So, I'm hitting a wall of sorts. I haven't run in about a week, but went out today for a 5 mile run. And I was hovering around an hour for 5 miles.
Yes, I am slow.
No, I don't know how to get faster.
I hear all of this stuff about tempo runs and strides and other ways to get faster. Except when I'm out there, I can't seem to go faster than I do.
Oh, and did I mention that I still take one minute walk breaks after 7 minutes of running (which is better than what I was doing at 6 minutes of running)?
And it's causing a struggle in me. When I was out today, I thought that maybe I should just give up running, since my pace is slow and maybe I should just change to walking.
But then there's that constant message you get from the running community that you shouldn't compare yourself to others or it doesn't matter how fast you go...except that races are timed and when your "running" pace is close to a walking pace, at what point are you not a runner?
In my head, I just want to finish my half marathon. But on the other side of my head, I'm embarrassed at my times and sort of think I have no business "running".
I don't know where this leaves me after the half. At this point, I just need to cross the finish line without getting picked up by the car that follows.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Foo Fighters got me through
I haven't been updating much, mostly because in the last couple of weeks, things have been super busy with work, school and training. I've been just keeping my head above water until the end of the semester (which is coming soon, but I have lots of things due until then). The good news is, the Lent thing has been successful so far, as I haven't had fries and I've been following the no meat on Friday rule (thank goodness I love fish/seafood).
However, today, I hit a milestone - my first 10 mile run. When I took up running almost a year ago, I never thought I would run anything more than a 5K, and here I am, training for a half marathon.
I did a 5 mile run on Wednesday, but it was on Thursday that I started freaking out a bit about doing 10 miles today. I had planned on doing nothing much on Friday night, because I wanted to go to bed early in order to get up at 6:30 on Saturday morning (and the fact that I've been wanting to sleep a LOT lately). Instead, I went to trivia that started at 9:30 and finally got to sleep after midnight.
My alarm went off at 6:40am and I finally rolled out of bed about 15 minutes later, which is a pretty good for me, as I tend to use snooze a lot. My goal had been to take in some food about an hour before my run, so I had an English muffin with some jam, and some Power Bar gel bites. I also took a GU out on the run with me.
Last week, I had run 8 miles, which included the normal 4 mile block, adding a neighborhood called the Pines (which adds about 2 miles) and once around the lake (2 miles). Today I had to go twice around the lake, which I felt a little concerned about, since it might end up seeming really long.
So, I got to the building for the group run and a couple of things happened that surprised me:
1) I was running/walking the longest distance of everyone there today (apparently, everyone else doing marathons weren't there), and
2) The running coach wasn't there today.
WHAT? I had to run 10 miles on my own? Minor panic ensues, as I realized that I was going to have to push myself along through the...entire...thing. In some ways, I was ok with it, because I tend to not like running with others because I feel like I slow them down. But, I knew it would help if someone were there to keep me going.
So, I set off, and was first out, but was soon passed by the 3 runners doing 6 miles today (they're at least a minute or two a mile fast than me). I felt pretty good, alternating between running 7 minutes and walking 1 minute. Once I got into the neighborhood, around 2.5 miles, I walked a little more than usual because of the hills. I also stopped for a quick drink of Gatorade at the first aid station.
When I got to the lake, I was feeling pretty good and at about 4 miles. There's a trail that's offroad that you have to go through in order to get to the other side of the lake, and it's had ice/snow on it the last couple of weeks, so I walked most of it. But as I got to the top of the hill, I had a cheering section. The two pugs that live at the house next to the trail were out in the yard, and followed me, barking as I ran by. Only one of them was around the second time I went by.
I also had to run past the high school track team, who was going the opposite way I was. But man, did they make me feel slow...twice. Other than that, I do like running around the lake, because it's fairly quiet. My music list was being weird too, as it kept playing the same songs even though I had it on shuffle...so there was a lot of Foo Fighters and Metallica, which worked out just fine!
After running the lake twice, I was just over 8 miles, and pretty much counting down in my head the remaining miles. I do this thing while I'm running where I break things down into small, doable parts, such as "get to that mailbox/light pole/sign/tree" and that helped a ton today.
At the end of the day, I was able to do 10 miles in 1:56:54. I was slightly faster this week than I was last week, which was surprising. At this rate, I should be able to do the half in less than 2:45, so that's what I'm shooting for at the end of April.
