Well, I finally did it! Scrapping every ounce of bravery remaining, I filled out the form, then closed my eyes and hit the “Enter” button for the half-marathon in May.
Holy crap! What have I done???!!
Aside all those 5 kms fun runs and even the grueling 14 kms City2Surf, in the 2 and a half years I’ve taken up this crazy past time, the halfie will be the biggest and scariest challenge to date.
It’s not even the physical endurance I’m worried about.
I’ve started some solid training, adding extra clicks through the week with mah running buddies.
My resting heart rate is right down there at 47 and I know it’s because I’m stronger and fitter.
Even claimed second fastest chick at the gym, yo!
But someone reminded me that it’s “90 percent mental and 10 percent physical”
A strong body is nothing without an even stronger mind.
So, how can I train my brain to convince my feet to keep moving…for 21 kms?
Apparently visualization techniques help.
Yeah, I’ll just close my eyes and imagine those big ugly blisters aren’t bursting through my running shoes.
They also suggest writing in a training diary.
Whaaa? I barely have time to blog!
Obviously, there’s no easy answer or solution.
My personal trainer sent through a Training Plan yesterday morning.
No beating around the bush, the 12 week rigorous schedule of long runs, hill runs and weights delves right into it. (I get 2 rest days. That’s it!)
But just as I started feeling anxious about surviving the next 12 weeks and beyond, I carefully read the opening paragraph:
“This is a 12 week training plan and requires 12 weeks of commitment. There will be sacrifices made and some sore muscles over the course of your training, but it’ll all be worth it with the end result being a new body, new energy, and a massive feeling of self accomplishment once the race is run and you’ve got that medal around your neck.”
And while running isn’t for everyone, I think most people can relate to that elated feeling of self-accomplishment.
Who needs drugs when you can get that natural high?
So, that’s where I’m hoping to find that mental strength: knowing that all this hard work is going to result in something big and most of all, positive for me.
When has the “90 percent mental” theory worked for you?
Linkin’ up with Essentially Jess for another round of IBOT!
Good for you! Good luck with the training, but you’ll be fine….why is everyone asking questions I can’t answer today? Maybe it’ just my coffee hasn’t kicked in. I can’t think of anything…I need to set a bigger challenge…
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..The Year of Yes – What I learnt in the kitchen
It is my long term list to do a half marathon ….at least once for a good cause.
Goodluck Grace I know you can do it …you are a mother of twins that was my 90% mental.
Trish recently posted..So women like to watch videos with hot guys ?
Let’s do one together, Trish!!! Let’s show the world what twin mums can do! xxx
Good luck Gracie. You’ll smash it!
Mumabulous recently posted..Not Another Oscars Post!
Run Grace run! Good luck over the next 12 weeks I am sure you will blitz it in. My running has really fallen by the wayside of late, I really need to get back out there
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Good on you Grace!! I know I could not do it, I hate running, though in saying that I went for my first run yesterday afternoon since having my kids. I used to run all the time even though I did not enjoy it. 5 to 6 kms was enough for me!
I am sure you will do well, and what an accomplishment! 🙂
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You really are amazing Grace. Hubby tells me that the City to Surf is pretty much the same physical challenge of a half marathon because so much of it is up hill – so the fact that you’ve done it a few times is a great thing to remind yourself.
I reckon a kick-arse training sound track wouldn’t go a miss either. 🙂
Catherine Rodie Blagg recently posted..Wet wet wet
Grace, you inspire me with the effort you put in, go you! x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..A to Z of ZEN. H is for ……
So proud of you Mama Grace! Ganbatte!!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Art + Play | Her Beautiful Creations
wow!!! awesome! great job! Half marathon is one of my goals… in time… xo
Tahlia @ the parenting files recently posted..10 tips to managing your anger
Good luck Grace – you go girl.
Jacana recently posted..Who Is The Virago In You Family
I did my first 5km in the Brisbane Ruinning Festival last year and I was hooked! And I agree totally with the mental part – when I run I keep up an almost constant internal commentary. So I don’t freak out, give up or give in. Reminding me of that feeling when you finish and you’ve done soething you thought you couldn’t do. It’s MAGIC.
Keep us posted on your progress! I’m a long way frmo the halfie in my own running journey so i’m keen to hear your insights 🙂
Rachel recently posted..Inappropriate: Thoughts from the first few months of parenthood
You are a braver woman than me. Good luck!
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You hit the nail on the head – that sense of accomplishment, that you did this at the end of the twelve weeks… nothing can compare to that feeling, can it!!
#teamIBOT
Lyndal recently posted..the one where i get my ranty pants on about judgey mcjudgerson and co
If you want to run 21km, you will be able to do it. I wanted to, and I have managed it a few times now. It’s not fun, but it’s not as hard as you think it should be. Definitely 90% mental. Rachel xx
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..Eyebrows: Wax, pluck, thread or ignore?
Resting heart rate of 47, thats 100% mental and very impressive. I reckon you’ll smash it!
daddownunder recently posted..The Post PMT Post
Gawd Grace that sounds exhausting. Right in the middle of the “too hard” basket, in my opinion!
But I honestly think most things are 90% mental. Weightloss for example, I’ve conquered it 3 times now and it’s been simply a matter of motivation and willpower. Willpower is where I fail mostly!
xx
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I’m in awe! You go. Cheering you on, for sure!
