Thirteen Point One Reasons (Part Two)

Last week I wrote for the first time about my upcoming half-marathon.  Over these past weeks, I've realized how running serves as a mirror for me; it brings my tendencies and personality into much greater relief.

For example, in the early days of training a simple jog quickly plunged into an exercise of obsessive-compulsiveness.  I counted everything that possibly could be counted: the number of mailboxes and street signs I passed, the steps that I took, and the pattern of breaths entering and escaping my lips, which, I have discovered, is a sure-fire way to quickly veer into hyperventilation.  (Lesson: there's nothing beneficial about over-thinking something as natural as breathing.)

I'm past this now.  Mostly.

Running also reinforces my predisposition towards being goal-oriented.  I need goals.  Or, to quote Jim Rohn, "The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them."

My premise behind this race is a simple one: if I can train myself to stick to a schedule, push past discomfort, and mentally overcome self-doubt in the running realm, then I can do it in other realms of life as well.

If I can run 13.1 miles by taking one step at a time, then can't I translate this lesson into all other areas of life?  To write a book by penning one word, one sentence, at a time?  To tackle large projects without being daunted by their magnitude?

Earlier this week I received an email with my race and corral numbers, something that vaguely made me feel like cattle.  Corral?  Really?

As I read the details, I grew simultaneously excited and nervous -- okay, nauseous -- which must be my default contradictory emotional reaction because I experience it to a certain degree with every large endeavor that pushes me out of my comfort zone.

Two weeks from today: race time!

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6 comments

  1. I was supposed to run a half marathon last october, but then got in a car accident that messed up my neck. I've been able to get back into running the past 8 months, but was so bummed when I missed the HM. :(
    Good for you, girl!!!!

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  2. you inspire me in so many ways!

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  3. Ah, you go!

    I did the Couch to 5k thing last year when I started getting serious about losing weight (I'm down 120 pounds! And, as you can tell, am still at that annoying phase where I have to drop that into the conversation whenever possible), and I loved it. I can do about 4 miles comfortably now, 5 and start to wonder if I'm going to die... so I'm in awe of your half-marathoning. How exciting!

    -Karinya @ Unlikely Origins
    www.unlikelyorigins.blogspot.com

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  4. Mrs. T, I'm sure you'll jump back in the saddle soon. Sign up for another one!

    Carol, right back at you, and thank you so, so, so much.

    Karinya, go you! Stay in that "annoying" phase as long as you like -- be proud! I'm certainly proud of you!

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  5. You go girl!

    You and Mrs. T inspire me. I have always wanted to do a 5k, but I am such a weenie! I also herniated a disc in my back a few years ago and figured running was permanently off limits. I may have to give it a try. Thanks for reminding me how important the small steps are in the big picture.

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  6. Sara, thanks so much for your comment. You aren't weak at all! If I had a herniated disc, I'd be skiddish at the idea of running, too. Take good care of yourself!

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