I'm getting closer to my running and my fundraising goal. For updates or to donate, check out http://pages.teamintraining.org/mi/nikewhlf13/angelaclock
However, today, I hit a milestone - my first 10 mile run. When I took up running almost a year ago, I never thought I would run anything more than a 5K, and here I am, training for a half marathon.
I did a 5 mile run on Wednesday, but it was on Thursday that I started freaking out a bit about doing 10 miles today. I had planned on doing nothing much on Friday night, because I wanted to go to bed early in order to get up at 6:30 on Saturday morning (and the fact that I've been wanting to sleep a LOT lately). Instead, I went to trivia that started at 9:30 and finally got to sleep after midnight.
My alarm went off at 6:40am and I finally rolled out of bed about 15 minutes later, which is a pretty good for me, as I tend to use snooze a lot. My goal had been to take in some food about an hour before my run, so I had an English muffin with some jam, and some Power Bar gel bites. I also took a GU out on the run with me.
Last week, I had run 8 miles, which included the normal 4 mile block, adding a neighborhood called the Pines (which adds about 2 miles) and once around the lake (2 miles). Today I had to go twice around the lake, which I felt a little concerned about, since it might end up seeming really long.
So, I got to the building for the group run and a couple of things happened that surprised me:
1) I was running/walking the longest distance of everyone there today (apparently, everyone else doing marathons weren't there), and
2) The running coach wasn't there today.
WHAT? I had to run 10 miles on my own? Minor panic ensues, as I realized that I was going to have to push myself along through the...entire...thing. In some ways, I was ok with it, because I tend to not like running with others because I feel like I slow them down. But, I knew it would help if someone were there to keep me going.
So, I set off, and was first out, but was soon passed by the 3 runners doing 6 miles today (they're at least a minute or two a mile fast than me). I felt pretty good, alternating between running 7 minutes and walking 1 minute. Once I got into the neighborhood, around 2.5 miles, I walked a little more than usual because of the hills. I also stopped for a quick drink of Gatorade at the first aid station.
When I got to the lake, I was feeling pretty good and at about 4 miles. There's a trail that's offroad that you have to go through in order to get to the other side of the lake, and it's had ice/snow on it the last couple of weeks, so I walked most of it. But as I got to the top of the hill, I had a cheering section. The two pugs that live at the house next to the trail were out in the yard, and followed me, barking as I ran by. Only one of them was around the second time I went by.
I also had to run past the high school track team, who was going the opposite way I was. But man, did they make me feel slow...twice. Other than that, I do like running around the lake, because it's fairly quiet. My music list was being weird too, as it kept playing the same songs even though I had it on shuffle...so there was a lot of Foo Fighters and Metallica, which worked out just fine!
After running the lake twice, I was just over 8 miles, and pretty much counting down in my head the remaining miles. I do this thing while I'm running where I break things down into small, doable parts, such as "get to that mailbox/light pole/sign/tree" and that helped a ton today.
At the end of the day, I was able to do 10 miles in 1:56:54. I was slightly faster this week than I was last week, which was surprising. At this rate, I should be able to do the half in less than 2:45, so that's what I'm shooting for at the end of April.
I'm getting closer to my running and my fundraising goal. For updates or to donate, check out http://pages.teamintraining.org/mi/nikewhlf13/angelaclock
Friday, February 15, 2013
Lent
Yup, you read that right. Though, I'm sure that's not exactly what you expected to hear from me!
It's Friday, and honestly, I am not at all sad to see this week go. Between a farewell, being sick, a midterm, an injury and just crappy behavior by people in general, this week has not been my favorite.
But it also brought with it something that's new. I had started contemplating giving something up for Lent - not because I'm Catholic, but because I wanted to see if I could actually do it.
At this point, I've chosen my own rules for the 40 days of Lent. Basically, I've chosen to give up French Fries (my go to carb) and will be following the Friday rules of no meat (except fish...this means sushi...yes, this is how my brain works).
It's not about religion for me. It's more about willpower and figuring out if I can do it.
And there was another suggestion given when I asked about what to give up was to make sure to give something. I have no doubt that I will do that, but it is now in my mind to make sure that I do that.
Let's see how the next 38 days or so go...
It's Friday, and honestly, I am not at all sad to see this week go. Between a farewell, being sick, a midterm, an injury and just crappy behavior by people in general, this week has not been my favorite.
But it also brought with it something that's new. I had started contemplating giving something up for Lent - not because I'm Catholic, but because I wanted to see if I could actually do it.
