Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A few thoughts...

A few thoughts about my unplanned half-marathon:

Other people may be there to help us, teach us, guide us along our path, but the lesson to be learned is always ours.
Anonymous
  • Cross-training really helps. While I could not run, I biked, and I realize this definitely helped keep me strong enough to complete this half-marathon, despite the fact that I had not run more than one 10K in the previous 8 weeks. 
  • I intend to buy a trainer for my bike so that I can continue cross-training over the winter (I'll post a picture when I get it).
  • My lungs are so much stronger now. I had a cold two weeks before the race, and that used to mean a serious deterioration of my lung capacity (asthma). Not this time, I got over it without even seeing my doctor. Running heals me :)
  • Doing this untrained-for half, has really increased my confidence in my body's capacity to run a marathon (in May)! I am stronger than I thought I was. Yes, I too believe I can now say with pride, "My name is Anne and I am an athlete"! :) 
Cheers!

19 comments:

Teamarcia said...

Woot for confidence and XT and strong lungs! I love that pic of you!

teacherwoman said...

Cute gift package!

Marlene said...

Nice goodies!

How well you ran this half marathon is a true testament to your overall good health and strength! So happy for you!!!

Exciting news about May! :D

Andrew Opala said...

great observations about the half ... and Neil rock's it!

Tara said...

First of all, congrats on your half marathon! Awesome job lady, especially since you haven't been running that much!

Second, I LOVE that fall gift bucket, so cute.

Third: Cross training (and strong lungs) rock! :)

Emz said...

love the gift basket o'plenty.

Awesome!!

And YAY for MAY!

ajh said...

Ohh! How nice to give me some credit!! I am still loving the bike. I bike to work most days. I am adding things as I go. I just added flashing lights. I need to get a headlight. I am not sure how far into winter I will go. At this point I am going one more day at a time. I will love hearing about the trainer.

Beth said...

Very nice gift and I love the picture of you with your medal. Have fun shopping for a trainer. I love shopping for sporty stuff!

Jamie said...

Very nice gift! Cross training is super important and I'm going to incorporate more one of these days :)

Giorgio said...

What a beautiful bucket with fall colours!
Your lungs are so much stronger now: these are good news! :)
Have a nice training Anne!

Johann said...

You are an athlete for sure! "Running heals me"...I love that! Having a marathon goal for May is ideal. That photo at the falls is super.

Jennifer said...

Great job Anne! I love stories like this and yes, cross training is an important key to staying strong! Cheers!

MomRunningFromCancer said...

Nice jacket and congrat's again on your successful 1/2 marathon. I will be running the Haunted Hustle 1/2 marathon this saturday. Yahoo . . . I mean YaBoooooo!!!

The getta gift basket is so cute - I want one. ;-)

Anne said...

It sounds like you're still basking in the glory of your half marathon finish. Maybe it was fate that had the 10k closed so you had to run the full distance. Keep soaking it up, Anne, because you deserve all the special attention.

Molly said...

nice loot and nice finish! I'm interested to hear about how you like your trainer, I've been thinking of getting one myself....

LMC said...

Nice goodies. You are an athlete! Congratulations on your half. You did an awesome job and should be confident! Glad to hear about your lungs too. Good news!

Jill said...

That smile is one of total confidence, bring in on, girl!!!!

Major score on the loot - wow!!! Enjoy!! :)

Matty B. said...

I'm not sure that Neil advertises it, but that bucket is very aesthetically pleasing! And, what a great choice in goodies.

You are DEFINITELY an athlete; anyone who can run a half-marathon on several weeks rest is badas$.

Have a great Saturday!

smartygirl said...

what an inspiring story! i was diagnosed with asthma this spring after i thought i'd start running and had terrible chest pains. i am recovering from an injury now but hope to be as fit as you someday!