Finally Did It!!!

[Serendipity]

Haven't posted on the running/walking forum before.....but...

FINALLY completed a half-marathon! I say 'finally' because I had registered for two other events but over-trained in each case, resulting in an injury each time - I decided to drop out rather than push through and really screw myself up.

Anyway, finished this time with a time that I am happy with but will now work to improve (the run was on Sept 27). Now I've got the 'bug' and am looking forward to running another one!

The point I wanted to make was to anyone who is frustrated with their training and so on - hang in there. When I had to drop out of a second event, I tried to reconcile myself to not being able to do a half-marathon - EVER!

Somehow, I kept at it (thanks to an incredibly supportive and understanding husband); kept on training and finally did it - at age 51!

It can be done!

[shootingstar]

Congrats! Keep at it...

[divingbiker]

It really is a great feeling, isn't it? Congratulations!

[Urlea]

Just had to say "WOOHOO!!!". :D

One of those things I love about running is hitting those mile bench marks. Feels so amazing.

13.1 down for you, congrats!

[Bike Chick]

Congrats! What an achievement. I'm healing a stress fracture in my foot right now and was training for a half marathon. I had pretty well decided that at my age (51) it was too late for all this because, like you, every time I get a few months in the training, something happens (injury, illness, life event) and I have to start over again. You are a great inspiration! Good job!

[katluvr]

Congrats! You stuck with it and you did it!

[indigoiis]

Congratulations!!!

[Serendipity]

Thanks everyone, for your kind words!!

It is a very good feeling to actually accomplish what you know you are capable of!

Bike Chick, your story sounds so much like mine! When I couldn't run in the last event I had entered - about a year and a half ago - because of a pulled groin muscle, I had pretty much given up and tried to get my head around accepting that I just wasn't going to do it. Somewhere between then and now, I decided to give it one last try!!

This time, when I registered in the event, I was able to download a training program that looked like one I could follow and not feel like I had to give up everything else that I/we like to do. I'm sure everyone knows what its like to find a way to make the training fit into the 'rest of your life'. This program was based on two days of shorter runs (interval/speed work), two days of cross-training (cycling :D, hiking or swimming for me ), one long run and two rest days.

Guess I learned a bit about recognizing when its smart to quit and when the right thing to do is to keep on trying!

For anyone else with similar goals, you can do it.

[colby]

Awesome! Last year I watched someone finish their first half marathon and it brought back a lot of memories. It's a major accomplishment. Congratulations! :D

[jesvetmed]

Congratulations!
I also trained for a half last year and ended up injured. I was quite angry and frustrated. Nice to hear that you continued to try -- and some inspiration for me. I've been thinking I'll give it another chance this winter and find an early spring run. I'll keep you posted! GREAT WORK!!!!