the secret
I have discovered the secret to running. Basically it involves pride and stealing.
(Former) roadblocks to running:
- I don’t pace myself.
- I hate the feeling of not being a regular.
- I quit easily.
- My feet hurt.
- I lack a strong motivation.
Trick to triumph:
- Borrow your mother’s 2006 Hartford Half-Marathon shirt, and don’t give it back, and then wear it when you run.
This is working for me. I’m aware that I did not run a half-marathon, but I am happy to let the people that I pass in the park think that I did. Those words on “my” shirt allow me to run at my own speed, for my own distance and in the location of my choice (now that I have a long-sleeves option). I can think to myself about how the people I’m passing just might think that I’m training for my next marathon when really I’m only training for my first mile. While long past the insecurities of high school, I am still quite capable of utilizing the judgments of others to the advantage of my own motivations: I realize that not a soul in Memorial Park except for me is noticing or caring about my run, but it’s a pride thing; I’m more likely to just keep running a little further if I tell myself that the people around me are expecting me to keep running a lot further. I like to comply with positive expectations. Also, running on a gravel trail is so. much. easier. than running on concrete. It felt like heaven to my feet. With my shirt, I feel like I belong on that 2.5 mile gravel trail instead of on the 1/4 mile concrete loop in front of our house. I’ve been on my own version of runner’s high ever since and I’m excited to go back tonight, excited to push myself a little harder and break through and on to my second mile, and on to my thirteenth.
Because really, the whole reason for running is so that I can tell Trevor I need another plane ticket for next October. I’d never ever stick with training if it were for any other marathon… but Hartford? Here I come.
Comments (10)
Hey, I love your thoughts on running. The shirt is truly the key. I just stuck my three medals on my treadmill, not to be braggy, but to serve as a reminder that I did it, that I can do it, and that I will do it again. You, my lady, have joined the runners club and are ready to embark upon an adventure of a lifetime. Keep wearing your shirt with pride and keep clocking those miles … one at a time!
Tammy | October 29th, 2008, 3:26 pm
Love it. Well done in stealing, running, and writing to tell about it.
Amy Coons | October 29th, 2008, 8:48 pm
Good for you! I still have yet to find that BIG motivation to run…especially as it gets colder outside. Maybe what I need is a shirt!
Megan T. | October 29th, 2008, 9:15 pm
Thanks friends. I did run my one mile today, yay! It’s only the second time in my life I’ve run the whole thing and Trevor says the first time doesn’t count because it wasn’t the beginning of moving on to bigger miles. I run slow, but I have a marathon shirt, and I run! I felt fabulous after. If I didn’t have arthritis in my knees (I swear I do, and it’s not so far-fetched since at least 2 young relateds do, namely my brother and my cousin) I would have kept going. I even came home and cooked dinner, and my mom will tell you that is something.
Yes get a shirt!
admin | October 29th, 2008, 10:28 pm
Um, that Admin should say Kaylene. I need to change that I guess.
admin | October 29th, 2008, 10:29 pm
Hurray! You’re running. I knew you could do it! I’m SO glad I let you steal my shirt.
Mom | October 30th, 2008, 4:30 am
congrats on the running!!! yes, i agree trails are much better; i don’t do well on concrete myself. thanks for the reminder that you had changed sites; i forgot. i did see the pics on your facebook from your trip. looks like you guys had fun and were lovin’ the new england fall. look forward to seeing you next year.
april | October 30th, 2008, 8:05 am
Yay for running! You know me… I support all running endeavors. You are my hero and my inspiration now because I haven’t been running like I should and you just inspired me!
Cameo | November 1st, 2008, 12:11 pm
hahahaha! I do the same thing… except I wear a Marine Corps shirt that Josh gave me. And I wouldn’t want the people passing me to think I’m a wimpy Marine :) I’m proud of you! We should run together. Oh wait… you live too far away!
Meredith | November 2nd, 2008, 4:02 pm
I need to find me one of those shirts!! I miss you and love you!
Laura Jean | November 2nd, 2008, 4:45 pm
What do you think?