Rachel recently posted..Not Your Father’s Old MacDonald
I reckon you may just be 100% mental for taking on the challenge! But I’m simply in awe. I’m sure you’ll rock it and I can’t wait to see your satisfied smile when you do. 🙂
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..Putting the pieces together…
What a wee legend you are! You know if you can success parent twin boys without having a nervous break down you can so kick this marathon’s butt! Every step you day is one closer to your goal – Em xx
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..The day I nearly put my head in the oven just for some peace and quiet
Go Grace 🙂 What an awesome goal. You will smash it and probably be smiling the whole way 🙂
My tips for a halfy would be to take the time to drink properly at the water stations – even walk a few steps there to have a good sip.
And the atmosphere on the day will make the 21+km feel heaps easier on the day than they do in training.
Cheers 🙂
Grace! You rock so hard! You’ll be ready for the full marathon later in the year – you can come down to Melbourne for it and I’ll cheer you over the finish line!
Running is absolutely my 90% mental thing. I cannot WAIT to get back into it next year. It’s one of many things I’m counting down to at the moment.
Emily recently posted..There is a paint colour for everyone
Wow! you are amazing! Good luck, I cant wait to hear all about it.
iSophie recently posted..Of renos and relos.
Definitely mental, but in a good way. My sister did a half-marathon last year and this is the girl who never ran before and in the last two years has done 2 9km runs, a 14km and the halfie. I am in awe of her, and you!
For me, my 90% mental was labour. The other 10% was pain but if it wasn’t for the mental prep and training I would have totally freaked out and lost it.
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions recently posted..18 Weeks and Counting… A Pregnancy Update
Every time. You’ve already got all it takes right between your ears. Rock on, sister. I’m already proud of you.
Bridget recently posted..Twinisms Oscar Recap
Go Grace!! I have a friend from Syd flying up to run the GC half marathon and she’s trying to convince me to do it too. I couldn’t even run 8km straight this morning. I know there’s still a long time before it’s here (July I think) but everything in my weak-as-piss mind says, “There’s NO WAY you can do that!” I haven’t even run 10k, so how would I possibly run 21 (22?). I guess if I did what you’ve done and entered, it would force me to give it my all? Maybe? Go get ’em girl, I believe in you every step of the way (just not myself?!?!)
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..I’m Not An Aussie
Nice Grace!! go..go..go..imagine I am cheering on the side..YAIY! 🙂
Rina recently posted..Need to Recharge
This is awesome Grace! You are going to smash it! Work hard – it pays off xx
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Go Grace! As for me, for roller derby … every time 🙂
Enid Bite’Em recently posted..Why Did He Steal The Rug?
There’s a fab blog called Mummy Loves to Run. Jenelle is super lady, she’s helping me with my own (part time) attempt at getting back into running.
You’re spot on. 90% mental.
Knock Em Dead!
robomum recently posted..Gaming? No judgement.
I agree that it’s 90% mental. Go Grace and good luck with it! I’m sure you will do great!
Rita recently posted..What I learned in my three years of marriage
You’re amazing. That’s all.
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..Internet fail – how I let my teenager down
I feel exhausted and guilty thinking about it as I sit here with my backfat resting against the chair. The 90 per cent theory is an interesting one – i’m trying to apply that to some ideas i’ve got at the moment. Sometimes I feel powerful and strong and 90 per cent committed and there, other times it’s the other way around. I think the most important thing is recognising when it’s on the low side and just giving myself a break – just being aware that fear or whatever is there, rather than being succumbed by it. You are going to do amazingly well. A good friend of mine did the marathon scene – she was like the Marie Claire of Sydney yet still managed to run New York, Paris … your running will take you places 😉
bachelormum recently posted..Jelly crystal letters and peachy numbers
This is awesome Gracie. YOU are awesome. I’m so proud of you and pumped just thinking about you pulling this off.
kirri recently posted..Celebrating Life
Wow Grace – good on you!! You should be so proud of your achievements…and with two young boys!! You will ace it. You can do it. So proud of you. Kick my butt will you please. I have been incredibly slack and haven’t been to my gym in ages 🙁 Min xo
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I am seriously impressed, Grace, and in awe!
Go you!!!
Ronnie xo
Pink Ronnie recently posted..Pete’s birthday cake (sort of)
Go Grace! Sounds like you are almost at the finish line !
Stephanie recently posted..Renovations & Decision making
More power to ya! When you feel like there’s no more left, just remember we’re right behind you…no pressure or anything.
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That’s awesome!!! You go girl!!!
Carla recently posted..Injury…you can kiss my a*s
Please excuse me while I go be ill at the thought of perpetually moving for 21kms. You are awe-some!
Née recently posted..Rejection 101
Good luck Grace! I hope it goes well, and you have a nice shiny medal to pay for all the hard work 🙂
JulieM recently posted..Why do I blog?
You’ll give it a pantsing – it’s a brain game not a leg game.
Kevin recently posted..Caught my eye Friday – Poo stories and piss takes
You go girl!!! A half marathon is on my bucket list x
Housewife in Heels recently posted..Hatchlings and Easter egg pinatas
Go Grace!
I am running in my first ever fun run this year so you definitely inspire me!! XX
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CRIKEY…..wanna run over here next time we catch up?? I am very proud of you for chasing the goals …because that’s the way you rock and roll…I LOVE the photo of you approaching the steps.. Me? I’d be NOT smiling. Love your enthusiasm…. D xx
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Go girl! It’ll be worth it when you cross the finish line. 🙂
Danya Banya recently posted..How to make a Star Headband
And all through life our mental health will come and go…. can I confess that mine is better since all the kids went to school…?? sad but true!!
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