Running "Fast"

Trying to keep things in perspective. 

I have been trying to make a more conscious effort lately not to call myself a "slow" runner. Or to say that I'm not fast. While I do have goals with regard to my pace, and I am working on improving my speed, I am certainly not aspiring to win the Boston Marathon anytime soon. Note that I didn't say that I don't want to run Boston, just that I probably won't win it in my lifetime. And that is okay. But what I have decided isn't okay for me to do is to beat myself up for where I am as a runner. I am improving, and I am setting new goals for myself every year. I ran the Ogden Marathon in 2011, and my goal was simply to finish. I did. I have registered for two other marathons since that race, and have had to withdraw due to injuries both times. Huge bummer. But I signed up for Ogden again in 2015, and am feeling confident that I am ready to take on 26.2 again, and I have a plan to stay healthy for it this time (and maybe a pace goal too). But that's a whole separate post, so let's stay on topic, shall we? 

Too often, I compare myself to other runners, and end up making myself feel bad about running 11 minute miles for 8 miles (as an example). Then my brain comes to a screeching halt as I remind myself that I just ran 8 miles! No matter what the pace was, I. Ran. 8. Miles. While other people might run 8 miles faster than I do, there are also people out there who run 8 miles slower. And that is great! But I need to remember to give myself credit for those 8 miles first. 

I have also been trying to give myself credit for what I have accomplished with regard to my running goals instead of beating myself up for what I haven't been able to do yet. In June of this year, I ran the Drop 13 Half Marathon in Salt Lake, and set a new PR. Prior to that half, my best time was around 2:30. I set a goal for myself to finish at or under 2 hours for the Drop 13, did the work and training to get there, and on race day, I ran 1:58:52. And almost cried. I had taken half an hour off my half marathon time. WHAT!? That is awesome! And I'm comfortable saying that what I accomplished was a big deal. It might not be a big deal to other runners, but it was to me, and that's what matters. What that race reaffirmed to me is that I am capable of doing things that are hard, and that I may not initially think I can do. But if I make a plan to get to those goals, and stick to it, I might just surprise myself. I am running the Drop 13 again in 2015, and am setting another ambitious goal for that race - I want to drop another 13 minutes off my finish time. That would put me at a 1:45 finish time, which is averaging just over an 8 min/mile pace. And I think I can do it. It will require more speed training, strength training, and overall determination and motivation, but I know it is possible. And I also know I have a wonderful support system of people who will help encourage me when I have bad days, and cheer me on when I have good days.