At this point, I've chosen my own rules for the 40 days of Lent. Basically, I've chosen to give up French Fries (my go to carb) and will be following the Friday rules of no meat (except fish...this means sushi...yes, this is how my brain works).
It's not about religion for me. It's more about willpower and figuring out if I can do it.
And there was another suggestion given when I asked about what to give up was to make sure to give something. I have no doubt that I will do that, but it is now in my mind to make sure that I do that.
Let's see how the next 38 days or so go...
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Farewell Remarks - 2-9-13
Over the weekend, I had the privilege of giving my farewell remarks for the year at the MIJC 2012 Year End Convention. For those of you who didn't make it, here's the text. I know I missed many people, and I can only hope that you'll forgive me for that.
Tonight is a little bittersweet for me. I stand in front of you with some time off from the Michigan Jaycees Board of Directors in m near future. And as I've been thinking about what to say to you tonight, I've thought about some things I've learned along the way.
You see, a couple of years ago, the Michigan Jaycees honored Mike-E as an Outstanding Young Michigander. Some of you may remember this, some of you probably have no idea who I'm talking about. During his keynote speech, Mike-E gave us a piece of advice that I've kept in the back of my head ever since
"Avoid dream killers at all costs."
It seems pretty straight forward. But as I think more about this statement, I also think that not only should we avoid dream killers at all costs, but we need to surround ourselves with what I think are "dream enablers".
They're the people that let you talk out your crazy ideas. They are the ones that are there when things don't quite go the way you want them to or are a catastrophic failure. They're the ones cheering you along, even when the odds are stacked against you 5 to 1.
They are the people that, no matter what, are there for you through the good and the bad. They're the ones that make sure you're doing the best thing for you and are your support system when you stick to your values and stand up for what you believe in, even if that means becoming the outcast.
Tonight, I want to say thank you to my "dream enablers":
Mary Jo, Jamie and Carrie - Thank you for dealing with my inevitable snark (and joining me in being snarky). Thank you for being part of the best management team I could have ever asked for. You guys made me look good and for that I am forever grateful.
My management VPeeps: Thank you for a great year in 2012. We have been Building Tomorrow Today throughout the year and you have worked tirelessly to leave a stronger chapter to each of your successors. Please remember that I am here to help you at any time.
Pepper Potts aka Heather Stewart: You somehow know everything I'm thinking and everything I need. Thank you for sticking by me, literally and figuratively. I can never repay you for your loyalty and friendship.
Shawn Brueshaber - Thank you for being the personal chef of the management team. And for the circus music reference. Your input has been invaluable since we met as fellow chapter membership VPs.
Jim Williams - Regardless of distance, you have been a resource to me since we met at my first convention in 2008. I appreciate your continued input and your friendship over the years and I think I can speak for everyone in the room in saying thank you for your support of the Michigan Jaycees over the last five years.
Tanya Quackenbush, Wendy Taylor, Sarah Austin, Matt Sernau, Emma Baranowski, Kristin Gartska, Karen Haberland, Kari Kidrowski, Deb Mogdis, Sue Foltin, Kim Hubbell, Jay Johnson, Adam Bonarek, Mistie and Kenneth Watson and Hollie Olson: Thank you. You have no idea what a kind word at the right time means to me.
Kris Collee - While she's not here, she's always with me as my mentor, my mentor. You see, Kris is the reason I am a Jaycee and I can never thank her enough for everything she has done for me and the support she has given me.
Gil Mayrand - Despite our differences, you have been someone that has constantly been there for me since I met you as one of your membership VPs in 2008. Knowing that you're there means a lot. Thank you for checking in on me to make sure I'm ok.
#85 - I still believe that The Sky's the Limit. Thank you for everything you've provided to me, whether it's been advice, support or your ear for ideas. I cannot wait for you to lead the USJCs on a quest to Dream Big!
#87 - I struggled with what to write here for a long time. Thank you for perking your head up when you heard me talking about the Jaycees on the Senate floor in 2007. I truly believe that moment has changed the course of my Jaycee career. Thank you for everything, including, but not limited to: an array of inside jokes, sharing your experiences, your support, your loyalty and your friendship. Oh, and no, I didn't puke inside Jetta Force One.
