I was 45 lbs heavier last May than I am right now. It CAN be done. I promise that you can do this
Hi Rhonda!
This is a lot all at once, and I hope I don't overwhelm you. Just know that people here are SUPER supportive and you can lean on them when you need to.
I would say just stick with your training plans, sign up to do a few races (5k's and a 10k) prior to the Princess, and know that you CAN do this.
Running other races prior will give you confidence that you can do it, and also get you used to how races run in general. I'd recommend that your 10k be as close to the deadine for online submission OR you can bring proof of your time to the Expo. The reason I say this is- regardless of what time you give them- you'll get a better corral placement and that means less of a chance of being swept.
I would also say- try not to get anxiety over any of it. You're running this race against yourself and no one else. Just keep up with your training- you'll have good, bad, and ugly training days. Everyone does. The key is in the consistency.
Another tip- While you want to definitely push yourself to get better- always err on the side of safety and keeping yourself injury-free. Again- finishing is what the goal should be. However, I will say that after doing many 5k's and a 10k in the past months, starting was way harder for me than finishing. So, just know that by starting-- you've conquered the hardest part!!
FYI- I started running in August and am running the PHM this year. On my first practice run, I ran 1/4 of a mile at a nearby park, freaked myself out because there were other people there, and got into the car and left. The key is- I got back out there a couple of days later. Don't be scared and if you ever feel like you can't do this- just know that all of us have these thoughts and feelings. You just need to push that aside, get out there, and do your best.
In the beginning, I was hoping to make it with a 15 min mile. I'm down to a 12 min mile now
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I'm lurking here as well! I have wanted to do the Princess for 2 years now and 2014 WILL be the year I do it! I ran my first 5K back in October but I have plantar fasciitis in my feet, so I have to build up slowly so I can hopefully get to 13.1! Slow and steady, right?!!
The first time I started running, quite a few years ago, I did C25K, it's a FANTASTIC program and you won't believe how you can run when you are done!
Hi Rhonda!
This is a lot all at once, and I hope I don't overwhelm you. Just know that people here are SUPER supportive and you can lean on them when you need to.
I would say just stick with your training plans, sign up to do a few races (5k's and a 10k) prior to the Princess, and know that you CAN do this.
Running other races prior will give you confidence that you can do it, and also get you used to how races run in general. I'd recommend that your 10k be as close to the deadine for online submission OR you can bring proof of your time to the Expo. The reason I say this is- regardless of what time you give them- you'll get a better corral placement and that means less of a chance of being swept.
I would also say- try not to get anxiety over any of it. You're running this race against yourself and no one else. Just keep up with your training- you'll have good, bad, and ugly training days. Everyone does. The key is in the consistency.
Another tip- While you want to definitely push yourself to get better- always err on the side of safety and keeping yourself injury-free. Again- finishing is what the goal should be. However, I will say that after doing many 5k's and a 10k in the past months, starting was way harder for me than finishing. So, just know that by starting-- you've conquered the hardest part!!
FYI- I started running in August and am running the PHM this year. On my first practice run, I ran 1/4 of a mile at a nearby park, freaked myself out because there were other people there, and got into the car and left. The key is- I got back out there a couple of days later. Don't be scared and if you ever feel like you can't do this- just know that all of us have these thoughts and feelings. You just need to push that aside, get out there, and do your best.
In the beginning, I was hoping to make it with a 15 min mile. I'm down to a 12 min mile now
However, I am able to do this race. Yesterday, I completed 12.5 miles. Yay!!! The thing that really helped me was I found an "official" thread here on the boards and really go to know the ladies in there. And then, they created a Facebook group. We support and laugh together so much. Don't get me wrong, I do have support here at home from my family and friends, but it is so much more different when you have someone pushing you to do the same miles they are doing. Or, if you experieince something different, you can go there and figure it all out. It is quite amazing what your body can do (overweight or not) if you just work up to it. Oh, and I made a tutu to run in for this race...never thought I'd do that. ;-)
