered on friends and my brother in marathons and half marathons – and I love the idea of FINISHING! What a feeling of accomplishment!
Liz {Learning to Juggle} says
So funny – I just ran a wonderful 6 miles on Sunday as well!! I have no idea what my time was (I run without a watch) but I enjoyed every step – its so amazing how much easier it is to just go when outside. I struggle doing anything over 3 miles on the treadmill. I’ll be running my 3rd half marathon in March and then probably do another in May!! Which race will you be running in May?