Maybe Matilda: 13.1 . . . yikes.

Monday, February 9, 2015

13.1 . . . yikes.

Try to act surprised when I tell you I’m not really the outdoorsy type, and tend to stay inside whenever possible (shock! awe!). But even I, a devoted hermit, have to tip my hat to mother nature for giving us a Utah February in the 50s and 60s.

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It’s a beautiful change from the norm—this time last year, I was cocooned in blankets, rubbing my hands together over a heating vent. Today, I was opening windows, airing out 4 months of pent-up diaper fumes.

Even a hermit could get used to this.

www.maybematilda.com

It’s been especially awesome when it comes to my running—we have a treadmill, but even at its best, treadmill running isn’t awesome. And I am excited and eager to be running outside, because I did something a little bit crazy.

I signed up for a half marathon.

It’s Mel’s fault. I had been toying with the idea of a half marathon (which sounds, frankly, impossible, but also a little neat), and then Mel went and posted a coupon code for the Utah Valley half in June.

So I registered. She made it sound all sorts of inspiring and attainable, and I looked up the course (which I’m already very familiar with, since I drive it regularly), and it’s going to be beautiful in June.

And before you get all, “Oh, how awesome, you’re amazing!” let me just remind you that all I’ve done so far is click the ‘register’ button, which isn’t all that impressive (although I gave myself a hearty pat on the back anyway).

www.maybematilda.com

My only races so far have been 5ks (and not many of them, either—maybe 3?), so this is going to be quite the step up for me. I like the idea of having a big goal to work toward, and let’s be honest, I will sound pretty darn cool when I go around telling everyone who will listen that I ran a half marathon. And really, isn’t coolness the best reason to do anything?

I’m following this 20-week training plan, and being able to run outside has been glorious. So another big thank you goes out to the weather gods, because the thought of training for a half marathon on a treadmill makes me want to cry.

So far, the runs haven’t been much different than what I was already doing. But things are going to get intense. Even looking at the schedule is daunting. At this point, I can’t even imagine completing a 6 or 7 mile run, much less 13.1. That sounds absolutely insane.

I’ve always thought of runners as belonging to a species of their own—running must come easily and naturally to them, and they haven’t ever really had to work for it. Like cheetahs. They hardly even have to try, they just run, and they enjoy it, and how weird is that?

I, on the other hand, have had to work and sweat and fight for nearly every step I’ve ever run, so clearly: not a natural-born runner. I’m hoping to discover in the next weeks and months that I’ve been completely wrong about this, and running is, in fact, a learned skill.

www.maybematilda.com

So, my half marathon sounds sort of unreachable to me right now. But by gum, I will get it done, if only to prove to myself that I can do something big. Pure mulish stubbornness—I signed up for this race and so help me I will not let that registration fee go to waste.

And purely to remind you that you can never believe what you see on the internet—it’s all fun and games until Mom asks you to pause your play for 2 seconds for a picture.

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If you are going to be running the Utah Valley Half Marathon this year, will you let me know? I’d love to hear who else will be there.

And if you’ve run a half before, I’m ready and waiting for your advice and encouragement and ‘what to expect’s, please and thank you :-)

29 comments :

  1. Hooray!! Totally a learned skill. With both of the halfs I've done, I didn't start enjoying any bit of my runs until I got over the 4-5 mile hurdle. It will be so much easier if you've already regularly been running shorter distances. Also, treadmills are the worst.

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  2. I'm so excited for you! I ran my first (and so far only) half marathon 9 months after I had our first baby and it was amazing! It was definitely fun to tell people I was running one, but even cooler to feel like my body was strong and great. I'm a runner like you--I have to fight for every footstep and really only enjoy running when I'm finished. I also basically only run when I've paid good money to sign up for a race, because by gum I'm not going to waste money!!! I hope to run another race this fall after the next baby is born. I don't really have any good advice for you, except be diligent about your training and you'll be fine! Have fun! :D

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  3. I ran 4.7 miles on Saturday... Uhmm, I mean jogged/walked... but for me it was a huge accomplishment, more than I have ever done in my life. I've tried to start running many many times but have always hated it! This time though I am doing it with my 10 year old and I have LOVED spending that extra time one on one with him and working towards this goal together. Good luck and see you in June!