Carrie, Fossi, Lauren and the Lansing Jaycees: I'm coming home. And luckily for you, school is taking up most of my time this semester, except somehow I still found time to say yes to co-chairing the Easter Egg Hunt. I'm the crazy one who wanted to do this state thing, even though the chapter hasn't always been interested in doing so. Regardless of that, you have offered me more support thank I can ever repay. I have watched this chapter grow and become what I consider to be the best chapter in Michigan. I am so proud to be part of the ride and call Lansing home.
There are so many other people who I've gotten to know who have given me so much over the years. I will treasure the time we've spent and will spend together in the future. As I finish my term as Management Development Vice President, I hope that you all continue to Dream. Do. Lead. for years to come.
Thank you, Michigan Jaycees.
Tonight is a little bittersweet for me. I stand in front of you with some time off from the Michigan Jaycees Board of Directors in m near future. And as I've been thinking about what to say to you tonight, I've thought about some things I've learned along the way.
You see, a couple of years ago, the Michigan Jaycees honored Mike-E as an Outstanding Young Michigander. Some of you may remember this, some of you probably have no idea who I'm talking about. During his keynote speech, Mike-E gave us a piece of advice that I've kept in the back of my head ever since
"Avoid dream killers at all costs."
It seems pretty straight forward. But as I think more about this statement, I also think that not only should we avoid dream killers at all costs, but we need to surround ourselves with what I think are "dream enablers".
They're the people that let you talk out your crazy ideas. They are the ones that are there when things don't quite go the way you want them to or are a catastrophic failure. They're the ones cheering you along, even when the odds are stacked against you 5 to 1.
They are the people that, no matter what, are there for you through the good and the bad. They're the ones that make sure you're doing the best thing for you and are your support system when you stick to your values and stand up for what you believe in, even if that means becoming the outcast.
Tonight, I want to say thank you to my "dream enablers":
Mary Jo, Jamie and Carrie - Thank you for dealing with my inevitable snark (and joining me in being snarky). Thank you for being part of the best management team I could have ever asked for. You guys made me look good and for that I am forever grateful.
My management VPeeps: Thank you for a great year in 2012. We have been Building Tomorrow Today throughout the year and you have worked tirelessly to leave a stronger chapter to each of your successors. Please remember that I am here to help you at any time.
Pepper Potts aka Heather Stewart: You somehow know everything I'm thinking and everything I need. Thank you for sticking by me, literally and figuratively. I can never repay you for your loyalty and friendship.
Shawn Brueshaber - Thank you for being the personal chef of the management team. And for the circus music reference. Your input has been invaluable since we met as fellow chapter membership VPs.
Jim Williams - Regardless of distance, you have been a resource to me since we met at my first convention in 2008. I appreciate your continued input and your friendship over the years and I think I can speak for everyone in the room in saying thank you for your support of the Michigan Jaycees over the last five years.
Tanya Quackenbush, Wendy Taylor, Sarah Austin, Matt Sernau, Emma Baranowski, Kristin Gartska, Karen Haberland, Kari Kidrowski, Deb Mogdis, Sue Foltin, Kim Hubbell, Jay Johnson, Adam Bonarek, Mistie and Kenneth Watson and Hollie Olson: Thank you. You have no idea what a kind word at the right time means to me.
Kris Collee - While she's not here, she's always with me as my mentor, my mentor. You see, Kris is the reason I am a Jaycee and I can never thank her enough for everything she has done for me and the support she has given me.
Gil Mayrand - Despite our differences, you have been someone that has constantly been there for me since I met you as one of your membership VPs in 2008. Knowing that you're there means a lot. Thank you for checking in on me to make sure I'm ok.
#85 - I still believe that The Sky's the Limit. Thank you for everything you've provided to me, whether it's been advice, support or your ear for ideas. I cannot wait for you to lead the USJCs on a quest to Dream Big!
#87 - I struggled with what to write here for a long time. Thank you for perking your head up when you heard me talking about the Jaycees on the Senate floor in 2007. I truly believe that moment has changed the course of my Jaycee career. Thank you for everything, including, but not limited to: an array of inside jokes, sharing your experiences, your support, your loyalty and your friendship. Oh, and no, I didn't puke inside Jetta Force One.
Carrie, Fossi, Lauren and the Lansing Jaycees: I'm coming home. And luckily for you, school is taking up most of my time this semester, except somehow I still found time to say yes to co-chairing the Easter Egg Hunt. I'm the crazy one who wanted to do this state thing, even though the chapter hasn't always been interested in doing so. Regardless of that, you have offered me more support thank I can ever repay. I have watched this chapter grow and become what I consider to be the best chapter in Michigan. I am so proud to be part of the ride and call Lansing home.
