Welcome back, everyone! This summer I've been pretty busy traveling out of state, 50k training, and studying. Believe it or not, I've actually had a lot to say, but it got lost somewhere in between training, getting my ISSA sports nutrition certification, and traveling — honestly, I simply haven’t taken the time to write.
Time runs much faster than I do. Oh, my Gawd! Que the internal freak-out that happens before a big race. If you didn’t already know, I’m 3 weeks out from my 2nd 50k ultramarathon (and my husband’s 1st 50K). I completed my first 50k race back in March, Calico Racing's Labor of Love 50k, if you’d like you can read my recap by clicking here.
In the back of my mind, the desire to run a marathon had always been there, but I had only run a handful of half marathons. To run an ultramarathon was a pipe dream. Since I’m usually a mid-pack runner, I wasn’t sure if these distance goals were too lofty for me. Since I didn't know I could do what I didn't know I could do — um, yeah — I now set training goals. That way I know if I'm able to attempt a race or distance before race day... and yes the distance still finds a way to chew me up, but I like to see what I'm capable of.
Goals become a reality over time if we make the conscious decision to make them happen.
My 2019 race goals were aimed at faster times and I began placing in some local races. Lately, I'm more interested in distance than speed. Yes, I still love knowing I'm running at a good pace — for me — but I recover better when I don't push my pace as hard.
Of course, there are times when I doubt my abilities. Why just this past week I was running my favorite trail when I stopped to take a picture of a crow squawking at me from atop a sign. In my peripheral, I noticed 3 sleek runners catching up to me. They looked so elegant and fast! Que Pandora’s box full of body dysmorphia.
Either my insecurities or ego, I'm not sure which, kicked in. I attempted to pace them from a distance careful not to infringe on their run. I wanted to see if I could match their pace because I felt inadequate in comparison. You know that "comparison is the thief of joy" kind of stuff!
Then I remembered something important — we all have different running goals and we all have different experience levels. Maybe they’ve run since high school? Maybe they were training for their umpteenth-and-a-half marathon? Who knows! The point is I am where I am. I'm not running someone else's race, so why put myself under that kind of pressure.
When I think back on how scary running a marathon used to sound, I feel proud of myself for attempting one.
Running a marathon taught me so much. It taught me when to listen to myself and when not to, proper fuel timing, the importance of recovery work, and to use training days as dress rehearsals for race days. I don't mean training days should always be run at race pace, but the training prepares me for any issues that arise on race day.
I love running and all of its sweaty, sunscreen-drenched... primal glory!
Mental and physical health go hand-in-hand.
A more serious note! Mental health has been on my mind a lot lately, especially the mental health of athletes with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles at the forefront of the news. I am glad to hear she took the time to care for her well-being.
I feel there's a strength that goes along with acknowledging your feelings and caring for yourself. I joined the Sill I Run Facebook group, which is a group aimed at raising awareness for mental health, erasing the stigma, and encouraging people to take the time for physical activity.
As for me, at times I've struggled with some pretty severe depression but running helps me tremendously. I'm very goal-oriented, so creating realistic goals and listening to my body and mind are so important. This doesn't mean that I no longer struggle, it just means that I'm gaining important tools to help me on my journey.
Upcoming race goals.
As for my race goals. Well, I currently have a laundry list of running goals and dream races. What helps me stick to my goals is signing up for a race and committing myself to train. For now, my main goal is the upcoming 50k race.
The hubby and I also registered for the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World in January. For Goofy, you run the half-marathon one day and the full marathon the next for a total of 39.3 miles in 2 days. It's similar to the Dopey Challenge, but Dopey is 4 consecutive days and includes a 5k and 10k for a total of 48.6 miles.
I have all sorts of dream races too. For instance, I want to run the Marathon on The Rocks in Denmark, the Great Wall of China Marathon, and the Petra Desert Marathon. Oh yes, we will run these one day... I'm talking to you hubby!
Not to mention the Athens Marathon, that one may be closer to the top of my bucket list.
One down!
This summer, in an effort to make my 50k training more fun, I completed a virtual challenge, the Rhino Challenge. This challenge consists of 10 half marathons in 10 weeks. Each half marathon must be completed in under 3 hours to earn the shiny belt buckle! Score!
Also, upon completing our 50k race later this month, the hubby and I will have completed 4 Calico races within 12 months earning our Calico Slam awards. Goal! Now just wish us luck!
That said, I hope you set those goals. Keep working on your physical health and mental health and train, train, train!
What are your race goals?
Do you set a yearly race schedule?
How does running help your mental well-being?
Thanks for reading and have a great week training.
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