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Lately, I've been pretty conflicted about my goal of training to walk a half marathon. I have yet to actually register for the half marathon. I'm afraid of the 16 minute per mile minimum that is required. ...
Aug 16Posted by LydiaLately, I’ve been pretty conflicted about my goal of training to walk a half marathon. I have yet to actually register for the half marathon. I’m afraid of the 16 minute per mile minimum that is required. So far, I have yet to ever break that minimum in my walks. I might break it for one mile, but never for the average of the entire walk.
I’ve contemplated dropping the half marathon as a goal and substituting running a 5k. The transition from walking to running was going to be the next step after the half marathon. My logic was that I needed to build some endurance and confidence. Walking is a great way to do that. When I originally thought this through, I figured that training to walk the half marathon would allow me to drop some weight, as well. That would make it easier on my joints when I transitioned to running.
I’m in a pretty good routine of doing training walks three times a week. This could easily be shifted into a schedule for the Couch to 5K program.
There are 11 weeks between this week and the half marathon week. There just happens to be an awesome 5K race in my town the same weekend as the half marathon. In fact, the route of that race is my normal 3 mile walking route. I know it like the back of my hand.
The logistics of the local race would be SO MUCH easier than the half marathon. I mean, I can easily walk to the starting line. There’s no crazy in-person day-before packet pickup 60 miles away from home.
I’m large. Can my body handle trying to run? I see people like Emily at Big Life, Little Blog report about their life as a runner, but I still doubt myself. The answer to this is that I shouldn’t, right?
Doing a local race means there are a ton of people that I would know at the race. That means they’d see me struggling. I have a hard time with this, and it’s all wrapped up in my fear of running. The answer to this is that I should just get over it, right?
I think you are absolutely capable of running at 5K. The C25K program is a really great one, and you’re already in the habit of making exercise part of your routine. I think you’ll feel SO accomplished after you complete it (I know I was SO proud after my first 5K, even though I basically jogged it at a 14 min/mile pace) and believe me, not a single person out on that race course will be looking at you and thinking about you “struggling.” They will be commending you on the effort you’re making, and the steps towards proving you’re literally shedding your old life.
Gretchen, you’re awesome! Thank you for the confidence boost. I think I’ve already convinced myself to make the switch, but I need some swift kicks in the pants. Thanks for providing one.
Gretchen, you're awesome! Thank you for the confidence boost. I think I've already convinced myself Gretchen @ Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!
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