Running sucks. #SeriouslyThough
I could probably stop there. I started to write this in my head in the middle of a run on Tuesday and that’s how I was feeling.
#BlogPostsAlwaysComeToMeWhenIDontHavePaper
In case you missed all my bitching about hospitals and moving, it’s been a little tricky to find time to train for the marathon (that’s just the Pittsburgh Marathon Half, I’m not going crazy here). I’m getting off my ass and doing it, though. #Finally
Now, I’m not a physical therapist, nurse, pro athlete, coach, or licensed to give advice, so don’t take this as be-all end-all medical knowledge. It’s just what I know. And this will be my 5th total half marathon, so I kinda know what I’m talking about in terms of myself and my body.
What I know about running is that it’s hard. No one tells you how hard it is to get up and get moving. An object a rest, #amirite? There are some days when I just feel like I had the best workout ever and there are some days when it’s struggle city and I just want to turn around and go home. #ButSeriously #CanIJustGoHomeNow
Despite the suckiness and the burning shins and the sore lungs, ya just do it.
I think the biggest thing that no one tells you about running is that it really makes you listen to your body. When it isn’t feeling it, honor what it’s saying. Hit your mile goal for the day, but be gentle on yourself. #DoWhatYouCanWithWhatYouHave
I used to get so upset if I couldn’t stand running more than three miles when I was trying to train. Now I just go with it. On Sunday, I ran for an hour and I hit six miles. It felt great. Tuesday during my lunch break, I only did three. #YeahIKnowONLYThree #sarcasm
Instead of beating myself up about only running three miles, I made a deal with myself. I ran to the next stop sign and I said I could walk if I wanted to. I didn’t feel like I needed it, so I ran to the next stop sign. And repeat.
Running is also a very mentally challenging sport. Running 13.3 miles is a physical challenge for sure, but you have to believe you can do it. The phrase “mind over matter” is so incredibly true. I can’t emphasize it enough. You have to be really assured that you can do it, even if you’re doubting it. #DontLetYourselfSmellYourOwnFear
And you’re with yourself for 13.3 miles. That’s a little longer than two hours. If you’re telling yourself, “OMG I’M GOING TO DIE,” chances are, you aren’t doing very well. Don’t listen to those crazy voices in your head! #LifeAdvice
When I started running, I wish I would have known that it was okay to have off days (#AsLongAsYouGetOutsideYoureAhead) and that it’s really hard to do when your mind isn’t working with your body.
Another thing no one tells you about running is that you’ll probably lose a toe nail or two and you really need to have a bee-line to a restroom when you’re done. But more on that later.
Are you a runner? What’s something no one told you that you wish you knew?
