When I was a freshman in high school, I took guitar lessons. This was also around the era where I was convinced that I was going to be a rock star and lead a band of girl rebels and boy mavericks.
Well, that never came to pass, and I’m way to self-conscious to ham it up like that. But that’s not the point of this story. The point of this story was that I learned a few songs and just kinda settled for that. I remember my teacher said to me, “You know enough to figure out a few songs, and that’s good, but you’re going to have to keep practicing if you want to take it to the next level.”
But no, I really didn’t keep practicing. I was happy to play those songs and went on to do the other things in my life I liked more, like hanging out with my boyfriend and pimping out my high school blog.
(You’re crazy if you think you’re getting a link to that.)
So, I am at that point with running. I got good enough to run a half-marathon. 13.1 miles. And I even ran it at a pace that is pretty awesome. A symbol of 7 months of hard work.
The half-marathon was a milestone. And that’s how I have to think about it. Sometimes, its easier just to look at the next goal. Especially when the journey is so long. But after you make that goal … you have to look at the next thing. And remember why you started in the first place.
So. My next goal. The marathon, in October, of course … but there are a lot of weeks of training between then and now.
After Saturday’s race, I went onto the Maine Track Club’s race calendar and looked for my next half-marathon. And I found … there really won’t be another one that fits into my schedule before the marathon.
Here’s what my 2011 race calendar is shaping up to be:
- Pineland Farms 5K canicross (May 28)
- YMCA Fit Fest 5k (June 11 – the first of the L/A Triple Crown)
- LADU (June 26 – 3m run/14m bike/2.5m run)
- Norway Triathalon (July 9)
- Emily’s Run 5k (July 24 – the second of the L/A Triple Crown)
- L/A Bridge Run 5k (Aug. 18 – the last of the L/A Triple Crown)
- Maine Marathon (Oct. 2)
All 5ks, except the duathalon and triathalon — but I think they will present interesting and rewarding challenges in and of themselves. Which reminds me — I need to get back in the pool this week!