Wednesday, October 6, 2010

progression ...

I am a new runner. Sure, I didn't start running yesterday, but my first race was only three years and one week ago. I have kids older than that. And although I have a high mileage base, I am by no means a seasoned runner, you need a lot more experience for that. And I want that experience. I know I can do and be so much more. I think I have barely tapped my potential. There is speed trapped in my legs and strength trapped in my psyche. And it is going to escape. It's kind of been sneaking out all along. I just failed to notice the progression.

As I approach my marathon (only 10 days from now), I honestly have no idea of what to expect. I have never made it to the start line of a marathon uninjured. I do not know what's in me. In so many ways, this race is really my FIRST marathon. The other two were just training runs where I pushed through the pain (and walked miles upon miles) to just finish the distance. I have never raced a marathon. And it's kind of freaking me out.

Which got me thinking. There was a time when I had never raced a 5K. And that was scary too. But, I did it. So, I am hoping by looking at how far I have come will help me gain the confidence to KILL this marathon. So, here it goes ...

On 9/29/07, I ran my first 5K in 31:00.
On 5/29/10, I ran my current 5K PR of 24:09.
That's a difference of 6:51 or 2:13/mi.

On 8/31/08, I ran my first half marathon in 2:37:59.
On 9/26/10, I ran my current half marathon PR of 1:58:02.
That's a difference of 39:57 or 3:03/mi.

The progression is HUGE. And I made it happen. It wasn't luck. It was training. And I am trained for this marathon. I know this. Now, I just have to BELIEVE it.

50 comments:

Living Like No One Else said...

My hubby just did the twin cities marathon, his first (he is a triathlete gearing for his first full ironman). He stuck to his pace until the last few miles even though he was feeling good, and then he anialated the last five miles which were mostly all uphill (and he didn't know about it). So sticking to your pace no matter how good you feel works. ALso he did his carry it with him water bottle -the kind that straps to your hand. said that helped a lot too. Rest, eat right, thats all you can do at this point. Also the course he was on...they miscalculated it. all the runners gps watches said it was actually 26.4 miles. (i know). so be prepared to run a bit longer. Good luck!

Silly Girl Running said...

Believe it, 'cause you will kick that marathon's butt! I'm guessing sub-4! :)

Katye said...

i can't wait to see the new stats for the marathon!

saundra said...

I know I'm late on this, I've been MIA in bloggerland. But congrats on breaking 2 hours in the half!!!

*~*~* Tracy said...

You are going to rock your marathon! I can't wait to read about it!

I also want to thank you for posting this. I've been just over a year and feel so SLOW, but I have to be patient and keep training.

abbi said...

You are going to do great and just look how far you've already come, wonderful!!

Lisa said...

You are going to amaze yourself! Own the race - and enjoy it! You'll be fantastic!!!! Good luck!

Unknown said...

Girlfriend--you are going to kill this marathon. Its not going to know what hit it.

Can wait to read all about it.

Molly said...

Believe it Girlie, you're going to do great!!!

Carly said...

I have total confidence in you. I can't wait to hear about how you crush that marathon!

bobbi said...

You may not really believe it yet, but we all do - you've done all the work and then some. You've been SO disciplined in your training. You are going to KILL IT!

Jessica (Pace of Me) said...

this is incredible, tonia!! this is why i love running. it is all about seeing what you are made of, going to your own personal edge, and growing as a person. i am so proud of you for how far you have come, and i am sure that no matter what your time is for this marathon you will make it a good experience for you. there is no doubt you will rock it - take one step at a time and soak it up!! i can't wait to run with you one of these days!!!! yahhoooo!!

jamie@sweatyhugs said...

I LOVE this post! I had no idea you've had such an incredible progression. It's great to see Tonia. Really give me hope that I can do so much more than I may realize right now. Thanks for sharing this.

Marlene said...

I ran my very first race on that exact same day. :) FIRST RACE TWINS!

I can not *wait* to see the improvement in your marathon time. It is going to be epic!!

Christa said...

You are going to do awesome!!! It is amazing on how far one can come in just a short distance of time. I almost felt like I was reading my own story. I ran my first 5K in Jun 08, that took 35:12 , ran my 4th 5K last weekend in 26:02. Ran my first Half Marathon in Oct 08 in 2:40, Ran my 4th Half Marathon in Sep 10 in 2:05. So, now it comes down to the marathon for me too; this weekend. Me vs Chicago Marathon. I am only thinking positive thoughts. Putting everything I have out there.
Best of luck!! Cant wait to read your recap of the race.

Mike Russell said...

Come now -- you will do great. Read back over your training logs and look at the miles you have covered. Envision yourself crossing that finish line and what you will do. You will rock this one...

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

You have to know that you will finish this marathon with a huge PR. Your last marathons you were not at your full potential. Frankly, I think even I you run this conservatively you will still crush your previous time.
You will go into this knowing the pace you want to set and after running your half you really know that steady pace is the key to distance! You seem to be great at pacing yourself. You will know what the distance is and respect it. You will amaze yourself Tonia. We are all just happy to come along for the ride as you find out how much you really have to give.
Now stop pretending you don't have confidence out the whaazoo, shake the taper crazies and get ready for the biggest PR of your racing career!!
(positive talk helps a lot!)

Megan said...

I totally understand what you're talking about.. I did my first 5K a whole 18 minutes slower than my current PR. Isn't that why we run though? To constantly be improving?

I'm looking forward to your race recap already!

Emily said...

