Monday, March 19, 2007

Half

Two months ago, I thought it a brilliant idea to sign up for a half-marathon. I'd come off a particularly sluggish couple of weeks, athletically speaking, and my body was in a state of utter lassitude. Watching snowflakes pile on top of slush, on top of dirt, on top of freezing rain, on top of more slush, was not particularly motivating. But for my own health, the inertia had to end. A few clicks of the mouse and $50 later, I was registered for the Mississauga half-marathon on May 13th. It was deceptively easy.

I am definitely NOT a natural runner. I mean I can pull off 5 km with relative ease, but this...this, I will not survive without a bunch of training. Being in extreme pain and agony for 2+ hours, while desperately counting down kilometres and downing powergels is just not my idea of a good time. What else could pull me out of my torpor faster than the thought of having to run 22 or so kilometres without stopping?

Yeah, right.

Training for this thing has been a bitch. Between the crappy weather, my lack of sleep and a million other things I'm trying to accomplish and manifest, running has found itself at the very bottom of the laundry pile. And now the half is less than 2 months away. The slightest layer of panic is starting to creep into my consciousness.

I had to do something to kickstart this whole situation. A shopping trip was definitely in order! So on Saturday, I ended up at the Running Room, buying new shoes, a running jacket, water belt, new sports bra and power gels. After negotiating a 20% discount (actually, I just asked him for it, and he gave it to me - thank god!) - I was out the door and ready to hit the road with all my new gear. I was committed to running 10-12 km, or approximately 1 hour at my runnning speed.

Damn, it was windy and cold on Saturday. It took 2 hours to defrost after all that running, but I am happy and proud to say that I DID IT! and it wasn't even that hard. My motivation's back!!!!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain, Shellz! I have one coming up in August and I'm not particularly excited about training for it. It's such a sense of accomplishment when you complete it, though... So focus on that!

Unknown said...

When you complete that run that(half marathon)your gonna be so in the zone - you go girl.
Hey remember that time we were running like the wind on college and that little old europen lady yelled at us in her cute little accent "I wish I could run like you" how cute was that - small things - little inspirations :)

Haaaaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaaaa your funny...ah yes the day we all chilled at your place & you went to work - oh no sad onz for you welllll :)

DeeJay said...

Hey I envy your commitment. I am still managing 3 Spinning sessions and 2 weights workouts a week but I don't think I could motivate myself for a half marathon. Good Luck

btw Thanks for visiting
I took the pics last year at The White Sands island in The Maldives.
The one looking out to sea under the palm was taken while I was lying in the spa after my massage

Idyllic!!