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  4. I've done a half! Oh yeah, I have the coolness :) I mostly enjoy running because I get a break all to myself and listen to whatever I want. And now? I can totally run 7 miles and it's no big deal. You'll get there, and it is awesome. I agree with the other comment--shorter runs are harder and less enjoyable, by the time my initial side stitch goes away and my legs stop hurting it is time to be done running. Once you get past that initial 'why the heck do I run, this super sucks, I'm an idiot', the run is really great. I have a tip for a half--maybe this is a little TMI, but...tape the bottom/underside of your boobs with athletic tape before long runs so they don't chafe on your sports bra. I am not...well endowed...but even with a small chest I needed the tape.

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  5. Yay!! I ran one half, and signed up just like you did. My longest run before I signed up was definitely a 5k. I am not at all a natural runner, so I was nodding along heartily with what you said. It's WORK for me, but I think that made the accomplishment even sweeter. Good luck with your training!

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  6. Good luck with the training! I hate running, but I was stupid enough to sign up to train for a marathon with Team In Training a few years back- I had to raise like $3000 and then hurt my foot two weeks before the race but I didn't want to just give up all the time I wasted training for it and begging everyone for donations, so I limped 26.2 miles and was, I think, the 5th to last person to finish (ahead of some old ladies and a man with prosthetic legs). It was pretty not-awesome, and I'm never doing anything longer than a 5K again. I'm sure that you will have a much more positive experience though, haha!


    And that last picture looks like every single picture I've ever tried to take with my kids.

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  7. When is your race? My goal is to do one by January. I've done 3 before but just had my first baby so I've not really run since last spring. I just did my first training run to work toward it again... 3 miles seems crazy... I can't imagine getting back to 13!

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  8. Good for you!! I'm running a trail race series this summer up in Park City - and the longest is a half marathon in September. I ran a full marathon a lifetime ago (before kids!) and it was brutal. But I never felt so good, as I did when I was running. If you think you like your training schedule, stick with it. But I will throw it out there that I really really like Jeff Galloway's plans for training schedules. It focuses on pushing yourself through much shorter training runs, and only doing one long run each week. I am NOT a runner, so the shorter daily runs appeal to me - and fit into my busy schedule easily. My one piece of unsolicited advice would be not to get married to a training plan - shop around until you find one that really works for you and makes you excited to get out and run!! Best of luck!!

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  9. A few weeks ago I was looking at Mel's website for a recipe and that post on the half marathon was up. I scrolled down, and lo and behold, saw your comment, that you had signed up. I admit, I felt a little betrayed at first since we were both supposed to hate running, but . . . I've gotten over it and am excited for you. And you're going to be awesome. And if you spot Mel in the thousands of people running it, take a picture because I love her food.

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  10. yay!!!! so excited for you!!!! i am a non-runner as well, and i just did my first half marathon in december. it was hard, i am not going to lie, but i did it and the sense of accomplishment trumps all!

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  11. This is so exciting!


    I actually finished a half-marathon right before we got married in 2007. I am no runner and it was a challenge, but I'm so glad I did it so I could never run again. ;)


    Seriously though, you can do it. And I was amazed at how it was easy to increase miles toward the end. Good luck!

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  12. That is so good to hear--5 miles is the most I've EVER run, so of course anything beyond that sounds absolutely impossible. And a big thumbs down to treadmills. A necessary evil some days, but evil nonetheless.

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  13. Thank you! It kind of kills me to PAY to run when I could, of course, just go outside and run 13.1 miles without paying anyone a dime, but handing over some cash should be a big incentive ;-)

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  14. Thank you for the TMI tip! :-) No really, because I have two sports bras that have left me with a big raw chafed spot right beneath my boobs, but other than that they are really comfortable, so I haven't wanted to replace them. I'll try your tape trick!

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  15. I love hearing from self-proclaimed non-runners who are running anyway :-) Thank you!!

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  16. Oh, that sounds terrible!! I am amazed you could do it at all with an injury!