You are SO ready to rock this marathon. That improvement is just insane, and you have been so strong this entire training cycle!

Hunnybee said...

You will ROCK the Marathon. Just from reading your posts here, I have no doubt.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

i think you have put into words one of my favorite parts of marathoning: how it can reveal to you how strong and capable you really are. through all the doubts and fears when you cross that line you know that you have achieved something remarkable. having two sub-par marathons under your belt is going to make your success at this one that much sweeter.

Leah F said...

I know exactly what you're talking about. Like you, I feel as if, though I've run four other marathons, this one coming up will be the first one I've really RACED.

Congratulations on improving your times so much. Get used to it.

Runners Fuel said...

Great progression! I feel that way, too.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

All I have to say is...

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD T!!!

Just run, go on autopilot and let the miles pass easily. you have trained for this. You know your happy pace and that pace will give you a HUGE HUGE PR. If you feel your body or mind shutting down find something to occupy your time..

Look for running skirts you don't own, trees with funny shapes or pretty leaves, whatever it is that will pull you back out..

You are strong, you are healthy and you have this..

GOOOOO T!!!

Meredith said...

You are going to rock that marathon!! I have no doubt!!

justme said...

love it !!!

Becka said...

Wow you have improved a LOT since you started out! Great job! You are going to do awesome in your marathon! Can't wait to hear about it.

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

wow! Your improvement is outstanding!! you've got this marathon girl!! :D

Michelle said...

Your progression is fantastic and very inspiring to someone like me with 1 5K under her belt and a 10K on the horizon.

From following your training I have no doubt you are going to rock this race!! Looking forward to reading your race report!!

Emz said...

You've got this.

I can't wait to hear about it.

You are incredible.

track coach and adorable wife said...

You are a killer T. A time killer! The amount of commitment you put in is unbelievable and awesome! You are ready, you'll look awesome, and we'll all be mind cheering for you! Hey, my first 5k was in 42:00 min 4 months ago! Talk about big room for progression!

Carla @ I Run, You Run said...

Your improvement is spectacular! It gives me hope that I'll improve my slow pace too! I see a lot of new runners with great time but it's nice to see a fast runner that didn't start out so fast at first!

You'll do great!

(My first marathon is Sunday and it's freaking me out)

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to hear your race report. I know you'll push through this like a machine.

I was just about to make the same comment Carla just made... those "first" times aren't that far off from my own. It gives me hope that maybe someday I can actually hit a sub-2 hour half.

Go for that sub-4, Tonia. Rock it.

Aron said...

you better believe it girl!! you are going to KILL that marathon :) ahhhh so excited for you!

Judi said...

I didn't realize that you've only been running for three years! What amazing progress you have made in such a short time! At least in my mind it seems like a lot! :)

Nike Athena said...

This post made me cry a little. Thank you for sharing your progression - you have given me so much hope! You are going to kill this marathon and I can't wait to hear about it. You are trained - mentally and physically - and you're going to do awesome!

April said...

I'm so excited for you!!! You are going to rock that marathon!
It's great to look back and see how far you have come and even better to look forward to the goals you will conquer!

Shelley said...

I really enjoyed this post - had no idea you were relatively new at running! I look at you as a seasoned runner (and expert) - it's nice to see your beginnings. :)

RunToTheFinish said...

very well stated!! you have the legs for it now you just need to keep the spirit!

i too agree that I thought you had been running for a long time based on how smart you are about things!

Liz said...

wow! that's so amazing. i feel so inspired by you. sometimes i feel like less of a runner because i'm a tad bit slower, but you make me realize i can change it all (and my times have been improving). i just have to keep pushing, training, and running. thanks for such an important reminder.

and you ARE going to KILL this marathon! i won't even wish you luck. you don't need it. :)

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

I'm so excited for you, you are going to kill this marathon! Use that taper freakout/nervousness to your advantage. You've done the physical training, now pull in that mental strength. GO TMB!!!!!!!

ajh said...

Amazing improvements!

Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex said...

Your improvements are AMAZING :) Good luck at the marathon--just remember to taper and take care of yourself.

Aimee said...

Those are some awesome improvements! You are so ready for this marathon! I think we're racing our marathons on the same day! :)

Julie D. said...

I'm guessing you are going sub-4 too!! You are ready and rock-star quality!! go kick some serious racing booty for me. I think I'm going to be doing the run/walk in Portland, unfortunately...but at least I can line up and cross that finish!

Anonymous said...

You do have so much potential! Don't lose sight of that. And this post inspired me too. Your first half time is almost the same as mine. Some day I'll do sub 2... just like you :)

Michelle said...

Thank you for this post! I was injured and so slow for my first marathon - this reminds me that there is hope to increase my time - which I have been doubtful about.

Good luck to you!

Brenda said...

I know you will do great on your first marathon.My Daughter is also running her first marathon in Idianapolis on the 16th.
I resently started running myself (july 14th)and have yet to run a 5k,but plan on running my first on Dec 4th which will be two days after my 51st birthday.I hope to be around 31:00 or 30:00 finish.

I Love reading your blog and read it most days befor I go run for inspiration.

Good luck on your marathon
Brenda

Bethany + Ryan said...

each marathon you do gets easier and the distance gets shorter! with each one you do your time will naturally get faster and faster! you're gonna rock it! best of luck to you!

OrangeBlossom said...

Thank you so much for this post. This is exactly where I am right now in my first year of running. Very encouraging.

Right now, I will focus on building a solid mileage base and working on my cadence (I think I'm over striding).