I have to let you guys know that I feel pretty good right now. You see, a while ago I set this very ambitious goal of running a half marathon in the middle of January 2009. I thought it’d be especially nice to complete such a large goal after graduation the month prior.
…but I seemed to have forgotten that finals, graduation, holidays and road trips aren’t very conducive to actually TRAINING for a half marathon!!
It’s not like asthmatic-non-runner-Ashley can just get up and magically run 13.1 miles just because it’ll be really, really cool! So when my training was basically nonexistent until after Christmas, I really thought of giving up.
But I couldn’t think of a substantial enough excuse to give up on my goals.
So tonight I ran 8 miles. A very big record for me.
Nothing compares to being proud of yourself for pushing your limits. Do you know what I mean? Whether it be running, loving, changing habits or prejudices or stepping out of your comfort zone… the reward for pushing yourself is priceless.
Click here to see Runner’s World great article on 15 foods runners need to keep in good running shape. I’m proud to see I had most of those foods today! Included in the list are oranges, black beans and dark chocolate!
Do you notice how your diet affects your specific exercise program? Are there certain foods that you count on for top performance?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Ashley! I’m super proud of you! 8 miles is a long way for a former non-runner! I plan on starting to run again when I get back home after Christmas because it rocks so much to be able to push yourself!
Great job on the run!! Pushing yourself (and accomplishing your goals) is definitely a great feeling! Happy New Year and good luck with your training. Great start!
I absolutely find that my eating effects my running. It took awhile to get that, but I do now!
8 miles is a great start. Hope the rest of the training goes well too
yea, i am running my first half marathon on saturday. after doing 19 miles last sunday, i’m hurting pretty bad. a half is nothing to shake a leg at. but you can train up for one in a month, i think. if you’re already at 8 miles, you’re in pretty good shape.
great run!! and i absolutely love that photo!
Good for you for your run!
Fantastic! You’ll be ready for that race.
Food definitely has an impact on my performance. Peanut butter on an apple is one of my favorite pre workout snacks, and a poached egg on toast is also really good too. I like a glass of skim milk post-workout. It’s funny the little rituals we develop:)
Ashley CONGRATS on the 8 miles!!! Here’s to a great 2009!
yay for the 8 miler!!! that’s so great and i’m so proud of you!!!
Wow, excellent job! 8 miles: very impressive.
EIGHT miles??? That is so awesome!!!
CONGRATS on the 8 miles! That is just awesome! yayy for not giving up! Thanks for the great article- I believe food has a HUGE impact on our athletic performance!
woohoo, how exciting!! great run
great job! I agree there is nothing like pushing yourself and accomplishing something new. WTG and keep up the good work!
congrats on the 8 miles! thats an awesome run!
i notice that when i’m eating healthier i run better also. just make sure your diet has a balance and everything will be fine.
Way to go, girl!! I am so proud of you for not giving up. If you can go 8 miles, you’re definitely on your way. I’ve heard in many places that you really only have to do 10 miles before a half, so if you did that this weekend, you’ll be set for the 18th.
I’ve been training since the first week of December, and luckily I was able to continue through the holidays- or I might have given up (yikes!) Keep it up- my race is the day before yours. It’s going to be so cool!!