The very best part about doing something you have never done before is that no matter how you do – it is the best you have ever done. In the last month I have set two personal records (PRs.) Having never run a 25K or a half-marathon at all until recently – I was all set to crank out two PRs.
I went after the 25K with an “I have never run this before ever” mentality and I was pleased to have finished strong. Knowing that I had another race in only two weeks that was of slightly shorter distance, I set an attainable goal. I felt like I had a little gas left in the tank when I finished the 25K so I decided to try and go a little faster.
I’m not fast. A year ago I couldn’t run one continuous ten minute mile. Last week my half marathon pace was 10:07 on average. That’s measurable progress. So many people have asked me in the last year why I run. It’s a simple answer. There aren’t many opportunities for an adult to have measurable success outside the workplace. For months and months I wasn’t getting faster so I set my sights on distance. Mission accomplished. My 5K time is creeping faster. Slow and steady progress. 
This weekend I will switch gears (oh man, do you love a good pun!! Switch gears, I am gonna ride my bike, guys. I kill me.) My personal triathlon season will kick off at the scene of the original crime. Last year I finished my first sprint triathlon at an all women’s event. It’s technically a super sprint (250 yard swim, 10 mile bike and a 2 mile run.) Last year I wanted to finish. I rode a heavy hybrid and I had run for less than three months. I was happy with my finish. It’s a small event. I finished 64th out of 126 participants. This year? I am going back to run the same course. There should be measurable improvement. Right? And so begins the sleepless week. I like to set goals. I like to achieve them. What’s reasonable? I am pretty sure that cups of coffee at 10 pm and loads and loads of googling and looking at my runkeeper graphs for the last year will not help. Getting my bike out of the shed might be a good place to start.
Excitement on the side 
Girl! You so hardcore! (And a leg tattoo?? Nice! ^.^)
Pfft. A leg tattoo? My legs are covered. Where have you been?! ;)
Not seeing your legs apparently! Hahaha!
Allow me to give you a quick tour. I left out a few, but these are the ones I can get a decent picture of while I am trapped under my sleeping toddler!
Feeling really inspired by your strength, stamina, and beauty.
M
It is time for me to give it back. I can remember being so motivated by your drive, you’d sneak out of the house in the wee hours and run back and forth behind your house. :)
Wow, you’re determination is awesome! I have really just gotten into running recently and I’m running a 10K next month. My goal is to run a half marathon next year, but I have been skeptical about my abilities. You are so determined and goal oriented – it’s inspiring!
You can totally do it! I try to remind myself that the only person you are competing with is yourself and slow and steady progress – it happens! It really does!!
Your average pace was not 10:07. It was 10:07 ON HILLS. Because of course you wouldn’t choose an easy flat race for your first (um…like some…). Hills for your first 1/2. You kill me. You are one fierce lady.
Ha. I kill you? Back at you, lady.
I don’t know where you got it, Kel, but I’m glad you have it. All of it. And I am so proud and not a little envious of you! Good luck!