    And yes, I have albums upon albums of awful pictures like that. Why are children so uncooperative?!

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  17. Thank you so much! That trail race series sounds cool!

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  18. I actually thought of you when I was registering, and how I was betraying our non-runner sisterhood. When Mel passes me during the race, I'll try to say hi :-)

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  19. Go Cassie! That is so encouraging to hear! Great job :-)

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  20. I didn't know you ran a half! That's awesome! I firmly believe running a big race like that gives you bragging rights for life without ever having to run another step. This is why I'm doing it, of course.

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  21. So fun that you are using your training as a way to spend time with your son! Love it! And awesome job on the Saturday run--big kudos to you.

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  22. Mine is mid-June. The 15th, maybe? If that's a Saturday.

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  23. Sunshine, let me say: YOU GOT THIS!! At 45yo, I have done 5 marathons, and 16 (17 is this Sunday) halves. I am not a fast runner at about 9:30-10:30/mi. I weigh about 165-170, and am NOT built like a runner. Not one bit. However, I'm a determined runner during training season. I also have no problem with walking in a race. Actually, there is a FANTASTIC running/walking program by a man named Jeff Galloway that I highly recommend. He and a man named Hal Higdon have 2 of the best programs out there for walkers/runners wanting to do long distance. The best part? They are FREE online and you can print out the schedule for your capabilities. I would also recommend a great book called "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" by Whitsett. You might not be ready for a marathon, but there are some GREAT tips in this book for those just starting out. FYI: I did my first half in 2004 after a family relative died at 45yo. I decided to put off my dream of one day doing a race, and actually doing one. I got addicted after that first finish line. :)

    As you are just starting out, I would suggest going the Galloway plan. Once you finish your first race, and want want to go for faster times, switch to the Higdon plan. I've used the Higdon for all of my 26.2 races, and about 10 of my halves. I will say that my mother-in-law, 68yo, started doing halves 5yrs ago and is doing her 6th half this weekend with me. She is NOT a runner. I do the races with her. I've gotten her to speed walk on flats and up hill. For the downhill sections, we jog. It works great for her.

    Another piece of advice: Do core strength training. Get a stability ball, do yoga/pilates, whatever. You will find that a strong back/core will be beneficial during long races. I have done races with and without previous core toning, and having a strong core REALLY HELPS.

    I will be happy to give lots of other tips if you need them. I'm not a professional runner. I'm a mom (that homeschooled kiddos while training), am an artist, not skinny, but cheerfully motivated person. I don't compete with other runners/walkers. I do it because I want to prove to ME that I am stronger/braver than I ever thought I could be. Once I reach my 20 halves/5 marathons (which will be the end of this year), I am SERIOUSLY considering doing an ultra marathon (50 or 100 miles). Am I crazy? Definitely. Will I look back on my life in my 90's and think: "Yeah! I did something that most folks would never dream of doing!"? ABSOLUTELY!! Just remember, you are capable of amazing things. You just have to begin. -Hugs, Shan

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  24. You're crazy but I mean that in a good way. ;) I'm impressed you're even thinking about doing this. 5K is my limit. I mean, I'm sure my legs will go farther but my attention span will not. But maybe it's just because I only know running in Iowa. Utah seems a bit more scenic. But yeah, still no.

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  25. I never could get into running in Iowa. It must just be an Iowa problem :-P

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  26. Wow! You are an inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing your story and advice!

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  27. You got it! You CAN do this, I swear. Word of warning. After you cross that first finish line, you might become a racing addict ;)

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  28. You'll be great, pick a training plan and stick with it. I've done 3 half marathons. When training some days you might have to switch your Tuesday 5 miler with your Saturday 8 miler (or whatever) but in my unprofessional experience as long as you get all your miles in you'll be ok. That's what I would focus on, not time or speed, just the assigned miles (the second half goal is to go faster). :) I guess that's easy for me to say since I don't have kids to train around... but work would make me adjust my plans... When you get a chance to run outside you can use the route creator (http://www.usatf.org/routes/map/) and make your longer runs more interesting by checking out different streets... Can't wait to hear how it's going.

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