Who are you and what have you done with Abby?
July 14th, 2010
I think some sort of Freaky-Friday black magic has transpired.
Dave and I have switched places.
Remember how Dave decided to compete in a triathlon about 8 hours before the event—without any training? Yea, that is so out of character for Dave…it’s more like something I would do!
We joke that it takes two weeks for Dave to be spontaneous. In fact, after the triathlon, he asked me if I was more proud of him for doing it, or for making the spur-of-the-moment decision. My pride resulted from the quick decision, of course! I was floored when he said he’d do it!
Then there’s me…hesitantly sharing with you my *tentative* half marathon plan.
My hesitancy and cautiousness is a direct result of spending too much time with my husband…or my countless injuries. But I still think we’re rubbing off on each other.
When I returned to running, I said that I was over racing for awhile. But then I fell back in love with running and I want to do more races.
In fact, I have realized that I love to train. I like the routine that training provides—another shocker (seriously, Dave, I want my spontaneity back) ! I normally hate routine, but there’s something to comforting to me about a regular running schedule. Gah! There’s that Dave influence again!
I think I love it because it gives me purpose and drive. But I know that I love it most because it forces me to get out and run, which is my “me-time”. That’s the time when I clear my head, when I talk with God, when I wade through the everyday stressors and find peace.
*****
I’m sure some of you are wondering about my transition plan for barefoot running and what will become of that. Well, I will use some of my shorter, easier runs to break into my FiveFingers.
In fact, tonight, Dave, Gary and I went to the local track for a run in the rain. I wore my FiveFingers hoping to work on a week 3 run. Right as Gary and Dave started running, Gary turned around and told me I was running the first “easy” mile with them. I was of course hesitant, but quickly agreed. Hey, if my foot hurts, I can stop. Plus, I’m on a track which is much softer than pavement.
I ran a total of 1.75 miles. Ran one mile, took a break, ran .75 more. And my feet feel great!
(But I don’t recommend it)
A moment of rash decision making in the face of peer pressure—there’s the Abby we all know and love!
What’s your fall schedule looking like? Any races you’ve committed to? Any races you’re considering but not ready to take the plunge? What’s keeping you from committing?
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I love this. I like training too. I have a couple half marathon in september and october and am lookin forward to some structured training. Gives me a goal each week.
Yes! That’s how I feel, too! Good luck! I think I might do another half in October, too, but that’s really up in the air now!
I have my first half marathon in October that I’m really excited about because I talked my sisters and husband into running it with me. And I saw my neighbor running last night and may have talked him into registering too.
I’m excited for you!!! Way to motivate people, too!!!!
That’s the beauty of being a couple right? You slowly turn into each other over the years
I begin marathon training next Tuesday and my first marathon is November 21st! I’m terrified, so excited and completely in shock that I’m even doing it, haha.
That’s awesome that the barefoot running is going so well for you!
Good luck with you training—I LOVED my marathon training!
And I don’t really know if I want to turn into Dave… he’s boring (shh, don’t tell him I said that
)
Well, I really want to run a 10K… I haven’t even run my 5K yet (July 24th).. but with some of my runs I’ve increased my mileage and really think that after my 5K is over I’ll be ready to seek out the 10K. I guess what is keeping me from committing is the unknown?? I mean I know I can run that distance.. but the unknowns are (1) I’ve never done this before — what will it be like (2) will a 10K feel difference since John will be a cheerleader and not running beside me –or rather 30 seconds ahead of me, ha.. and (3) what if the day of my rest it’s an off day and the run just doesn’t go as well as some training run!? AHHH… okay, so that’s what it keeping me from committing… plus really I need to see how the 5K goes first foremost.
The unknown is frightening!
I think starting with a 5 k is a good idea–get used to racing. I’m still not used to it..in fact, I kind of hate it. But it’s rewarding and I love the training.
Race days aren’t guaranteed to go as good as training runs (look me–I’ve been injured TWICE during races), but that’s what makes you a stronger runner. I’ve learned that running is only slightly a physical sport–it’s mainly mental. You’ll have rough training runs, so start to think of those as your race day. Expect a tough race, but train so you *know* you can handle it.
Maybe we can find a 10k in between us and I’ll run it with you!
I’m sure Akron or Youngstown has plenty!
I’ve committed to the Philly Half Marathon and I’m still toying with the Baltimore half.
You are superwoman! I wish I was running the Philly with you!!!
I’ve got several half marathons lined up and one full marathon this fall. I’ve already registered for all the halfs – those are no problem. The full is the one I haven’t fully committed to yet. I haven’t run one in several years, and I’m worried about getting injured or just flat out not having time to train since I’ll be starting grad school in September. I’ve got the training schedule up on my wall, I just haven’t plunked the cash down for it yet. We’ll see.
Love this. I feel like my fiance and I definitely rub off on each other in many ways. He’s naturally soooo laid back and easy-going and my tendency is to follow a schedule. During our time together, he’s helped me let go of the need for routine and live more spontaneously. But then I’ll find him planning out a detailed itinerary for an upcoming trip and just giggle b/c it’s not what he usually does.
We are training this fall to run our 1st half December 5th. His dad passed away last December 3rd so we’ll run it in his honor. We’re going to Europe for almost 3 weeks at the end of September to get married/honeymoon so our training will be a bit broken up! 
I always thought I loved running because I wasn’t held to any schedule. But then I trained for the marathon…. and a month later, I am just craving a training schedule again! I think I’m going to start on a half training plan and see what happens. I’ll be moving soon and hopefully getting a job soon so I basically have no idea where I’ll be living 3 months from now. But I figure if I prepare for a half, I can find one when I know where I’m living? Complicated.
I am definitely not committing to any races this fall, since I’ll be having a baby! Next fall I’m supposed to do the NYC marathon, but we’ll see.
I just can’t wait to get back to running!
I had planned on doing my first full marathon in November 2010 but w/ my two kiddos, hubby and work – I’m not sure that will work so I’m doing my 3rd half instead. After that, THEN I’ll focus on a full. Honestly, I’m like you. I like having a training plan and a goal. I may not stick to the plan 100% but right now, I have nothing to train for and feel pretty lost!
I love training too. I’m doing a half in Ft. Collins Sept 19. Praying my hip cooperates!
my husband and i are running our first half marathon in October! im really excited, but still very nervous b/c the most ive run so far is 6 miles! eek!
That is so exciting! If you can run 6 miles, you can run 13! I know you will be fine… just make sure you have fun
I debated running another half in the fall but decided to take a break until next spring – instead I’m signing up for shorter races and I hope to improve my time – speed not distance this time.
I can’t believe Dave just participated in a triathlon – I’m like him, I need 2 weeks to be spontaneous.
Hey that’s really great. I’ve never been on a training plan before now, but I love it. I always thought I had drive and motivation to push myself, but I was a little naive. I’ve stuck to my schedule, and love challenging myself week after week. I’ve hit some huge milestones for me, training for a half-marathon in October. Congrats on your distance in the FiveFingers. That’s great!