On the Road to the Marathon: Part 2 - Learning About Myself (New York Marathon Training)

So here I am, a few weeks into the marathon training, and I can honestly say it's been a voyage into self-discovery. The first thing I've discovered is that I am no Greta Waitz. Really. Running is hard for me. When I made this commitment, I knew that there would be some tough psychological roadblocks that I'd have to face and overcome, but I thought as a former athlete I would be a little tougher when it came to actually feeling tired, sore and unmotivated. Not so. I've found that the euphoria of deciding to do a marathon has worn off, and I am now left with the cold realization of the work it's going to take to transform my 30-minute runs into a 26-mile marathon. I am beginning to get a little overwhelmed with the challenge I have put before myself. Take last week for example, when I drove to Washington, D.C., from central New York. I hit Pennsylvania after an hour. I thought to myself, "I'll still be running." At two and a half hours, I passed through Maryland. Still running. D.C. Still running. My butt hurt from just sitting in the car for four hours, how will I possibly be able to run that long.or longer? I guess the up side is that I did keep envisioning myself running rather than collapsed at the side of the road.

The second thing I've discovered is that when it comes to workout clothes, it's one thing to talk the talk.another to walk the walk. Here's what I mean: After some trepidation, I decided that I wanted to make the big move into a pair of Lycra shorts, something that I gave up a few pounds ago. Now, this was a big decision for me because, although I am well-versed in the "your body is beautiful" mantra of feminist thought, 30 years of socialization is a pretty tough order to overcome with seven years of grad school. Not having a svelte runner's body, it's been a little humbling getting into a pair of form-fitting shorts and running around outside. Nonetheless, that's what I was doing on my vacation on the beach in Florida, albeit with a pair of "modesty" shorts on the outside.

The third thing I have discovered is that there is at no time a greater need to (1) do laundry, (2) browse eBay for stuff I don't need, (3) bathe the dog, (4) insert random task here.than right before my run. Often there is the temptation to do these things instead of my run. This resistance to self-care is a puzzling to me.hopefully things will become clearer as running becomes easier. For now, it's a battle.

The last, and most important, thing I am trying to learn is that the above doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if I am slow, tired or sheepish about adventures in spandex. It doesn't matter if it's raining, if I am cranky or if my boss has just e-mailed me with an outrageous to-do list that is a marathon of its own. The rain will come and go, my mood will shift, things will get done, the dog can smell doggy, and I will keep plodding along until 30 minutes turns to 60, then to 90, and then.well, you get the idea. I am trying to keep this in mind as I run. It's been a challenge to begin to trust. Trust that my body will get in better shape. Trust that it's worth the time and effort. Trust that the world will keep going if I take an hour to escape from it. Trust that this is true: I am not Greta Waitz .and I am okay with that.

About the Author:

In the spirit of getting fit, WomensSportsFoundation.org producer Becky Lane is training for the New York City Marathon. Follow her from the time she ties on the running shoes for the first time until she experiences the thrill of the finish line. - Article reprinted courtesy of the Women's Sports Foundation