Don't Stop Believing
First, go check out my guest post on how to enjoy living healthy while saving money (hello, teacher budget here) it gives good ideas (yes, I am prejudiced to its awesomeness because I wrote it) on healthy and money saving alternatives for common everyday activities. Thanks to Athena at Fitness & Feta for letting me run it.
Another fun fact about me because between learning about how I am easily excited by the little things in life and sing like a maniac (horribly) you just didn't have enough Abby info.
... I am the biggest glass half full type of girl. This is never more evident than when I am injured. When I am hurt and can't workout I do get a bit disappointed, but more than that I get so excited thinking about how amazing things will be when I am back to full strength. Pretty much every crazy fitness bucket list idea I have - like wanting to hike the entire Grand Canyon (in one day) starts on a day when I was not able to run, but could only imagine what it would be like to be back in top shape (well my top shape). Well this week was no different - I was sidelined with crazy back pain for three days (much better due to rest, pain relievers, a massage, and lots of stretching) and am still having some nagging hamstring issues so what better time than to sign up for another race?!?
I decided I will be healthy, will be running, and do not have enough races on my calendar. While there are tons I dream of doing - New Orleans Rock'n Roll Full, Disney Princess Half, Indy Mini Marathon - travel is not currently in the budget. So I decided to return to my roots. My first ever race, did I mention my crazy self ran a half before I ever ran anything else, no 5 or 10Ks to start off here (crazy), and my favorite distance - The Kiawah Island Half. It is only about a 40 minute drive from me which means no travel or lodging expenses, I haven't run the course in years, and it will be great to see what it feels like when I am not miserable the whole time. I hated that race and wanted to stop the whole time, now I love running half marathons and regularly run 12-14 miles myself on weekends just for fun. Fulls, well those on the other hand, I have to push and challenge myself to do. I am excited, but also feeling brave because I realize that I have never signed up to run a race on my own. Every single 5K, 10K, half, or full I have done with someone and currently it is just me. Again, won't be any problem at the race as I love this distance, but waiting at the start might get boring. Oh well, here is to another race, don't stop believing (hold on to that feeling) you can do it.
What is your next race? I'd love to know.
Heck- Want to do your first half, but scared? If you can get to Kiawah I'll run with you (unless you're really fast, then I'll cheer from behind).
So funny- my first race was a half, too! Sounds like a great option- I love local races.
ReplyDeleteWho are we that we just skip right to 13 miles? Makes me like you even more Laura!
DeleteI love that you just jumped right in with a half! My next marathon is NYC, but I'll probably throw in a half marathon in between now and then.
ReplyDeleteNYC will be amazing. It is on my marathon bucket list for sure (currently NYC, NoLa, & Chicago hold top spots). I actually got picked this year, but my training partner didn't so I dropped out that way we could train and run our fall race together.
DeleteSigning up for a new race is always so exciting. I'm sure you'll have a great time. :)
ReplyDeleteMy next race is a half this Sunday, and then I have the Chicago Marathon. I might try to throw a race or two in there between the two (I really miss racing when I don't do it for a while).
I am with you Beth, I go through race withdrawal. It is what makes all the training worth it. Wish there were more near me.
DeleteHave a great half this weekend and I am sure Chicago will be amazing!
My first is coming up this weekend!!! Yeee!!! And I'm so glad you're going to revisit that race and do it with some enjoyment this time. I'm bet that with all the experience you have now, it'll be a great one. :D
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you Melissa. You have put so much into this race and I love reading the whole story of your journey to be ready for it.
DeleteThat Kiawah race medal is amazing! I also love to support local races, and avoid the travel costs related to the big ones like Chicago and NYC, although they're on my bucket list too. It's fun to discover that there are really great races close to home. Glad to hear your back is better!
ReplyDeleteI know. The medal looks so cool. Won't mind adding it to my collection. I am eventually going to have to find a bigger display for all these. Good problem to have.
DeleteI am with you on the fact that it is nice to save the travel cost. Cannot wait to do NYC and Chicago someday, but until I have the money it is nice to have an option closer.
I LOVE your positive attitude girl!!! My next race is a new local half marathon. I'm training a group of ladies (it will be their first half) for it.
ReplyDeleteSo cool that you have a new local half to run. Are you the training group leader since they are first timers? I love running with other people. Keeps me motivated
DeleteFantastic! Looking forward to a good race recap after that one!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant attitude, and love the racing enthusiasm. I have a 10km on the weekend, but going to listen to my body. I feel as though you're proof that over time it becomes easier to do the right thing by your body - like resting and treating your back. Glad it's better :-)
Listening to my body really has been one of the hardest part of this journey to become a runner. I always want to go, go, go, but over time you learn that sometimes, even if you don't want to, it is more important to rest so you are healthier in the long run. Not worth risking a long injury for just one run/race.
DeleteI do exactly the same thing, Abby! Whenever I can't get outside - I'm trawling on Runner's World website looking for upcoming races! So far, I've managed to just register for one - which is coming up at the end of August (a 5k). My very first race was a 5k in May - I had planned to run the whole thing, but I got a serious lung infection in March so had to postpone my training, so I ended up walking it. If that taught me one thing, it's that it is important to rest! Glad your back is feeling better :-)
ReplyDeletePS - I've got crazy bucket list ambitions too - such as climbing Everest!
I am glad you rested and recovered? Are you planning on training and running this one now that your healthier? Good luck!
DeleteCrazy bucket list aspirations are great. They give us something to dream about. Everest? Wow!
I kinda want to do kiawah! I live in the state, so it's not too far for me, but I've been debating whether to do it or not
ReplyDeleteI'm excited. It will be a nice flat course, decent weather, and a pretty medal.
DeleteAbby! I might be signing up for this one too, I have been wanting to do this one for a while :-)
ReplyDeleteAre you thinking about the half or the full?
Deletethe half, definitely the half, especially after marine corp...I fear that I will never want to run again ;-) Which is why I should probably sign up for kiawah now!
DeleteYou'll want to run again, the sense of accomplishment will totally boost you up after all that long, hard training.
Deleteoh what a fun race! and i love your motto in life. Glass half full! always! go for it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I try to always be as positive as possible. According to my student I smile to much, but if that's the worst thing they ever says about me I will be very happy
DeleteThe half distance (or anything over 10 miles) still scares me! I hope to get there one day though. Right now I'm training as if I'm running a 10K in the fall but have yet to find one to run. Why are they so scarce!?
ReplyDeleteHave you tried looking on Active.com? I know it list a couple here this fall, but it must depend on your area.
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