Need courage to restart!

[Sandy321]

I cant believe I'm posting this.

But the truth is I am afraid to start! I did the Half in '08 - and all in all it was a good experience, except I was afraid I'd be swept (I wasnt) and I didnt think I could get beyond mile marker 11 (I did) but I didnt get a medal at the finish line - and I didnt finish in Disney Math time (3 hours and 30 min from the start - not from when I crossed the start line )

I have never liked running - not even when I was "fit" in college (they duped me in taking a class Winter quarter that turned out to be all running - I can still remember the hate I had for that class!)

In '08 I started with C25K - and scheduled 2 5K's - I have nothing like that now because I dont think I can. nothing interests me.

The last time I went out running on my regular route ( either a 2 mile or 3 mile depending on taking a right or left - or 5 mile if I loop both) in the park - I had a mild panic attack - and I havent been out there since! We joined the YMCA - but I had a vertigo attack while doing the treadmill - so I havent been back...

I am committed to doing the Half in '10 - but I'm really frozen in fear! I cant explain it! I have a very kind dh who is training for the Goofy - he has offered to just walk with him - but there is always an excuse for me - its too hot, its too late, its too close to dinner, too close after dinner... lots of whines...

This cant be normal! Every day I say "tomorrow I'll just go for a 1 mile walk" and I have done that - but its not training, its not enough!

How about some ipod inspiration? I havent changed up my ipod since '07! What songs give you courage?

 

[wdw4us]

There are a lot of us here that fall off the walking/running wagon. Once you start, you'll be fine. I have not trained that much since the 1/2 in January but I do some miles and find that once I start I feel so much better.

I don't run, I power walk. Try going out for a walk with your ipod, get some 80's music, check Itunes for that. I did the 1/2 in 3:12 this year and had a great time. I was well trained and not sore at all. My way was to walk my route and then shave of some time. I did a 3 mile route then we added a mile to the route. Wow I was tired, but once I got used to that then I cut the time again. Then we added another mile - and again cut the time. So I was building leg muscles - strength and endurance. Finally 2 weeks before the 1/2 we did 8 miles 4 at a good pace and 4 at a face pace - all street routes - hard to do in January but the weather was with us. Got back home, showered and felt fine. I knew - metally I was ready for the 1/2 way better that I was in 08.

The first year I did the 1/2 I printed out a copy of the route in a small version and taped it to my monitor at work so I could visualize the route all the time. It really broke it down for me. All little mental helps. It's mind over matter in a lot of instances and once you get the mental help, your feet and strong legs will carry you too.

Good Luck.

denise

 

[luvdiz2]

I did the 2005 and 2006 half marathon and swore I would never do it again. I was so sore and tire in 2006 I was nearly in tears.

So last year I decided it was time to do it again - but the half was full, so I entered the full marathon. Now keep in mind I HATE running as well and walked the whole thing. It took me 7 hours 19 minutes and 15 seconds - the cut off time for an official time was 7 hours 14 minutes. I got a medal, but not an official time. Did this discourage me - yes, for a time. But I'm back on the wagon and going back to cut the time off to an official time!

Don't be discouraged - you can do it. Maybe less pressure, don't train for anything, just walk for exercise and feeling better. When you have done that for a time, then make decisions, you will be half way there by that point!

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hi Sandy!!

Do you have a particular training plan that you follow? I've found that if I have a scheduled program it is easier to get the steps in. I'm a walker and I use John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals plan. It really helps me to have it all laid out ahead of time, maybe it would help you too. I've doing Goofy this time around and I've tweeked the MfM full plan. I already have it printed out and taped to my kitchen cupboard waiting for the official first day of training Aug 24th. I also keep a spreadsheet at work and every morning I record the time/miles that I did the night before. I need the accountability to stay on track and I only look at what I need to do for that particular day. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed! You can do this!

 

[groovygirls]

Sandy- I have this posted on my fridge so I can see it everyday:

Lance Armstrong: "Quit? You know once I was thinking about quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung, and testicular cancer all at the same time but with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I'm sure you have a good reason to quit."

Think about running for a charity- there are so many things out there that are far harder and bigger then what I feel I have to go thru on a daily basis. I usually run Alzheimers Association. My dad has Alzheimers and I can't think of anyone it has not affected. The group is gratefully for any support it gets. It made me determined to get over myself and train/finish the Marine Corp Marathon despite an injury I am still dealing with today.

I am sure you can find one- animal shelters, cancer groups, any thing that is near and dear to you. It makes it a little harder to say- no I am just not into it today. This really helped me. Hopefully you too but just a suggestion!

 

[Steffwalks]

I had to take time off because of rotator cuff surgery. It was really hard after all the pain meds and rehab and everything to get back going again. But, here's how the conversation went in my head!

I will just put on the tech clothes. Well heck, now that I am dressed for it, might as well go outside, but I will come back in if the weather is really, really terrible. Hmmm, not so bad...since I am dressed. might as well do a 5 minute warm up and see how I feel then. Well that wasn't so bad, might as well go for 15 min. at least I will have done SOMETHING for 20 minutes today and if it's just too much for this first day, I can quit then. And then, 45 minutes later, I go home.

