My Running Journey (Pt. III)

Hello friends,
Happy leap day! It's only been a few months since I last updated you on my running journey, but I've got some highlights to report.

   As a recap, I started my running journey in late January of 2023. I was inspired by the likes of Mark Lewis, Natacha Oceane, and Cassia Tierney Clarke to give it a real shot. What would it be like to run a 5k? Could I do it faster next week? And the next? What if I rounded up to 4 miles month? And then what if I increased my mileage each month--how far could I get by the end of the year? That's basically how I made it to this point.

      So now that I'm a little over a year into my consistent running schedule, I'd love to share some milestones I've reached recently. 

​I Reached a Half Marathon Distance

   My method for increasing my mileage last year was to tack on an extra mile each month. At that rate, I was set to complete a half marathon distance by January. Well, at the end of October, I was feeling pretty silly billy. I was out on, what was going to be, an 11-mile run, and was feeling pretty optimistic around mile 5.5. I was reaching what would have been my halfway mark, where I'd be turning around to head back to my starting point, and I decided to keep moving forward (and reach for that half marathon distance). Cooper was elsewhere on the trail with me that day, and when we linked up on the in the woods, I told him about my spontaneous change in the mileage goal for that run.

   That was such an exciting day. Only a few hiccups happened while I was out there. By mile 7, my stomach started hurting. Thank goodness I had a GU with me, it definitely put my stomach ache at bay. My phone also was losing battery quicker than usual, so by mile 8, I removed my headphones and tried to focus in and give myself some positive affirmations. Which I did! Even if I'm just trudging, I'm still a step closer to home. I was reallt proud of this accomplishment, hiccups and all, that I reattempted the half in December. I definitely felt stronger this time around, but the December attempt was rainy and chilly, so my body paid the consequences (major chest cold). I was happy to end the year on a strong note, and like I tend to say when I speak about running, it's a major learning moment in practicing positive self talk. Mindset will get you so far. That, and plenty of consistent training.

​I Ran a Trail 10k Event

   I can't believe I haven't talked about this on the blog yet. It feels like it's been ages since I ran this race! On January 6th (yes, I know), I ran a night time trail race. It was the NightOwl 10k trail race, which marked my second official race event, and my longest trail distance (prior to this I believe my longest trail distance was about 4 miles). I'm very thankful for miss Amanda from my trail running group for tag teaming with me for this race, and also to sweet Angela for helping fit me for actual trail shoes. Also thank you to the folks who put money into my shoe fund! Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to stay upright during my run. Yes, it was that muddy.

   This was such a special experience, and truth be told, it was a little birthday gift I gave to myself). No time goal for me, I just wanted to do my best in the slippery conditions and finish strong. I've been practicing nighttime trail running with one of the groups I'm in, but this was the real deal.

   My miles were slow in this one. But I felt like I was on an adventure. I didn't feel too tired (not until I crossed the finish line...then I totally crashed). I was more excited than anything. No nerves, like I felt on my road race. I felt a lot less pressure on these trails. Just keeping myself moving forward, and cheering on the marathoners who were also looping on the same trail. Amazing energy out there overall, and I'd definitely do it again. Mud and all.​

​I Reached my 1 Year Runniversary

   This was more of a sentimental day for me! My runniversary is January 28th, which fell on a Sunday this year. But on the 27th, that day prior, I completed a very strong 12 mile run. I felt fast, light on my feet, and had limited walking. I felt super strong. On the 28th, I spontaneously joined in for the final four miles of my friends' 27-mile run for their 27th birthdays. It felt great to show up and support, and it's a major reason why I'm a huge fan of the running community. It felt super important to spend my runniversary celebrating why I love running. 

   I also did my own reflecting on where I started versus where I am a year later. Road running up to a half marathon, trail running a little over 10k for that race. Really challenging myself and learning a lot about myself in the process. I'm just really grateful for how much running has helped me through this past year, and I'm always itching to improve.

I Ran a 15-Miler in February​

   This year's goal is to reach a marathon distance by December. Yep, I'm putting it out there. And when I put a goal out there, I'm going to finish it. I've got a general training plan made out for myself, with the longest runs I'm wanting to hit for each month written out. The tricky part is planning those runs in the summer, since I definitely struggle to run in the heat. But I've got it strategized, and I've even been desensitizing myself to the treadmill lately. Who am I?? Feeling brave, that's what.

   I was feeling super excited for February's run. 15 miles. It would be a PR run, distance-wise. My longest since my half marathon in December. When it came time for my first attempt--the trail was iced over. That following weekend? Iced over again. I ended up rescheduling a third time, and with a wonky mindset after all the re-schedules, I just knew I was going to have a rough one. I knew I'd be trudging for a lot of it. Not every run is going to feel good, and I knew when I woke up that morning that this would be a challenge.

   I felt heavy when I headed out there, from the water in my vest. I wasn't on my normal route, since I didn't want to drive another forty minutes north. I wanted to just get it done.  I felt slow. I just wasn't feeling super solid overall. By mile 6, I was low on battery on my phone somehow (I know, again???), I was running low on water, and I was so ready to throw in the towel. I've never given up on a run before (except for the first 10k attempt, since there was lots of lightning). I ran to the nearby Wholefoods and filled up my water, used the restroom, and then headed back on my journey. By mile 9, I was over it. I was blubbering, still feeling slow and heavy. My energy just wasn't there. But what was going to feel worse? Pushing through for another 6 miles? Or the shitty feeling of giving up?

   I stopped back at my apartment, at mile 12.5. Plugged in my phone (I hadn't listened to music since mile 7). I filled up my water again, ate a HoneyStinger waffle, and took my ass back outside. Even if I needed to walk, I was finishing this thing. And you know what? I did. And I'm really glad I did. I kept whispering to myself, You've got this. Keep moving forward. You can do this.

   Moral of this story is, I reached my 15-miler. This was my toughest run yet. I'm confident I can hit this distance a lot stronger soon enough. Sometimes we have off days, and sometimes those off days are on days where you've got a 15 mile run on the schedule. But we persist, we do the damn thing, and we walk away feeling proud. That's all we can do.
​

Thank you guys for keeping up on my running journey with me! It's super fun to report my achievements and lessons learned. I also love going back through and seeing my excitement for running through this past year.

If you want to keep up on my training and see what I'm doing each week, you can follow my fitness instagram here.

Keep on grinning!

​Lyd