When asked “what is your goal for a half marathon”, the
answer is almost inevitably a time goal.
I have one of those as well, crossing the finish line in under 2
hours. The clock, however, doesn’t
measure my actual goal, at all. My goal
is to run the race consistently, with a positive mindset. I want to enjoy the training cycle; feeling
my body getting stronger, finishing long runs pain-free, and enjoy the
ass-kicking feeling of a speed workout.
Most importantly, conquering PFPS (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome). PFPS derailed half marathon training last
year. I still ran my first half marathon
in an unspectacular time, but it led to bigger and better things with my fall
running. Months of physical therapy
helped, but then I ended up back at the chiropractor to be treated for the same
thing, different leg.
This year, I am stronger, more aware. More confident. Last year when I decided to embark on the
crazy path towards running 13.1 miles on a sunny June morning, my longest
running distance was a 10k. Longer
distances scared me. This year, I
already have a half marathon under my belt.
In November I raced a 10 miler.
I am a totally different runner than I was a year ago.
My training plan is now complete. Coach finished writing it up last night. I’m excited for it. It is proudly hanging on my refrigerator,
waiting to be conquered. I ran for the
first time today in a week after being taught a lesson about myself from a
stomach flu. My legs were stiff and weak
and the temperatures were frigid.
It was perfect. It is
just where I want to be at the start of a promising, exciting training
cycle.
13.1, here I come!
