Learning

First, I'd like to say thank you to my first readers...it makes me so excited to know people are actually reading! Today, I think I'm going to talk about learning because, as POM mentioned, this whole journey to marathon is really about learning about myself. And, let me tell you...the past few weeks as I've attempted to begin the journey have already taught me a lot.

Numero uno...I'm an instant gratification kind of gal. I KNOW that building mileage takes time, I've read all of the training plans, books, websites, etc...yet, for some reason, I think that I should be able to go out and run forever and be fine. I mean, after all, two years ago I was running five miles with no problem...what the hell is wrong with me? Now, don't get me wrong, deep down, I know my thought process is ridiculous and I know it's going to take the 5 months to build up to the marathon but I DON'T WANNA WAIT. I'm like my 6 year old step daughter when it comes to patience...

Numero dos...I'm a lazy, lazy girl. Now, you'd think being the 'instant gratification' type of girl I'd be out every day trying to build up my mileage but NO. So, not only do I think I can run forever instantly, I think I can do it by only running 2-3 times a week. Who am I kidding? I know that right now, 3-4 times a week is okay. I also know the importance of rest. The problem is these two arguments win over when it's a run day and I'm tired and I just don't want to go...I claim a "rest" day. SO NOT PRODUCTIVE!!!

Numero tres...when I DO get out there and start putting one foot in front of the other, I generally LOVE it! I feel so good about myself and it's such a good stress relief and I'm just a generally happier person when I do it. Well, that is when I do it and it's a good run. That brings us to today...my first not so good run. I take that back, it was actually an awful run. I get started, bust out the first mile (a little slower than usual, about 9 minutes...but, that's fine 'cause I'm trying to keep a consistent pace throughout), everything is going fine but my legs are KILLING me. See, I have a little problem with my feet and Achilles (have torn tendons in my foot and minorly tore my Achilles in college) being SUPER tight and it was terrible. I kept going until I hit my two mile mark and though that if I stopped and stretched, I'd be okay. Well, I stretched, felt better, started going again and made it about 1/2 mile before...BHAM...instant pain (ha, there's my instant gratification...) so I had to walk the rest. I know it's not that big of a deal, I made it 2 1/2 in decent time, it just sucks this is happening now. I need to get to the doctor and get some insoles and keep my stretching going so I don't get hurt. I don't want to damage myself before I even make it to double digits! Tomorrow I'm going to avoid running and focus on stretch and some easy cardio and I'll do an easy run on Friday to see how it goes.

How do you know you're going to make it? I mean, after days like today, I wonder if my body is even capable of running a marathon...when do I gain that confidence? Probably not till after...