"Wow, a tri-athlete. My goal for 40 is to run the Ironman in Hawaii. And a marathon by 35. I got two more years to get my ass in gear. Unfortunately though, I hate running...how do you get past the first 1/4 mile."
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Discussion post: How do you do it?
I just got this comment from Sara, and all morning about a million different responses to it were popping into my head. But I'm wondering how YOU all would respond to it? Comments, please!
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14 comments:
Easy. One Step At A Time.
Kinda like how do you eat an elephant?
One Bite at a time.
You don't just start by running a marathon. You run 1/4 mile and walk. Then a 1/2 mile and walk, And so on.
The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
The first 10 minutes of running (or the first 1/4 mile) suck hard. But I've learned that if I just keep going it gets easier.
I never loved running, but I do love how I feel after I run, and that's what keeps me going. If you want to get to Marathon, I think you need to think 5k,10k, half... Races were what got me hooked to get to the next level. For Marathon join a group. It truly is the only way I am getting my mileage in... the support is amazing!!
Do qualify for hawaii, you have to be super, duper fast..win your AG. The Women 40-44 is probably one of THE hardest age groups, same with the 35-39..it's tough and well you have to be tough. You could always be lucky and with the lottery..no guarantee there though. WEll, just get your butt out there and train!!
Spandex-king hit the nail on the head (although, I don't want to eat an elephant!)
Just starting is half the battle!
Yes, one response that I was going to make was that there are about 25,000 experienced triathletes trying to qualify for the Ironman at Kona every year, and only a few of those make it in. You may want to set your sights first on one of the other iron-distance triathlons around the world, say Ironman Florida, perhaps (like me!). And if you want to do a marathon in two years, it's time to start running regularly NOW. Don't worry about long distances yet, that will come. Patience.
My advice would be to sign up for a 5K and a sprint triathlon this summer to see if she really enjoys it.
Getting past the first 1/4 mile (or first mile for me) is tough but that's what develops mental toughness. Mental toughness is the key to any race whether it's on the road or in life.
I still swear by the "couch-to-5K" program at coolrunning.com. I was a serious couch potato; why stand when you can sit, why sit when you can lie down and sleep, etc., but this program, coupled with a really good music player, got me going.
Get out the door and just run. Do that several times then run a little further. Do that several times then run a bit farther. Do you see a trend here?
Get fitted for the correct shoes from day one. That will eliminate potential for injuries due to using the wrong foot wear. Also, like Linae says, sign up for a short race and put it on the calendar where it can stare you in the face daily.
Thank you all very much. And I will respond the best I can remember them all...
1. I am not jumping right into a marathon. Hell I can't even get past the 1/4 mile. But lately Melissa Ethridge is helping me.
2. My job---I normally hike 35 miles in a week and I'm being low probably. I also normally am carrying a 30 pound pack. So when it comes to exercising for me, I am sick of it. However pretty soon I will be a road bitch so running will be necessary.
3. And I realize Ironman Hawaii is difficult to get into. I bow down to anyone that competes in that and finishes. And I bow down to all you for making it past the 1/4 mile.
4. My journey starts on Monday or Tuesday or may be Wednesday.
You join a group, and you train. You may never love running, but you can learn to like the way it makes you feel.
What lynne said! And misty. And Bridget.
Start with a group, and start with an achievable goal. Increase the goals as you go.
For me I started out doing one 10k every year. No running just that race. Then I took a clinic and kept running, did the 10k again and decided why stop there. I trained for and did my 1st half. A year later I did my first marathon. So a two year plan with putting in the training is not bad. Just depends on what your goal is for the marathon. My brother wouldn't do one until he was fast enough to finish it in a given time. He changed that rule after I did mine. Had to top his sister...lol.
Breathe. Walk. Breathe. Jog. Lather, rinse, repeat :)
Just go do it....don't worry about the qualification..focus on the training.
If i don't train..i will never get there..
If i train..i might have a chance of qualifying...
I am looking at it from the negative side..either I don't make it or there is a teensy little chance i might make it...
I will take that teensy little chance anyday.
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