Timing is [Not] Everything

Posted by Nicole

When I ran the Nike Half, I started the race very proud and excited. Heck, I was up before sunlight to run 13.1 miles… I had plenty reason to be proud. The first few miles were great, but around mile 3, I could tell that it wasn’t going to be a “good” race. And by “good,” I meant fast.

I started to think negative thoughts.

• Why am I so slow?
• What will family, friends, blog readers, strangers, everyone think of my slow finish time?
• This time will be on the internet forever.
• At this rate, I’ll never PR a race.

A bit later, I forced myself to snap out of it.

• I don’t train enough to improve my time.
• I mostly focus on school, dance practice, and having fun in college… not running.
• This course is very difficult.
• My feet are tired from walking all around the city yesterday.
• I should be proud of the fact that I woke up at 5 to run this race, no matter WHAT.

You can call it making excuses, but I’m calling it a sense of perspective.

As much as I want to be a fast endurance runner, I will always be slower than some people and faster than others. But, it’s not about comparing, it’s about getting out there with confidence and building memorable accomplishments, regardless of the little details.

This is something that I need to remember in my training runs, during the Malibu Half (in 3 weeks), and at the Pasadena Rock ‘n Roll Half (in February). It’s about logging miles and enjoying them, not dreading them.

Such as last night, I ran 6 miles. They weren’t as fast as they would have been a year ago, but they still gave me a sense of fulfillment and strength.

As long as I can remind myself that each mile should be celebrated (right, Kristine?), I can only get better from here.

So what do you think- How much of your motivation comes from within, and how much from others?

For the bloggers out there- Do you worry about what others will think of your race times, pace, and miles per week?

- N