At the end of last year’s half-marathon. Fellow marathon training buddies are Laura (in black), Meghann (in white) Stacy (in lavender) Jessica A. (next to chubby me) and Ryan (trying to look manly with the crowd of girls)
I am training for a marathon and I, awesomely enough, ran 18 miles last week. When I was trying to get some appreciation from my kids on what that actually means, I hit on the perfect explanation: “Guys. I just ran for an entire church. Like, I started running when you walk into Sacrament meeting and didn’t stop till you get done with Primary.” They were appropriately amazed.
I am seriously loving it. Truly. (I’m not pretending I love it so I can keep weight off, PAIGE!) I really, really am enjoying it. Here’s why:
1. One morning, I woke up at 5:45 and it was raining. But I went outside and ran 11 miles anyway. Then I came home, showered and got all of my kids to school. Do you know how In Charge of Life you feel, when you can make your 35 year old, VERY imperfect looking body a) run for 11 miles IN THE RAIN and, then, b) go on with your stay-at-home mommy life? So empowering.
2. I also love how this kind of endurance training teaches you so much about, well, endurance. There are definitely runs where you feel like you are lifting cement blocks instead of feet (hello, miles 14-17 last week), and your knees kind of hurt and you are kind of winded and you are sick of everything on your Ipod—but you finish the run anyway. And then, guess what? About 20 seconds after you are done…nothing really hurts anymore because you are finished. And it is so worth the 30 minutes of discomfort to know that you really put Mind Over Matter and Did It. There are so many life applications there, you know?
3. I have a group of 4-6 friends who are also training and we run together in different groups and at different times. There is nothing that makes you closer than exercising regularly with someone. Plus, you have people who actually want to discuss the details of the training plans, running times, Gu vs. excedrin. And they also know exactly how hard it is to run for 3 hours.
4. I’m not losing weight, (really? I know!) but I can eat a few extra cookies while I don’t lose any weight.
5. And every once in a while, after I’ve chatted with my friends for a 9 miles or so and we all decide to listen to music instead, I blast that music (favorites? Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Alison Iraheta, Glee) and just GO. And I feel young and strong and thin and powerful and like I’d rather be there, on that trail, than anywhere else.
Really.
36 comments:
You are inspiring. When I eventually start running again I'm going to call you for encouragement!
i want to say that you kick ass, but i know you don't like swears on your blog.
oops.
Thanks for telling me all that. It is so good to be reminded of all the reasons running is so empowering. You are the WOMAN!!
I will try to limit my comments. :) Because I could talk about this forever.
A. Some of my most enduring, deep, and meaningful friendships have been based in running.
B. I have had the most hilarious, disgusting, tragic, deep, and wacky conversations of my life while running with other moms.
C. I desperately want to run with you and Jess A. (And all those other fun friends, of course.)
D. Running is such a part of my person and my sanity and my soul now that I can't even imagine NOT running anymore. Crazy.
Also, have you read that Kristin Armstrong article? "Pretty Strong" on Runner's World's website.
I think you are amazing. You totally inspire me. I wish I could have your drive to run 11 miles +. Your endurance is incredible. I do love being able to chat while working out. Who doesn't love to mix sweat & giggles?!?! :) This is wonderful! Great job!!
sweat and giggles sound nice, but I'm deterred by what jiggles when I run. I wish I could feel that way. Maybe someday I'll try to reach your zen.
And this post is probably the reason why I had to move. See, you guys would have tried to get me into running and then you would see how lazy I actually am and then I would have resented you all while I sat home on my couch.
You are crazy. But in a really admirable sort of way.
I admire you so much. Truly, truly, truly. Not only for the running (which I totally admire) but also because you say incredibly insightful things like, "There are so many life applications there". I really learn a lot of wonderful things from you.
I love that you are feeling empowered. Such a great thing, Jessica.
I don't want to just repeat what everyone else said but seriously, you are awesome and inspiring. I want to be you. There, I said it.
You're awesome. I love people that love exercise. I love it too... especially when I see the results I want and feel empowered. Sometimes I swear it's WAY more about how I feel when I exercise than how I look. I plan on hitting it pretty hard after the baby is born. I may even do that HCG thingy...
You look great!! Running a marathon has got to be the most difficult yet rewarding thing EVER. And I don't say that because I know. I haven't run one, but one day... one day I would really love to. You should move here when I do so we can train together.
p.s. I caught up on some of your old posts and I think the difficulty with your toddler must be in the name... I have the same issues with MY Faith, but lately it's getting better. So it will for you too cuz I'm sure it works like that, right?
I need you to be my running partner. Cause when that alarm goes off at 6 am there is just no way I'm getting out of bed all on my own. I hate it. I have worked out in the morning maybe twice in my life and both times I loved it. Go you. Seriously.
you rock
This is a really inspiring post. I have just started the running thing and for very brief moments I feel like I am flying... the rest of the time I feel like I am going to spew!