There are so many other people who I've gotten to know who have given me so much over the years. I will treasure the time we've spent and will spend together in the future. As I finish my term as Management Development Vice President, I hope that you all continue to Dream. Do. Lead. for years to come.
Thank you, Michigan Jaycees.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I had a bad day...
I had a bad day today. In fact, I've had several bad days in a row, where I've been somewhat paralyzed in being productive, I've not wanted to get out of bed, I've been reading homework and not comprehending it. I've been crying at the drop of a hat, eating horribly and missed a training run.
But, I had a thought tonight on my way home from class. It's something I've gone back to a couple times today.
I observed something interesting today while waiting for my friend Dave and his daughter for lunch (pie) at Grand Traverse Pie Company downtown.
I watched a gentleman bundled up in coat and a hat with a tassel on it. He had been sitting a couple of tables away from the one that I chose. He eventually got up, and walked out the door. About 5-10 minutes later, he returned back inside the restaurant.
He was there for a short time, and ventured out into the cold again. He returned once again and was still there when I left. I can only guess, but I would say that he didn't have any other place to go. The highest temperature I saw today on the Comerica Bank building was 7 degrees.
I'm home tonight, in my apartment with the heat on, eating my dinner. I keep thinking about where this gentleman might be right now, and I can only hope he's at one of the local shelters and able to be warm. It pains me to think that he (and others like him) may be out tonight in these low temperatures. I don't know his story and there are any number of reasons for his situation.
I had a bad day today. It's been a struggle the last few days. But it's nothing in comparison to the struggle this man and others like him are going through.
But, I had a thought tonight on my way home from class. It's something I've gone back to a couple times today.
I observed something interesting today while waiting for my friend Dave and his daughter for lunch (pie) at Grand Traverse Pie Company downtown.
I watched a gentleman bundled up in coat and a hat with a tassel on it. He had been sitting a couple of tables away from the one that I chose. He eventually got up, and walked out the door. About 5-10 minutes later, he returned back inside the restaurant.
He was there for a short time, and ventured out into the cold again. He returned once again and was still there when I left. I can only guess, but I would say that he didn't have any other place to go. The highest temperature I saw today on the Comerica Bank building was 7 degrees.
I'm home tonight, in my apartment with the heat on, eating my dinner. I keep thinking about where this gentleman might be right now, and I can only hope he's at one of the local shelters and able to be warm. It pains me to think that he (and others like him) may be out tonight in these low temperatures. I don't know his story and there are any number of reasons for his situation.
I had a bad day today. It's been a struggle the last few days. But it's nothing in comparison to the struggle this man and others like him are going through.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I'm a shadowboxer, baby...
This week, I'm fighting...with myself. I'm beating up on myself in quite a few ways, and probably have no reason to be doing so. Today has been a bit of a dark day, yet I'm trying to just push through so I can get to tomorrow.
But mostly, I'm fighting with myself about food. I drive home from work and want to stop - Taco Bell, Burger King, Reno's, Buffalo Wild Wings...they've all been trying to lure me with their deliciousness. This year, I'm trying to eat better and eat out less. Being on the road a lot, it's been far too easy for me in the last couple of years to just stop and pick something up for dinner.
So I find myself looking up a lot of restaurant nutrition and knowing what fits into what I should be eating. And it's not just about calories - there's cholesterol, sodium, protein and all that other fun stuff. And the portion sizes! I mean, really, this is all stuff that I knew and that we all know, but for some reason it's hitting me now.
However, on the flip side, I'm really trying not to get crazy like some people I've seen. I'm maybe trying to lose about 10 pounds and make sure I'm eating right for my half marathon training. It's all about baby steps for me - not losing 100 pounds in 3 months or some other not realistic time.
But, I'm still fighting. I almost stopped at Taco Bell on the way home from the gym tonight. I went to Reno's on Monday night to watch the football game and had a chicken fingers basket.
I like food. I like bad food. I am still drinking one 12 oz. Mountain Dew a day (this is down from my two 20 oz. bottles a day habit). I'm not perfect. I'll have a bad day. I'll give in to Taco Bell (I'm pretty sure this is going to happen in the ext three days). But in the process, I'll start eating better, feeling better and saving some money.
I hope.
