Go ahead. Call me crazy, but you can only call me half crazy. That’s because I just signed up for my first half marathon.
I’m excited, nervous, and only slightly freaking out.
Training is still in the early stages but has begun thanks to this quarantine. Since my race isn’t until October, I’m hopeful it will not get canceled due to the current pandemic. This also gives me plenty of time to begin training. I actually found a great 20-week training plan online that I used before to get in shape for previous races. I say previous races but I’ve never actually run 13.1 miles in a race before. The furthest I have run at this point is a 5 race across the Mackinac Bridge {it was so cool and cold} and 6-mile leg of the relay race for the Detroit marathon.
So what would possess me to run 13.1 miles? Honestly, I don’t know! I NEVER was a runner growing up. Granted, I was athletic and played sports but they were sport where did you something else in addition to running like basketball or softball. I didn’t just run track or cross country. The thought of it was maddening. In fact when I heard my friends in high school who were on the cross country team talking about running 3 miles for “warm-up” I cringed. I could never do that…or so I thought.
Fast forward to a decade after high school. I just had my first baby and was looking to get back in shape and get out of the house after a long Michigan winter. The problem was I wanted to spend as much time with my little man as I could since I was still working at the time. Enter running. It got me out of the house with the baby and the dog and it was FREE! No membership required.
For motivation, I used a race suggested by a good friend of mine, the fall color run across Mackinac Bridge. I had all summer to train for those 5 miles and boy did I need them. I can remember those first few weeks and struggling to get in just a mile or two. I kept pushing. Telling myself it would get easier and thank goodness it has but it took time. I feel those are words of wisdom I’m going to have to remember during my training now.
When the time came for the run across the Mackinac Bridge it was so cold and windy. I also was fighting a sinus cold which almost got the better of me on the bridge but I crossed the finish line and set a new goal: running across another famous Michigan Bridge: the Ambassador Bridge.
I figured I’d race the bridge “one day” not sure of when. However, I knew the best shot was racing the Detroit international half marathon. I knew there was no way was I in shape for a half marathon at that point. Heck, I almost threw up over the Mackinac Bridge thanks to that sinus cold.
So I did other races, local 5ks, and even another 5-mile race {the Crim}. Sometimes I would even be pushing a kid {or two} in the stroller. Eventually, I found a way to accomplished goal # 2. The solution was a relay team. Five people make up a team and together complete a full marathon. I signed up with my friend, who first convinced me to run the Mackinac Bridge, and ran the leg of the Detroit marathon across the Ambassador Bridge and into Canada last October.
Immediately after completing those 6 miles part of me said: “you can do this”! This is literally half of a half marathon. Train hard and you can accomplish another of your running goals. I still have a few more items on my “racing bucket list” including a race Disney event and a race on Mackinac Island.
So this year I’m going to do it! I’m home due to the quarantine and have the time to train. I also have my husband home, and he is helping to motivate me by training with me.
Regardless if you are contemplating your first half marathon, marathon, or even 5k my advice: push yourself out of your comfort zone and go for it.
For those looking to get into running, here are my 5 tips for new runners:
Set a goal
Having something to help motivate you is key. Maybe it’s a local 5k. Great! Half marathon? Good for you. For me it was running the Mackinac Bridge. No matter what you pick, having that goal will help hold you accountable.
Invest in good shoes
I had a few ankle injuries when I was a kid. When I started running I didn’t have the best of shoes and it would cause my ankle to ache. I talked with people I knew who did long-distance running and they suggested visiting a running a store. They were right. They can help assess your step and stride to find what will work best for you.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
No motivation to run? We have all been there. Only got in 2 miles instead of your planned 3? It’s ok. We tend to be our own worst critic. However, don’t be too hard on yourself when training.
Connect with the fellow runners
I can’t count the number of times I have asked fellow runners for questions about a race, training, or what have you. They are a great source of information and love to talk about the sport. I remember when I was in Detroit last year during marathon weekend. My mom came along to help watch the kids and she made the comment, all these runners are so nice. She’s right. It’s a great community to be a part of.
Have fun
That’s the whole point, right? There will be days tougher than others. There will be runs more difficult than others.
Just make sure you are having fun. If not, why run?
