Running toward my next half marathon – or not
By Pink Panther on Jun 12, 2009 with Comments 10
About a month ago I said that I was going to start to train for a half marathon because when I reached the finish line in my first half they did not issue any medals. Now it isn’t supposed to be about the medal, right?…well what a load of – okay it is ABSOLUTELY about the medal! Don’t get me wrong. I am very proud of myself that I did finish my first half and how I trained for it. But I really do want that medal and darn it I deserve it, right?
Well, I’m unhappy to say that so far this time around I haven’t done any training for my planned half marathon. None. It seems that every time I go to train something happens like I get a cold or my back is sore or my neck is sore. I have even used the excuse that I am too tired!!! What’s with that? I have said that I want to do this, and I shall. I have been going to the gym and pumping iron LOL. What I do need to do is join a running group and train properly.
So you ladies out there as my witnesses. I shall do a half marathon by the end of next year!! I shall keep you updated when I start my running course and probably all my aches and pains 
Filed Under: Pink Panther
This is my favorite blog. Its about running my first half maratahon, why I ran it, and how it felt when I was done.
http://anb77.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-do-i-run.html
THE MEDALS ABSOLUTELY MATTER—It’s your way of showing the rest of the world you did it! I gave my medal to my dad who is running his own marathon of sorts–fighting terminal lung cancer with chemo that is its own kind of torture.
As for training, we just got a circle of friends together and agreed to run every Saturday morning at 7am. We set different distances each week and that was enough…we trained for four months. The actual run was tough, but we did it! Now, we’re training for a triathlon together. Crazy!
Medals are awesome. I keep all my bib #’s on a designated bulletin board too. Somehow, it gives me a little motivation when I need an extra kick in the pants to train.
THANK YOU so much ladies for all your wonderful advice and support. I am going to start to train in July, I am so excited!!!!!
I agree sign up for the race and just do it… make sure they award a medal though! I love the half, it is my favorite distance race and it is my favorite to train for. I always figure if I’m going to wake up at 5 am to do something it better be worth it. I don’t get outta bed early for a 5k LOL
“Medals Matter”. you go girl. I ran a marathon last year to celebrate my 50th birthday. I trained with the most amazing bunch of women. I learnd “if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.” Those ladies really pulled me through. And as for the last 2 miles of a marathon – well, only one good reason to finish – the medal.
You know you can do it. And it feel good when you actually do it despite the feeling before hand. Somebody said to me the other day that the hardest part of the run is often the journey from the sofa to the front door. How true that is.
Good Luck.
Kim
You need to sign up for a race first, then start training! That’s how you’ll get motivated. Have you thought about doing a 10K in the summer or fall to get your training going?
I’m doing a half in October (Nike Women’s in San Francisco), and as a warm-up I’m doing a 10-miler here in Toronto in July. That’s 16K, and so far I’m up to 12 in my training, so I’m getting there… but if I didn’t have the races to look forward to, I don’t think I’d be getting out as much!
can’t wait to hear about your training! I’m still trying to get myself in shape for a 5k…I havn’t found one to sign up for yet, but I’m hoping to find one sometime in September or October to run in.
You can do it! I’m in training for my first half-mary taking place on August 2nd. And yes, it’s all about the bling bling!
I’m following Hal Higdon’s Half-Marathon training program for beginners! Good luck!
P.S. I think we’re following each other on Twitter – that’s how I found your blog