I have never liked running. I often get incredulous looks when I tell people this because they equate general athleticism and an affinity for all team sports with running. But unless I am chasing down a ball, a frisbee, or an opponent, I don't want to be running. It's why I prefer to play center midfield in soccer (for all you who think midfield means more running, you clearly have never played center midfield the right way), why I prefer to play lineman or defensive back in football, why I like pickup volleyball more than basketball, and why I'm usually good for about 2 points in ultimate frisbee. You'd look at me and see a runner.
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I have the right shoes, the right tights, the right build... |
You'd be wrong. However, I have commenced training for my first half-marathon (let's be honest, it's my first race above 7k, and the first time I will have ever run more than 5 miles). I'm determined to set myself up for success. I bought new shoes, new socks, figured out some good running music, ordered some electrolyte powder for those post-run refueling sessions, and am prematurely plotting my carb loads. Today, I ran just over 4 miles. That's the longest I've run in 4 years, and I averaged just a hair under 9 minutes per mile. To some, that might not be a big accomplishment, but for me, it proves something that just might get me through training and the race: mid-distance running has to be at least 50% mental.
You see, the only timed race I've ever run was the Running of the Green lucky 7k four years ago. Laura and I trained, albeit modestly, in the 6 weeks leading up to the race. We averaged a respectable but unimpressive 10 minutes per mile. After two weeks of "training" involving a handful of 3 mile runs, I just beat that time. With a side cramp that lasted approximately the entire run. But I knew that if I couldn't push myself on 4 miles, I couldn't push myself on thirteen. So, I used willpower to finish the run. My legs were tired from skiing yesterday, the run finishes on about 3/4 mile of straight uphill, and did I mention the side cramp? But I finished. So, despite my continued hatred of running, I will press on, optimistic that if I can't physically be a runner, at least I can try to be one mentally.
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