So, a little over a week ago I ventured out to run another marathon (QC Marathon); my second one in the midst of my ultra's. I had high hopes for this run to be a great one and to use my performance to gauge my abilitiy for my 50 miler at the end of October. I knew that my training had been a little more sporadic and fitting in my good runs were not as easy as I was hoping, but I also knew I could run the distance. I started the race with a few thousand others with a smile on my face and began noticing grimaces and frowns in the early stages. Personally I was feeling great, that was until mile 14 hit and my leg left hamstring tightened like a rusty spring that wouldnt recoil. I have never had major hamstring issues until this day. I knew I had to walk and start rubbing it out in order to run the next 12 miles. As I began to loosen up, the rain began to fall. This only started to add to my frustration, and the frustration of many more. Miles 14 to 20 were not fun and helped me scratch the idea of having an impressive race. I was able to man up and continue that relentless forward motion for the last 10k and finishing the race. Although I was not able to reach my goal time, or use this race for a solid mark to jump off of for my 50 miler in the near future, I am proud of myself for completing the race; especially all of the other great competitors. It makes me smile and feel good about the midwest when we have so many eager and driven people show up to such an event and take on the challenge. I hope everyone who completed and competed in the QC Marathon continues their passion for running and to see them on the roads or trails in the near future. A special congrats to all of my friends whom I know personally that participated in the run! It was truly great seeing many of you out on the course, whether it was the half or full marathon. Congrats again and keep putting one foot in front of the other!
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." -John Bingham
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
An Incredible Two Years!
As the end of August came to a close so did my second year of running. Over the course of the past two years I have become more passionate about the sport of running through the new and exciting challenges and experiences it has had to offer. Along the way my life has been touched by so many incredible people, their stories, experiences, and most of all guidance.
Since that first (and near death, jk) run of mine in August of 2009, I thought that this was one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever done. I was running. What in the hell would someone want to do this for? This is painful, exhausting and yet exhilarating. I don’t know if it was the way it lifted the stress off my shoulders or the excitement of working so hard at something I have never 'truly' done before, but I was hooked.
I began to change my purpose for running from using it to escape life's troubles to embracing the challenges and opportunities that existed. Since that first step I have completed races of varying distances and difficulties. I have run and completed 5k's, 10k's, 1/2 Marathons, Marathons, 50k's, 50 Milers, and a 100k. I have also dabbled in triathlons with competing in and completing two sprint triathlons and one Olympic distance triathlon. I have not completed or achieved the goals I have set for myself in the world of running and I will continue to relentlessly pursue my dreams. I say this not to boast my accomplishments, but more to express that idea that anyone can run and participate in this sport; it all starts with putting one foot in front of the other.
I have learned more about my personal will power and drive to push my body’s limits than I ever have. This sport has so much to offer through a variety of ways. I raised money for great causes, traveled to amazing places, and run through more terrain than I ever thought imaginable.
For whatever reason it may be, I encourage all of you to get and give it a chance. Set a goal to complete your first 5k, or challenge yourself to complete an ultra! Whatever you decide, I know that crossing that finish line, whether it be first, last or middle of the pack, no one can take away the fact that you did it, and you accomplished it! Thank you all for following along in my journey and please join me for a run or race at anytime, I may not be too fast, but I promise we will have fun!
Since that first (and near death, jk) run of mine in August of 2009, I thought that this was one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever done. I was running. What in the hell would someone want to do this for? This is painful, exhausting and yet exhilarating. I don’t know if it was the way it lifted the stress off my shoulders or the excitement of working so hard at something I have never 'truly' done before, but I was hooked.
I began to change my purpose for running from using it to escape life's troubles to embracing the challenges and opportunities that existed. Since that first step I have completed races of varying distances and difficulties. I have run and completed 5k's, 10k's, 1/2 Marathons, Marathons, 50k's, 50 Milers, and a 100k. I have also dabbled in triathlons with competing in and completing two sprint triathlons and one Olympic distance triathlon. I have not completed or achieved the goals I have set for myself in the world of running and I will continue to relentlessly pursue my dreams. I say this not to boast my accomplishments, but more to express that idea that anyone can run and participate in this sport; it all starts with putting one foot in front of the other.
I have learned more about my personal will power and drive to push my body’s limits than I ever have. This sport has so much to offer through a variety of ways. I raised money for great causes, traveled to amazing places, and run through more terrain than I ever thought imaginable.
For whatever reason it may be, I encourage all of you to get and give it a chance. Set a goal to complete your first 5k, or challenge yourself to complete an ultra! Whatever you decide, I know that crossing that finish line, whether it be first, last or middle of the pack, no one can take away the fact that you did it, and you accomplished it! Thank you all for following along in my journey and please join me for a run or race at anytime, I may not be too fast, but I promise we will have fun!
"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought."
--Arthur Blank
--Arthur Blank
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)