Sunday, July 29, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
When running became serious...
So here's how it all went down. About three years ago my sister-in-law, Mandi, said "Laurel, I think we should run the Key West Half Marathon.". I thought there is no way in hell I could run that far. I am barely running three miles at most right now. Anyway, I said I would do it because I was excited for the challenge. I have twins about to turn two at this point and feel like my entire life has come to a screeching halt to take care of them. I immediately started to look for a good training program and felt so excited to have something to shoot for that didn't involve diaper changes and building blocks. Not that I don't love my kids but as any mother knows we all need a little time to ourselves.
So I found a schedule that would work for me and my busy schedule being a working mom and wife to a somewhat needy husband. Fortunately, he is very supportive of this new adventure of mine. I signed up for my first race, a 5k, and that's when the training officially began. My first run is a 5k and I thought I have to do this in under 30 minutes for whatever reason. I did it in 27! I thought I've got this!
As the training continued and the miles started piling so did my confidence. It is totally amazing how quickly your body can adapt to new things. I went from running three miles max to seven miles no problem in a matter of six weeks. I knew at this point that a half marathon was something that I could do! Each Sunday became me time. I had my hour to hour and half to run all by myself. No babies, no husband asking for something, no tv, phone or anything but me and my thoughts. An amazing feeling, something I would have never appreciated prior to kids.
So the day finally arrives after 12 weeks of training, my first half marathon. The anxiety sets in and I can't believe its here! I set out before the sun rises and drive to Key West. I get there and cant find a parking spot! Oh no! Its about 5 minutes to the start. I finally find a narrow spot to park my car and run to the start and in about 30 seconds I hear the gun fire! In a way I am glad that I didn't get there too soon and didn't have too much time to think about things. So I have no choice but to run. I figured I am in this for at least two hours, might as well make the best of it. At mile four I thought I need to walk and I saw all the other runners around me and there is no way I am walking! At that point I felt on top of the world by mile 10 I was in a sprint to the finish. At least a sprint for me! I ended the race in two hours and two minutes. I was on such an emotional high, when I saw my husband and kids tears started flying out of my face! Thank you Mandi for motivating me to accomplish such a huge task and being there for me! Its at that point that running became more serious and a way of life for me.
So I found a schedule that would work for me and my busy schedule being a working mom and wife to a somewhat needy husband. Fortunately, he is very supportive of this new adventure of mine. I signed up for my first race, a 5k, and that's when the training officially began. My first run is a 5k and I thought I have to do this in under 30 minutes for whatever reason. I did it in 27! I thought I've got this!
As the training continued and the miles started piling so did my confidence. It is totally amazing how quickly your body can adapt to new things. I went from running three miles max to seven miles no problem in a matter of six weeks. I knew at this point that a half marathon was something that I could do! Each Sunday became me time. I had my hour to hour and half to run all by myself. No babies, no husband asking for something, no tv, phone or anything but me and my thoughts. An amazing feeling, something I would have never appreciated prior to kids.
So the day finally arrives after 12 weeks of training, my first half marathon. The anxiety sets in and I can't believe its here! I set out before the sun rises and drive to Key West. I get there and cant find a parking spot! Oh no! Its about 5 minutes to the start. I finally find a narrow spot to park my car and run to the start and in about 30 seconds I hear the gun fire! In a way I am glad that I didn't get there too soon and didn't have too much time to think about things. So I have no choice but to run. I figured I am in this for at least two hours, might as well make the best of it. At mile four I thought I need to walk and I saw all the other runners around me and there is no way I am walking! At that point I felt on top of the world by mile 10 I was in a sprint to the finish. At least a sprint for me! I ended the race in two hours and two minutes. I was on such an emotional high, when I saw my husband and kids tears started flying out of my face! Thank you Mandi for motivating me to accomplish such a huge task and being there for me! Its at that point that running became more serious and a way of life for me.
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