 

[aldisneygrl]

Ok Sandy, this is your good friend here!! Now you know you can do it because you have done it in the past. I trained for my first half in twelve weeks, and all I did was the long runs on the weekends. Probably not the best way to train, but I finished and wasn't dead at the end. If I can do it, you can too.

You know you need to take it one mile at a time. I agree that a schedule will help you. Knowing my long run lengths made me get out there and run them on the weekends. You need to take it as time for yourself. You've had a long hard year, and you need some time to take care of YOU now.

In last months Runners World they had a 10 week schedule for first time half marathoners. It might be worth checking in to. I can type it up and email it to you, if you want. Just let me know.

You will have a great time, and you have a very supportive DH who will help you along the way. Oh, and I will be there with you in spirit.

Hey and if you have a bad run, feel free to call me.....I owe ya' one.

 

[wtpclc]

Sandy - Have you read Mfm? how about reading it again. SO inspirationsl! What about going through Pix from 07? As for iPod songs, my all time favve is Get Up from the Ice Princess sound track. Also, ROcky and CHariots of Fire.
The Climg by Miley CIrus
Happy Feet & Movin RIght Along - Muppets
Top Gun ANthem
My new one for WDW races - Celebrate You. Available fre eon their website if you Google it.

HTH! The best thing is just to get out there and get over it. In 2007, I had a nasty fall from teh TM (OK, the falling wasn't bad, the trying to et back on was). I had the world's worst TM fear for a very long time. I had to train for Minnie, though, os I just sucked it up. FInd a local race that you can be ready for if you start now adn make that your motivation.

 

[wtpclc]

PS - Look at the title of your racec reprt. ;-) Have you re-read that?

 

[wtpclc]

PS #2 - Give yourself teh 10 min rule. Promise that you will go out for just 10 min. If you're feeling awful, turn around and come back at whaterver leisurely aapce you want. Most of the time, at 10 min, things will seem better and you will keep going. Oh, and i'll see you in 2 weeks. If you haven't gotten your hiney in gear by the, there'll be heck to pay.

 

[Sandy321]

Day 1

30 min -

I had angst last night, instead of tossing and turning - I got up - and must've felt Carrie in my brain!! I did reread MfM - and Galloway!

One day at a time - Thanks for the advice and encouragement!!

2 weeks Carrie!! OK - I have that goal!!

 

[yoopermom]

Allie,
With a little searching, I think this is a link to the training schedule you mentioned...
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--13246-2-1X2X3X4X5X6-7,00.html

OP, if it makes you feel any better, I did a mile on the Y's treadmill yesterday for the first time in longer than I'd care to admit. Yeah, I was huffing/puffing at the end, and it took me "forever", but at least I did it! You can, too!

Good luck!
Terri

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I recently read something that said to change my "shoulds" to "wants" Shoulds are obligations while wants are more positive.

There is definately a mental difference between saying I should go for a walk later" and "I want to go for a walk later".

 

[WDWFAN9]

I recently read something that said to change my "shoulds" to "wants" Shoulds are obligations while wants are more positive.

There is definately a mental difference between saying I should go for a walk later" and "I want to go for a walk later".

Excellent! I am going to keep this in mind!!

 

[Sandy321]

I recently read something that said to change my "shoulds" to "wants" Shoulds are obligations while wants are more positive.

There is definately a mental difference between saying I should go for a walk later" and "I want to go for a walk later".

Perfect! Thank you -

I want to go to the Y and get some cross training in!!

 

[wtpclc]

Great job Sandy! Keep it up!!!!

 

[deekaypee]

WTG, Sandy! I just love that you had the courage to post this--something I'm sure all of us feel at one point or another.

I don't have any words of wisdom. Like others, I really rely on a schedule to keep me going. Without one, I can find too many excuses to skip or short a training session (especially the XT you're so motivated to do ). So I love that advice, as well as turning the shoulds into want tos. Great stuff.

And, of course, WISH. I turn to the boards, the photos and videos that pop up here and on FB (if you're there), as motivation. You can count on us to support you throughout your training, too!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Sandy! I'm so glad to know you are taking the steps one after another! You can do it and I am happy that you are!

Yay for you!

 

[Sandy321]

from John Bingham:

Plan your runs on the basis of time rather than distance. Plan to get out of the house for a certain amount of time. Forget how far you go. Forget how fast you go. Just get out the door and stay out. For many people, twenty minutes of activity is a good place to begin. That does not mean running for twenty minutes. It means staying on your feet moving forward for twenty minutes. If you can run, run. If you can walk, walk. Do whatever you can, but keep moving forward. If it gets too hard, slow down.

believe it or not - this is my downfall!! I obsess about distance and time! So I havent been getting out of the house -

I know I've been doing everything wrong!! The only thing right I'm doing is admitting I have a problem!!

and I respect the WISH team!! Thanks for the words of wisdom - the words of encouragement!!

I posted to admit I have a problem - to face it, and also I hope it may help another!!

I did 45 min of cross training today - Its funny that I know what to do when I get behind a machine - or on the exercise ball - or grab a couple of 5# weights - its just finding the courage to start!!

(and I really perspired too!! )

so I have a schedule (thanks team!!) and I'm going to stick to it - tomorrow I'm going out for a "wog"!

 

[WDWFAN9]

WTG Sandy!