| | Week 19... 17 miles????
I actually don't know which week we're on.. Just know that we have 5 more weeks of training before we do this marathon! So crazy.
This past weekend was a gorgeous run! It was pretty much the same as the 20 mile run so I was mentally ready for it. Only one girl from my pace group came but we ended up tagging along with some other people.
It was a pretty slow run since we slowed our pace even more and stopped more frequently. To keep a buddy company after mile 16, Val and I started walking. We walked about 2.5 miles in the sunny but freezing cold weather.... at about 18.5 we started running again, but by then my legs were super stiff and I couldn't finish off the 23... and just stopped at 20.. hey - still an accomplishment - yeah?
YAY and a shout out for my good friend who went from a crazy 4.5 to 16 miles.. :)
The life lesson that I continue to learn:
At the beginning of this training, I was determined to run this race solo. I thought - I'll just train with the group and then go on my own on the day of. I didn't even want to use the run/walk training method because it seemed to take away the awe of running a marathon.
So twenty so weeks in the program, I'm still learning to be a team player. I don't know if it was all the acadmically competitive schools I went to in HS and college, but I can be so competitive! Going to berkeley really does bring out that individualism nature and taught me to fend for myself. I would rather rely on myself than on others because at least I know what i can do (even if i'm wimpy). I'd rather run on my own than train with others and often I'd rather just do things myself.
Even with this training program, I'm still learning to put the pace groups' needs before my on. If someone in the group is tired and injured, we need to stick together.. Even if they tell you to go on without them..... I learned this when I ditched a group member on the 17 mile run and have learned my lesson ever since!
God really designed us to work together, to be one team. Its "OKAY" to depend on others and even ask them to stay with you. I have always been one of those people that don't like to inconvenience and bother other people. For example - when I go shopping with friends - i will rarely buy stuff - i'd rather window shop and not hold up my friends and just go back and get it later. Or i would rather take the bus even though wonderful friends offer to drive me. I dont like to "ma-fan" other people. However, while I may appear at times sacrificial, I hate admitting that i can be so selfish too - wanting to ditch the group and go on my own, or conveniently slipping out of the house so i don't have to help my mom with housework....
Sigh...Training for this marathon has reminded me of a lot of how much my character still needs to be refined..
On a side note: I think i would run another marathon in the future.. Its been more fun than I thought. Even though I love training with others, I think the next time I'd train, i'd train for a faster time.. This time around - i just wanna finish! Anyone game?
Still interested in sponsoring me?
Sponsor Wilma!
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| | Posted 1/18/2005 3:36 PM - 39 Views - 4 eProps - 2 comments
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