The Last New Distance

Today I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew I needed to long run, but I was alone and I wasn’t sure I felt like running for 2 hours by myself. It’s weird now. I started this training so unsure of whether or not I would be able to run 13.1 miles, and now I know that I can. I knew I wanted to get up to 12 for good measure, but I knew when I hit 10 that I could do this. So today I told myself that I had choices (which I suck at making). I could run anywhere from 8-12 miles. I was pretty sure I would end up doing 8, but I was smart and packed 2 Gu packets just in case. At mile 4.5, I decided I was over it and I was going to turn around and make it 9. Then somewhere around mile 6, I had a little chat inside my head that went something like this:

“What the hell, Ari? Stop being a little bitch and just freaking do it.”

I know tough love doesn’t work for everyone, but it often works on me, and today was no exception. So I changed my route up a little, took some detours and made it happen. At about mile 8.5 I got mad at myself and was like “Mother dicker, if I had just done 9 like I thought, I’d be almost home by now!!! My legs hurt!! My feet hurt!!! Waaaaahhhh!” Too bed self, too bad.

I realllly wanted to try to make it happen in sub 2 hours.

That’s okay. <2:01:00 is still pretty good. What I want to know is how do people run the entire half in less than that?! I see people all the time with their sub 2 half marathons, and I am amazed. One day, Ari. One day.

My splits were pretty even. The days of negative splits on long runs are a little behind me at this point, but negative splitting 6 miles is a lot different than 12, so I just have to be okay with that. Plus, my first race needs to be about tackling the distance. Speed will come. I’m a little impatient in case you couldn’t tell 😉

• Mile 1–10:19
• Mile 2–10:45 <–what the hell, body? I do not like you, mile 2.
• Mile 3–10:23
• Mile 4–10:04
• Mile 5–9:55
• Mile 6–9:48
• Mile 7–10:01
• Mile 8–9:59
• Mile 9–9:50
• Mile 10–10:01
• Mile 11–9:53
• Mile 12–9:11<–at least I finished strong!

Average pace 10:01. Not too shabby for me. I took my Gu at mile 5 and mile 9. PS, the mint chocolate Gu is really really good. In fact, Gu is kind of growing on me now that I’m using to the weird texture.

I also like to check my calorie burn just for fun. 1492. Thanks for that added perk, running. I would do it anyway because I like it, but as a person who still wants to lose weight and really likes food, I can’t pretend this part isn’t awesome.

There is always a place near the end of a long run that everything comes into perspective. Usually a great song comes on my ipod, I start to feel pumped, and I just run with this huge stupid grin on my face. I feel happy and powerful and like I really can do anything I set my mind to. Other goals in my life seem less out of reach, as cheesy as that sounds. It’s easy to forget when I want to sit around the house and be lazy. And half way through when I’m tired and want to be done. But, honestly, there is nothing more fulfilling than accomplishing things you never thought you could do. I don’t often feel very proud of myself, but the last 3 months (is that it?!) have been very different. That right there is reason enough to keep going!

And now I want to say to you, yes you! You can do anything you put your mind to. Whether its fitness or career or family, there is NOTHING you can’t do. If you have a goal, go freaking after it! Stop waiting. Stop making excuses. And for the love of God, stop letting the obstacles that life brings you get in your way. Face them. Crush them! Then tell me about your success. I will be your personal cheerleader! 🙂