Running a half marathon is one of my goals this year, and I have been constantly thinking about this goal since the beginning of the year. I could never have imagine myself setting this goal one year back because back then, I totally hated running. I grew up in the hot and humid climate of Singapore, and running just 5 minutes would make me sweat like a pig. While I may have disliked running, I did enjoy exercising. Exercising was like my 'happy pill', and I had to take this 'happy pill' five to six times a week. On weekdays, you could find me at the gym attending fitness classes, strength training or working out on the cardio machines (all except the treadmill because I hated running). On weekends, I would devote my time to outdoor activities such as cycling or kayaking.
However, when I moved to Melbourne last year, I had to find new ways to work out. I could not attend fitness classes in gyms because I didn’t have a gym membership. Neither could I cycle because I didn’t bring my bicycle here. I would consider myself lucky though because my apartment has a gym. I started working out there, but soon got bored it.
The boyfriend suggested that I should try running since I’m living in such a really beautiful area along the Yarra river. I thought about what he said, and decided to give running another go. I will always remember how hard the first 10 minutes of the run was. I just wanted to give up, but forced myself to push on. After the first 10 minutes, I did find myself getting into the run, and enjoying the scenery as I ran. I went for another run again the next day, and the next, and the next. And before I knew it, I became friends with running.
It has been about 7 months since I first became friends with running. While there has been some setbacks (such as my knee injury) along the way, I really want to take this friendship to a higher level this year. Being someone who is goal oriented, I thought running a half marathon will be a good challenge. Yet I was worried that I might not be fit or prepared enough for it. What eventually prompted me to sign up for the race was a post on Oh She Glows by Angela. This quote really spoke to me.
Worrying about what will happen in the future will not help me in any way. However, I can make the best out of my current situation, and take baby steps towards my goal. I took my baby step yesterday by signing up for my first half marathon which is about 14 weeks away from now.
Have you taken your baby steps towards your goals/resolutions?
7 comments:
WOW. As someone who never exercises except the occasional yoga with my mum when she nags me too, this is awe-inspiring. GO YOU!
Oh my gosh good for you! A friend of mine is heavily into marathons - it takes some work so well done :)
Thanks Hannah and foodieandthechef :) I am excited, yet a little afraid because I've never ran that far before. Let's see how far my legs can take me. Fingers crossed :)
Entering a half was one of the best things I ever did - it took my interest in running to a whole new level, as well as my fitness, and my confidence! It is a really amazing thing to do. Hard work, of course, but you will love it!! Good luck with the training x
@skinnylatte - Thanks for the motivation and the wise words!Running has improved my fitness, and the euphoria after a long run is simple awesome ! I'm sticking to my training schedule, and getting there slowly:)Good luck with your training too!
I love your blog and all the photos of yummy looking food. Congrats on signing up for a half! You'll do great! :)
- Aya (eatprayrun on tumblr)
@Aya - Hi Aya! Thanks for dropping by, and thanks for the encouragement too! I'm still a baby in the running community, and I have a lot to learn from everyone else too!
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