1. Don't let your fears hold you back. I was scared (extremely scared) of the big bridges in this race. I panicked. I wondered if I should do the race. Was I ready to run these bridges? I didn't think so. I can't lie: I thought about not doing it. I wanted to wimp out. Thankfully, I didn't. And, guess what? I ran those bridges (slowly) and loved them. I felt so accomplished and proud when I was done, too. Totally worth it.
2. Trust your training. I was nervous that I didn't get enough running in between Christmas and the new year. I missed some runs here and there, including a few long runs. I assumed that I wouldn't be able to handle this race. You know what? All of the hard work I've been putting in since August didn't just disappear. I still had that base, and I could still run a half marathon.
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| Four months of sweaty work (apparently, sticking my tongue out is my thing?) |
3. Run your own race. Yes, I've heard this many times before. I never get caught up in the initial start. I always start at the back, and I start slow. No big deal. But, in this race, I encountered a bridge before mile 1. So many people were walking already. I wondered if I should walk, too. If I ran, I thought I might be sorry later on. But, I felt awesome, and I wanted to run that bridge, so I did. And, the next one. And, on the way back, too. Why? Because it was my race, and I knew I could do it.
5. Enjoy your surroundings. It's easy to get "in the zone" or so focused that you really don't notice anything around you. But, if you look around, you're likely to see something beautiful, funny or awesome. I enjoyed the views in this race more than any race before, and instead of dreading the bridges, I just enjoyed the views from the top.
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6. Think of those who can't run. This race was special to me because I was running mile 11 in honor of my friend, Linda. She's been couch-bound for a good deal of her pregnancy, and she was itching to run. Mile 11 was her mile, and I thought about her each step. I enjoyed each step. I appreciated what I was doing even more because I was thinking of someone who couldn't do it.
What have you learned from running?
Love it! These are things we hear all the time, but it is nice when we actually *realize* them on our own to be true. You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have to relearn the same things again and again...but what great things to relearn :) Glad this race was so awesome for you!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, Jina. First of all, congrats on your sixth half-marathon!! So cool! I'm doing the Iron Girl Half Marathon in April and I am already afraid of the bridges, so this post was good for me to read. I also love the "run your own race" one - that is so true. It's so mental sometimes, thinking about everyone else around you and forgetting that it's just you that you should worry about. And last, we are so lucky to have such beautiful scenery to run in here. I love it and enjoy every minute of it, no matter how bad I feel and it can make for a great distraction.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. If I ever move past the 5Ks, I think nerves would be my problem too. Running your own race is good advice.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job and advise Jina!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I am already anxious to see what the marathon can teach me too! Greay tips!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job and sound advice. Sometimes the environment can overwhelm you but you definitely have to run your own race!!
ReplyDeleteI love this post!I have learned that I am a lot tougher than I ever thought I was and that race pictures will always turn out hideous. Never fails- every time I look ridiculous. I hope one day I can run a race with you!
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