“Just Run. Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit”
Earlier this month I "ran" the Color Run, and let's just say it didn't go according to plan.
I'm not a runner by any means. Frankly, I'm the type of person who would let a bus/train pass me by, rather than run and catch it. I mean there's always another one on the way, right. So given my attitude towards running, most people were shocked to hear that I wanted to give running a go this year. Well it’s all part of a larger journey for me. Call it my road to a half marathon by 30.
Let me be clear, it's not that I think 30 is old by any means. A lot of things happen later in life for most adults these days, and 30 is really only the beginning. But it's also a fact that women's bodies change after 30 as well. It's harder to lose weight, your metabolism slows, and your skin will start to loose elasticity. So basically if you’re not already active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle; 30 could start to feel like 80 real quick. So I figured if I can run a half marathon when I'm 30, it would mean that I'm fit enough to do everything else I’d want to do that year and after.
So with the goal set, I planned on starting small with a few 5Ks and gradually increase the mileage, until I can run the 13.1 miles for a half next year.
Training
I started training for the Color Run about 2 ½ months before the race day. A friend told me about the app from Couch to 5K, and as someone who is allergic to the style of most personal trainers, I figured this app would be the best method to get me through the finish line. It was an 8 week training program, which meant I should’ve been able to complete the runs and still have enough time to run a few 5Ks and rest before the day. Well right from the start it was difficult.
It started off with needing to find the perfect sports bra to tame my ladies (which was harder to do than you would think); to buying a new pair of sneakers to reduce the pain I felt every time I tried to run; and not to mention overcoming some pretty intense knee and shin pains while training. There were small victories though – I was able to run for 8 minutes without stopping, but that was about it.
Now with 2 weeks to the day, I knew the likelihood of me being able to run 3.1 miles, when I only managed to run ¾ of a mile was slim to none. Plus this would've been the first time I ever ran on concrete as opposed to a treadmill. So I figured I'd do the best I could and focus on the next run instead. I thought I'd just be able to enjoy the experience of the Color Run, even if all I could do was power walk.
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| Welcoming runners at Citi Field |
“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans”
To say I was nervous on run day would’ve been an understatement. I was running the race with a friend of mine and one of her former coworkers.
Tip #1 – Pick your running buddies appropriately
- Nothing sucks more than being the one who can't keep up. Within 5 to 10 minutes of running, I started experiencing the most excruciating pain I've ever felt. Everything below my knees felt like it was on fire. So I knew right then and there, running was not an option. My running buddies on the other hand were fine, so I was left behind. I think it's really important to pick a team of people who are on your level, or maybe even just willing to run on your speed. That way it won't be a lonely journey, even if you can't perform the way you expected to.
Tip #2 – Pack light
- Despite only carrying a fanny pack, I felt weighed down during the run. Be it the water bottle I had with me, or even the hoodie I wore. It just felt like way too much. If I could do it all over again, I would’ve come with my phone, ID, and debit card. Everything else was unnecessary. And I definitely would’ve worn one layer less of clothing.
Tip- #3 – Look your best
- When walking into a situation where your confidence level isn't high, I think it's important to feel confident in your appearance. I didn't, and as a result I felt really out of place, which didn't help matters. If you look good, most of the time you'll end up feeling good too. And that’s just really a tip for life.
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| Almost at the finish line |
Even though the Color Run didn't go the way I hoped it would, I won't let that stop me from running the next race. Looking ahead, I've already started physical therapy to ease the pain, and plan to start running again in June. I'll be taking my training more serious than I did the last time and I fully intend of being ready for my next run in September.
Next race: New Balance Bronx 5K
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| All smile with my medal in hand |
L
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