Confession time: I don’t like running. It’s plodding, boring and very difficult for me. That’s why I do it.
If I only did what I loved, fitness-wise, I would strength train five days a week. Maybe some HIIT. And that would be fine.
But my mentality is such that I need to step outside of my comfort zone and do things that, 1) I don’t like, 2) are difficult and challenge me, and 3) I’m not supposed to do because of my gender, age, or simply because I’m a mom. That’s who I am. Honestly, sometimes it sucks going against the grain. Sometimes it would just be easier to be a sheep. I guess I don’t like easy, and I’m beginning to understand and like that about myself.
That’s why I signed up for my first half marathon in May. I’ve become somewhat comfortable (though I still don’t like it) running three miles once a week. I need a challenge, a goal to reach. Running 13.1 miles may seem like a piece of cake to some, but the thought of running that far kind of freaks me out sometimes.
I start my training on Sunday. While most training programs tell you to run four or five times a week, I’ll be doing two steady state runs (one long run) and one day of sprints and hills. My regular fitness routine will not change. I’ll continue my Cressey Performance strength workouts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I’ll continue working with my trainer on Tuesday, as well as my boot camp classes on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning. My goal is to maintain lean muscle mass while adding more running. My trainer will take body fat measurements next week and then post-half marathon, so we’ll see how I do in that regard. I’ll also do some before and after photos, though I hate those things.
My tagline at the top of the page wasn’t chosen willy nilly. I firmly believe in challenging yourself, which in turn inspires others. If you don’t challenge yourself, you won’t see change, both in your body and in your life in general. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Awhile back, I worked with a cool young chick named Jillian, who once said to me, “It’s hard being 100 percent Jillian.” I loved that statement and I echo it for myself often. Going against the norm or doing something that doesn’t come easy to me is hard. But it’s made me tough. It’s made me a smart ass who tells it like it is. It’s made me want to do things that others don’t think I should be doing. It’s made me relish a challenge.
Running fits in that category. I’m strong and have natural athletic ability; I’m not an endurance athlete. I constantly question myself for signing up for this thing. I’m sure others may also wonder why and think, “if you don’t like it, don’t do it!”.
Tell me I can’t do something. Then watch me do it.
