Half marathon reflection & tips to get out of your comfort zone
Not too shabby, I'll take that
I'm writing today's blog whilst sat with my feet up and enjoying a well deserved drink (water, just water) as this morning I ran the Sheffield half marathon. I've not done it for a couple of years so had forgotten how tough it was, although unlike most people I actually like the first half when it's uphill. It's the never ending drags in the second half on the long roads back towards to the city centre that I find soul destroying.
I'd missed a few long runs recently due to a couple of weekends away and it's these things that often make the difference so I wasn't really expecting much in terms of a good time. Besides, I'd set myself the goal of doing a decent time in the Huddersfield half marathon in June so that was my main focus. Sheffield was only ever going to be a bonus.
It never ceases to amaze me that out of thousands of people you always see someone you know. Ok, I know the odds might be slightly more in my favour with me doing a race in Sheffield where I happen to know lots of people but still. Despite not arranging to officially meet, within minutes of arriving I'd found two friends and then ended up standing next to two more at the start. We wished each other good luck and then we were on our way.
I always know instantly within the first few strides as to how my run will go and thank goodness, the signs were looking promising. Sheffield is a city that's renowned for its hills, it was built around seven of them, like Rome .... and just as beautiful out in the Peak District. The first five miles is basically uphill and then there's a lovely section of downhill and then it's undulating back towards the city centre. In other words, it's quite tough.
Come on, keep going = absolutely pointless at any part of the race. At the start - runners have only just set off, why wouldn't they keep going. Halfway - runners have come this far so highly unlikely they'll stop. At the end - seriously, as if runners are going to stop now. Pointless.
Well done, you're on for under two hours = no, I'm feckin well not. Let me do my own timekeeping thanks very much. Butt out.
Come on, almost there, you're nearly back to Ecclesall Road = erm, that's a feckin long road and there's still five miles to go yet. False information.
Rant over!! Just think before you speak in future though if you are supporting runners!!
The missed training runs took its toll towards the end when I was finding it difficult to run in a straight line with legs that felt like jelly, but I was absolutely ecstatic to cross the line in just over two hours. It's given me a real buzz of added motivation for Huddersfield which is horrendously hilly so it's head down with my training from herein.
Today was proof yet again that we never really know what we're capable of until we push ourselves. Once I'd started the race I didn't want to take it easy and treat it like a training race so I gave it some welly to see what I could. Yes, it's nice to cruise from time to time in that little comfort zone but the rewards are so much better when we step outside that safety bubble.
5 ways to help you get out of your comfort zone when running:
1. Find someone who will push you and make you accountable.
2. Be genuinely excited about your goals and pushing yourself.
3. Try new race distances. If you always do 10k's then challenge yourself by doing a 5k at a faster pace or test your endurance with a half marathon.
4. Don't give up when it starts to feel hard. Running with others will help to keep you going through the tough times.
5. Remember .... "pain is temporary; quitting is final".
#awesomeapril
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