I’m pretty good at making excuses for things I don’t want to do. “I’m tired” is my go-to but I can get elaborate if needed. This is not something to be proud of and is reason #23456 I’m not perfect. But, continuing the trend of this summer, I’m deciding to leave my comfort zone and say YES to things I would normally make excuses for. Up next? Running. Marathon running, specifically.
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For my ripe old age of 20, I have some pretty good experience when it comes to running races. 5ks, 10ks, 15ks, half and full marathons, and a few other oddball distances. However, I don’t have much experience racing races, minus the dread cross-country days which we do not speak of. Let me explain…
I only formally trained for my first half marathon and my two full’s, the rest I ran off my base, peanut butter and prayers. Kidding. All three times my goal during training was to successfully finish the race. I didn’t care about really speed and never went out of my way to do extra work (hills, tempo, stretching, foam rolling, etc.). I trained to cross the finish line in one-piece. Don’t get me wrong, that is an AWESOME goal, and running any race is an accomplishment. But I know I could give a little more than I have been for the last five years.
This go-around, I want to try.
Like I mentioned last week, I have hesitations about training (hard) for a race:
-I’m 20 years old and “too young” to be running long distance anyway, right?
-I’m worried about getting injured. It seems like people who run for speed always end up hurt.
-I have so many years ahead of me to “train.”
-If I tell people (you guys) that I’m training, I feel like I have to follow through with every workout. What if I get lazy or don’t hit the speeds/mileage? I don’t want to feel like I’m running for someone else. Make sense?
-Running 26.2 mile is hard enough, why make it harder?
-What if I honestly feel tired?
-I don’t want to feel like I failed.
These are all excuses and my way of cowardly avoiding the unknown. There will never be a perfect time to leave my comfort zone but good things happen when I do…in running and life. No, running isn’t “life” and there are plenty of other places in my life for growth, but why not add this to the list? As someone who tends to set safe goals in fear of disappointment, this is a big change from my normal. I don’t have a time goal yet but a PR (sub 4 hours) is in the back of my mind (isn’t it in everyone’s?). Who knows what will happen but it’s worse to not try.
Running is hard, regardless of speed or distance, so this will be an experimental training season for me. Good thing I have this little blog to keep track of my journey.
This is something I can definitely relate to! I used to run competitively when I was younger and I definitely was afraid of putting my all into races for fear of failing or getting injured, I always felt I had a lot more to give. I think it’s great that you’ve decided to challenge yourself more and it will definitely make you an even stronger person:)
My go-to excuse has always been that I don’t have enough free time, which is such a silly one because i’m a believer that if something is important enough you HAVE to make time. Now i’ve tried combating that by freeing up my schedule a lot more and being open to new experiences:) The last goal I set was to say yes to more things and i’m loving how it’s going so far haha
Have a wonderful day xo
I often say “I don’t have time” too but I COMPLETELY agree with you…if something is important you can always always make time. Love that you’re saying yes to things too! Seems to be a good summer for us :)
My excuse is also “tired” or “no time”. Some of that is valid but they also never stop me from doing OTHER things that I manage to fit in. So I totally relate! Also reminds me I have to get my training plan going. Guess I just haven’t had time ;)
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“No time” is another classic. And normally I have more than enough time to do stuff, which is ironic. Excited to follow along with your training! Slightly jealous you’re running NYC :)
Excuses are easy. I think it’s awesome you are going to train. Make a plan that works for you and don’t think it’s all about super high mileage (a huge increase in running quickly can increase the chance of injuries!). You’ve got this. I spend most of my races besides the fulls relying on my “base, peanut butter, and prayers” too lol!
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My mileage peaks at 40, which is perfect for me! I’m most worried about the actual workouts. Thanks for your support! Always love reading about your training too.
Oh gosh I am such an excuse maker. I can definitely relate. But good for you for taking a stand against your excuses haha! But I totally know what you mean about feeling like you have to be perfect or being afraid that if you openly commit to something, then you feel locked in about sharing updates and such. Don’t let that get to you, do your thing, you’re human :) (a badass one at that!)
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Right back at ya, girl (can’t wait to work out with you in Tampa btw).
I really look forward to watching you along this marathon training cycle! It can definitely be hard to overcome those excuses and really work towards what you want, but I think having a goal in mind and sticking to it will help, and remembering that we are all human and make mistakes along the way is important too. It will never be perfect, but working hard and putting the time in is an accomplishment in itself.
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So true. Dedicating time and effort is reason enough to be proud.
I know exactly how you’re feeling and what you’re going through! I’m at that point in my life as well. I’ve set goals in past races but never followed through, and by the time I get to the start line all I want to do is finish. That’s one reason why I started a blog- to be accountable and actually reach my potential. Good luck to you and can’t wait to follow along!