But mostly, I'm fighting with myself about food. I drive home from work and want to stop - Taco Bell, Burger King, Reno's, Buffalo Wild Wings...they've all been trying to lure me with their deliciousness. This year, I'm trying to eat better and eat out less. Being on the road a lot, it's been far too easy for me in the last couple of years to just stop and pick something up for dinner.
So I find myself looking up a lot of restaurant nutrition and knowing what fits into what I should be eating. And it's not just about calories - there's cholesterol, sodium, protein and all that other fun stuff. And the portion sizes! I mean, really, this is all stuff that I knew and that we all know, but for some reason it's hitting me now.
However, on the flip side, I'm really trying not to get crazy like some people I've seen. I'm maybe trying to lose about 10 pounds and make sure I'm eating right for my half marathon training. It's all about baby steps for me - not losing 100 pounds in 3 months or some other not realistic time.
But, I'm still fighting. I almost stopped at Taco Bell on the way home from the gym tonight. I went to Reno's on Monday night to watch the football game and had a chicken fingers basket.
I like food. I like bad food. I am still drinking one 12 oz. Mountain Dew a day (this is down from my two 20 oz. bottles a day habit). I'm not perfect. I'll have a bad day. I'll give in to Taco Bell (I'm pretty sure this is going to happen in the ext three days). But in the process, I'll start eating better, feeling better and saving some money.
I hope.
Friday, January 4, 2013
6 miles and getting back into the swing of things
This first week of 2013 has been the time to ease back into the real world. Mostly because I only had a two day work week and school doesn't start until next week (though there will be reading done for class this weekend). I've done a bit of sleeping, a bit of running and a bit of cleaning (among other things).
In some ways, it seems silly that just a change in year means things can be so different, but in my case, I really feel like things are different. for me, 2012 was about change - changes I made, changes forced on me, changes in priorities, changes in how I viewed things. In all of that, 2012 left me feeling like one giant open wound.
One of those changes has been running. I found myself running a 6 mile race (my longest distance ever) on New Year's Day. It didn't matter that I finished last. I finished (and I think it helped that I was being followed by the police). The following day, once I began to come out of my daze, I realized that on January 1, 2012, I would have never predicted that I would be running 6 miles, partly up a hill and partly by Lake Michigan. Even as of the morning of the race, I didn't think I could do it. I spent the rest of the day (and part of the next) in a daze that it never quite felt like I actually did it.
I can't begin to think of what it will be like for my half marathon. All I can say is that some small part of the wound that was opened in 2012 healed on New Year's Day. I know the wound that continues to heal at this point will have the Band-Aid torn off again before long, but it will get better and there will be something to help it heal a little more.
There are more changes to come in 2013, including being more supportive and loving to myself. It's not an easy thing for me and I've always struggled with it. It's not going to change overnight, and I'm always looking for ways to help get me through it.
As things get busier with work, school and running/working out this semester, I know there will be less time to think about things. And that's ok, because I feel like I have a decent foundation to make these changes throughout the year.
And who knows what is to come? I mean, I ran my longest distance ever on the first day of the year. We'll just have to see what more is in store for this year and beyond.
In some ways, it seems silly that just a change in year means things can be so different, but in my case, I really feel like things are different. for me, 2012 was about change - changes I made, changes forced on me, changes in priorities, changes in how I viewed things. In all of that, 2012 left me feeling like one giant open wound.
One of those changes has been running. I found myself running a 6 mile race (my longest distance ever) on New Year's Day. It didn't matter that I finished last. I finished (and I think it helped that I was being followed by the police). The following day, once I began to come out of my daze, I realized that on January 1, 2012, I would have never predicted that I would be running 6 miles, partly up a hill and partly by Lake Michigan. Even as of the morning of the race, I didn't think I could do it. I spent the rest of the day (and part of the next) in a daze that it never quite felt like I actually did it.
I can't begin to think of what it will be like for my half marathon. All I can say is that some small part of the wound that was opened in 2012 healed on New Year's Day. I know the wound that continues to heal at this point will have the Band-Aid torn off again before long, but it will get better and there will be something to help it heal a little more.
There are more changes to come in 2013, including being more supportive and loving to myself. It's not an easy thing for me and I've always struggled with it. It's not going to change overnight, and I'm always looking for ways to help get me through it.
As things get busier with work, school and running/working out this semester, I know there will be less time to think about things. And that's ok, because I feel like I have a decent foundation to make these changes throughout the year.
And who knows what is to come? I mean, I ran my longest distance ever on the first day of the year. We'll just have to see what more is in store for this year and beyond.
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