Monday, October 15, 2007

On My Way to Regular Runner Girl

I did 60 minutes of running yesterday ~ 4.85 miles ~ 12:22 pace. I had wanted to go further because I am nervous about the HM. My feet are still hurting and my last long run was 10 miles two weeks ago - I haven't done much over 5 since then. And, none of them have been very good (I'm thinking I needed quite a bit of recovery). However, my hubby wisely talked me out of it, pointing out that the last long run on the full marathon schedule is about 8 so I shouldn't be out there trying to knock out 8 the week before the HM. I'm not sure what I would really do without his voice of reason. Well, I do know what I was like before him, and it wasn't pretty.

So anyway, I say I'm nervous and he gives me the speech that I needed to hear. This isn't his speech, but my sort of take home message: The point of all of this was that I am now a regular runner girl. Nothing sporadic, no taking weeks or months off. The races help to keep me motivated but they really are for fun. If they are going to stress me out and make me half sick, they probably aren't worth it. Let's face it, were not talking trying to BQ, or win, or even win my age, we're talking A VICTORY IS THAT I AM OUT THERE and ICING would be a FINISH. This is really true - I decided to make a list about this.
  • A few months ago my longest ever long run was 5.4 miles
  • I have run 346 miles since the onset of planned, regular running
  • I have run several 8's, 10's, and even 12 and 14 milers
  • It's been about 22 weeks if I count the pre-plan runs to get me ready - and only a couple of missed runs due to Headcold Hattie and my feet implosion
  • I have had major foot issues but continued to run and modified my goal of a full marathon without tears or foot stamping (well, that would just be too painful!)
  • I successfully completed my first 10 mile race and was not last
  • I put in the highest 6 week activity period I have ever logged on the company wellness site
I will either finish this HM or not, but these bullets will still be mine. I will still be well on my way from Nonrunner Girl to Regular Runner Girl.

Tomorrow, I get to meet up with some Lounger's for a victory lap around Grey's Lake in celebration of the opening of the Runner's Lounge. I'll make sure to have a full report. Heck, maybe I will even bring my camera :D

24 comments:

Wes said...

Yes! Bingham called it "The Courage to Start". What else is there? Keep working on those feet! Maybe some insoles or some ankle strengthening exercises will help. Regardless, there is no distance that makes you a greater runner than you already are :-)

Midwest said...

That's a fantastic list, Nancy. You have a lot to be proud of.

My Life said...

You've come such a fabulously long way Runner Girl! I love the attidute and hooray for husbands who can talk some sense into us! ;)

Single said...

AND that's a great 5 mile pace that you did yesterday. It's all gravy, Nancy--you should be very pleased with your accomplishments.

nwgdc said...

hey nancy! it's tough for me to provide a whole bunch of insight to your hip problem, but one big question is:
where exactly is the pain? email me and i'll get back to yo uwith more info!

Andria said...

I love this post. It's nice to have a voice of reason, but it's also great that you realize how far you've come. You're blog is so much fun to read.

Running Ragged said...

You are gonna do just fine...the pre-run jitters is part of becoming a regular runner girl. :)

ws said...

If the HM is this weekend then you are right on target with the distances...

your outlook on running is really amazing and refreshing for me to read. thank you.

have fun tomorrow.

Unknown said...

I love the list.

I think you are going to do great.

Only a fool would be out there running 7s and 8s the weekend before a HM...oh wait a minute...I resemble that remark. LOL

Amanda said...

You've come so far! And, your husband is totally right (you don't have to admit that to him, though).

Best of luck on the half. Trust your training.

P.O.M. said...

YOu are going to do great! Good luck and have fun Runner Girl!

J said...

It's okay to be nervous, but just make sure that you enjoy the race and have fun! (I mean, you know, enjoy the atmosphere. It's a little hard to actually ENJOY 13.1 miles, but I think you know what I am getting at!) I know you are going to keep running after the race, so you don't have to worry if it doesn't go perfectly, because there is always another race. My husband just ran Chicago where he REALLY wanted a BQ (and he is good enough to get it). But with all the circumstances there, he adjusted his goal, finished 15 minutes slower than his original plan, but he still left happy with what he did. He knows he can always go for the qualifier at another race. (Perhaps a colder one). I think that is how becoming a regular runner is. It becomes a journey, and not just a final goal. So, enjoy the journey! You are a great inspiration!

Marcy said...

Love it chica!!! You will do FABULOUS at the HM, I know it!! ;D ;D How could you not? You have a great attitude going in, what more do you need?

And you KNOW you have to bring the cam ;-)

zanne said...

i love being married to a voice of reason. how lucky are we?

thank you for your comment on today's post. damn these pre-race jitters ... they take a hold & its tough to shake them sometimes.

i too got a speech from my husband tonight - his regular "talking me off the ledge" - i loved reading your post today & seeing that you got a speech too. love this whole blog thing - we can see that everyone goes through the same things at one point or another.

i remember this transition you are making too - from "non" runner to "regular" runner. you are making HUGE strides & accomplishments ... you should be so proud of yourself.

Bill Carter said...

Wow, you are really getting good! When you lay it all out like that, it is amazing the progress you have made. I am happy to be a runner just like you... someone who has worked hard to improve and wants more. Keep up the great work.

RunToTheFinish said...

Oh the iowa run looks too cool, if we aren't on our honeymoon I may sign up. If nothing else just to meet the new Regular Runner Girl.

I think this HM will be all about digging deep and just going at your own pace. This one is about finishing what you've set out to do. Doesn't have to be lightning speed or even pretty, it all counts!

Tri+Umph said...

You're going to rock the HM!

When I trained for my first one my longest run was 10 miles, and I only trained for 12-14 weeks! This was after taking the majority of two years off, too.

You're ready, go get 'em!

The Laminator said...

Hey! Thanks for your kind words about my blog, and I agree with everyone here. I think you're going to rock your race. Love your list of possitive affirmations. Very inspiring.

J~Mom said...

WOOHOO!!! I love this post!! You have a great attitude!

Robert Barker said...

Great job on your progress. I always have two goals for every race: finish and to not be last. It looks like we are of similar minds on this subject. Keep going you motivate me.

Jamie said...

You are right on target for running the HM. Gotta love those closest to us that can show us some reason when we start worrying too much!

Nitmos said...

Have a terrific race! Keep your confidence up. Remember all the hours you've put into it. It didn't go to waste. It will be hard - expect that - but also expect to succeed! Good Luck.

Pokey said...

Nancy, that is a great list! I soooo needed to ready your post today...I too have been nervous about my HM in 26 days (but who's counting?).....all for no reason. Anything I do there will be my Personal Best, and it's good enough for me!

Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!

Vickie said...

Nancy, you can do this! You are doing fantastic! I don't think you realize you're potential. I've been at this a LONG time, and I see great things for you.