Thanks for sharing :-)
Well that is cool if you really do like it. I am so not a runner. Hate it. Although, it would probably do my big butt some good!
Run Forrest, RUN! Congrats on finding personal fulfillment and a "GOOD 4 u" activity at the same time!
IF I could put the word BEACHING in ur report I would TOTALLY be able to relate to ur ZEN description...
I could watch waves and whales for start to finish of church! Chat it up w/ friends n listen to music n feel like it was a GREAT morning after walking in the waves n sand! AMEN to finding our groove!!! Aloha
Yet another reason why we are such good friends. Although I keep my distances under 13.1 miles. When I run I feel strong and wise and beautiful.
may I suggest mini snickers for your long runs, put them in the freezer and throw a few in your sports bra for the run. they are the perfect refueling snack.
p.s. 18 miles!!!!! you are blowing my mind.
WOW! 18 miles! amazing.
running has changed my life. i look forward to running. REALLY. i have incredible bursts of joy while i run. my goal is to do a full marathon when my baby is in kindergarten. only 2 more years!
Holy cow that is impressive! 18 miles! And not that I would wish this on anyone, but it makes me feel less of a mutation that I try to run every day and yet lose no weight whatsoever.
You are awesome!! Sounds a lot like the rewards you get from having a baby without drugs! You might have to try it if there is a number six!
People who run marathons amaze me! I have no idea why someone would put themselves through that much pain. Sure, I had Jordyn (and hopefully the rest of my babies) with no painkillers, all natural, but at least I walk away with a baby. What do marathon runners walk away with? A number? No thank you!
Seriously though, someday I would like to run a marathon. And when that day comes, in the far far future, I shall come back to this post for inspiration.
You called yourself chubby. Better watch out for the chubby police coming on here anonymously and chastising you for it. Seriously. That is all they will get out of this post. BEWARE.
In other news, I think you are a rock star! I ran a marathon once many years ago and can relate to EVERYTHING you are saying. It is so empowering. Wait until race day. It's amazing.
I'm so glad you love it so much because I absolutely hate it. I still don't really believe people when they say they like it this much...spiritual trancendence during 18 miles of horrible seems a bit far fetched to me, but I don't think you make a habit of lying, so I kind of believe you.
Awesome, awesome, awesome.
This just might help me put on my running shoes again. If so, I will let you know.
You go, girl. xo
I am impressed! 3 hours of running is not my thing. But I am impressed by those who can do it! Good job!
I have favorite running songs too! They help me endure those painful stretches.
Hmmm. I thought I posted a comment but don't know where it went! Sorry if this is a duplicate.
This was awesome and inspiring. Next to having children, running a marathon is the coolest thing I have ever done. It also made me think about how there is a time to prepare, and once that time is up you have to hope you are ready. Also, that no one else is going to get you to the finish line except you. So many good life analogies.
This makes me realize that I need to get out and hit the road.
Run strong!
I am really really proud of you. I did experience that when I ran a 1/2 marathon- feeling that 12 mile accomplishment was amazing. I'd even do it again if I could run with you and your friends! And all that training and I lost no weight either.
Kudos! I admire that you have that endurance and that dedication and discipline to do this. That is awesome, and I can imagine how powerful and accomplished one feels after running so far! wow! But I don't get how one cannot become a rail doing that much cardio? bizarro. Well enjoy the cookies and the feeling of being wonderwoman. You go girl!!!!
It was fun chatting with you on the phone about the joy of running! This Saturday is my 1st 10 mile run! I started running at the gym about 5 months ago. Before that I exercised once or twice a year. Now I can't function without it!I love that I've kissed 20 lbs good bye! But I think my last 15 are going to come from the (no or maybe less)sugar thing. Jessica you AMAZE me....3 hours is inspiring! Rock on my Rock Hard Sista!
The only thing I'm running is, 'my mouth off'
Very inspiring! Three hours? Amazing!!! You are fast. I ran a half marathon last month & learned so much along the way. I keep pulling those lessons out when I am having difficulties in other areas of my life. We love "The Spirit of the Marathon" movie for inspiration. My husband is running Boston in two weeks & I can't wait to watch.
Very inspiring! Three hours? Amazing!!! You are fast. I ran a half marathon last month & learned so much along the way. I keep pulling those lessons out when I am having difficulties in other areas of my life. We love "The Spirit of the Marathon" movie for inspiration. My husband is running Boston in two weeks & I can't wait to watch.
I am so not a runner. But I like the frozen snickers bar in the sports bra idea. Maybe I can still do that as I am leisurely taking a walk around the lake. In all seriousness, I just hired a new kick-butt personal trainer. And he IS making me run. So maybe a few months down the road, I will be able to relate to this post.
aMEN! I love it when I hit my Forrest-Gump-run-forever stride.
Go you! A marathon!
And which are you? Gu or Excedrin? I tend to lean on the side of crystal meth ;)
Kidding.
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