That’s how it’s been with my other marathons. Regardless of if I felt confident or not, I just wanted to cross the finish line in one piece. Time went out the window. Having a blog is coming quite in handy :)
I’m all about the “but I’m so tired after a long day of work” excuse. I usually try to remind myself how good I’ll feel AFTER my workout, and how disappointed I’ll be if I don’t get it in. Hence, being a morning running. Last goal I set was to qualify for Boston. I have a new lofty goal in mind for NYC but I haven’t really put it out there since I’m pretty nervous about whether or not I can achieve it! Hope you have a fabulous day and I know you will absolutely crush your next goal!
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I’m ALL about morning workouts because I barely have energy to do anything but eat at the end of the day. I’m honestly so inspired by you and your running/goal-setting. Wish we could run some together! Although it’d be more like me chasing hundreds of yards behind you haha ;)
I could go on and on about this topic. For me, I feel like I’m in the opposite situation where I spent so many years of my life training to hit certain times, achieve goals and expectations placed on me by others (and myself), and dedicate my life to sports. Now I just want to run to have a good time. I’m not even planning on “training” for my marathon because I’m so afraid of burnout/getting hurt. But I also see where you’re coming from with wanting to race and after I complete my first full injury-free (fingers crossed) I’ll probably want to throw some speed in there too to see what I’m capable of.
I think you can find a happy balance where you’re training to race, but also enjoying the journey!
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If I wasn’t 5 years out of cross country I probably would have a different mindset. It took my a while to get past the running for a goal and “killing myself,” as I like to refer to those fond years. That’s one of the reasons I haven’t been so keen on setting “actual” goals in a long time. I hate the unnecessary pressure so I’m curious to see if my I feel that this time. Enjoying the journey is my main goal. That and not getting hurt, of course :)
Oh I definitely have similar feelings to “goals” as you do! I feel that they sometimes set me up for failure. I honestly don’t really set “goals” anymore, but rather just give it my best and honestly sometimes just see what happens. It puts extra stress on me that I don’t need. But that is just me.
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No, I’m totally with you. 9/10 times I’m afraid of setting “SMART” goal in fear of failure and stress. I’m not sure what’s to come with this but I feel like I want to give a little more than I have been.
Totally! I’ve made excuses for things so many times (like starting to run in the first place!) It can be hard to kick that mindset out and finally do it, but then once you start and then complete it….o man….it feels so good!
You can totally RACE! Omg! You are an amazing athlete and runner, no fears! I will route and support you through it all dear! GO FOR IT! XOXO
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Tuna Thai Red Curry
So nice of you to say! I’m definitely nervous but I know I’ll be happy that I pushed my limits this time.
You’re 20, and you have already run 2 FULL marathons?! You are amazing! I cannot wait to see you kill this new goal that you will have set out for yourself! I am over here in So-Cal rooting for you!
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*Blushing.* Yeah I’m not super fast but I like having this discipline and working toward a goal, regardless of it’s a time goal or a “crossing the finish line” goal.
I think it’s awesome you’re going to set a goal for yourself for this marathon! I totally relate to imposing a lot of pressure on yourself. I find having a back-up plan can be really useful and help calm my fears, ie if the pace is truly too fast or I get a minor injury, this is what I will do to continue my training differently. By knowing what I will do if I “fail,” I’m more likely to try harder.
I ran track in seventh grade and said never again (for a lot of reasons). But when I came to running as an adult it was so refreshing to be able to be in charge of my own running! I’m honestly glad I didn’t run in high school!
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Thanks, Rebecca! Great idea- I definitely want to come up with a back-up plan of sorts. Especially because I don’t know what to expect, it’s always reassuring to know I’m not “stuck.” After all, it’s me in control :)
I’ve so been there and I’m sure I’ll be there in the future. I am an EXCELLENT excuse maker and an equally strong excuse hater. However that makes for a cocktail of total satisfaction when I finally do the thing I’ve been afraid of/putting off.
Excited for your training! I know you’ll tackle it with your comfort zone bustin skillz.
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Yes, I’m equally an excuse maker and hater. Not the best combo. You’re the best for being so supportive :)
Good for you for overcoming the excuses! I’ve done half marathons and while I stay on track while formally training, with no major races coming up I’m always full of excuses not to run!
The weather is another go-to excuse for me. Too cold, too hot, raining…I could continue ;)
well ive got a lot of excuses but the ones on your list are good…and i never thought of putting out there and then being afraid to fail as being an excuse but i totally see that ! for running im still in the finish and dont worry to much about time/enjoy the experience stage and because that brings me the most joy and least disappointment i am still going with it but i do totally train. and i pay attention to my times but am not super all over myself i dont meet them. i just sorta log the miles and here and there try to push myself with some speed. when i try to speed it up to much to fast i do seem to get small injuries and that totally scares me ! im a pretty slow runner by most standards (closer to 10min mile ish depending on distance) and the excuse i use for that is my short legs. im only 5’2. my BF an i ran the other day and for just 1 minute counted our steps as we covered the same distance. i logged more than 30 steps MORE than him. in just 1 minute ! so for me…that validated my excuse of short legs make you work harder :)