Running and Goals
When I started running after a long hiatus (chasing little people around), it was because I was asked to run with a group who were training for a half marathon. One guy came up with our training plan and we followed it to get ready. As we neared the race date, our group of 5 dwindled to two.
I figured since I had trained up to 9 miles of the 13.2 mile goal, I might as well keep training. Saturday group runs became just like my weekly runs, just me and the road. So I had to figure out how to pass the time in my head. Story writing is what I came up with. Then instead of thinking about how my ankle was sore or my hamstrings tight, I wrote in my head. It made runs really a treat instead of torture.
When race day came, I lined up with all the other racers, the only one of our group to succeed to that point. As part of my inner stories, I saw myself reaching the finish line in some amazing time and hardly feeling any discomfort. I started out in the middle of the group and ran faster than my normal pace. About mile 6 panic set in. My side hurt, my legs were tight, and we reached a gradual hill I could not tackle as fast as the people around me. I dropped back because I had trouble breathing and focusing.
So I determined I would just keep running forward. (Someone later defined that as the survival shuffle—runners use it to keep going when you hit a wall). About half a mile later I saw a younger runner alternately running and walking. I could keep running if he was walking! So I changed the song on my ipod to something upbeat. I picked up my speed. Then I saw a runner I knew walking and looking completely exhausted. I was actually feeling better than that guy. I saw other runners around me slowing down around mile 8 and 9 while others picked up their pace. I had trained so much I just dug deep and kept as steady a pace as I could.
When I saw the sign for mile 12 I knew I had this. I changed to “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor and ran the fastest pace I could handle. It finally clicked that if it hurt or I couldn’t breath, I could slow down a bit and if I felt good, I could run the fastest pace I thought I could handle. I had a great finish (for me). I was really happy too when I realized we got a pancake breakfast at the end.
What started out as a simple wish to get into running again turned into an amazing learn-about-myself experience. And now I have a running addiction as well! A simple goal has become a passion.
I have quite a few races under my belt now and plan on quite a few more. I also am writing out all those stories in my head so they don’t become lost in the clutter of my thoughts. Having even simple goals can produce amazing results if we stay determined and keep moving forward.