Completing the County Goal: A Huge Milestone After the Half Marathon
Finishing the final county after the half marathon will be a monumental accomplishment. This goal has been years in the making, and reaching it will undoubtedly be a moment of immense pride and fulfillment. However, reflecting on these past four years of running, there’s a tinge of disappointment in not seeing continuous improvement. Despite this, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the journey and the progress made along the way.
Consistency: The Foundation of Success
One of the most commendable aspects of these past four years has been consistency. Running three 5Ks every week has built a strong base of endurance and discipline. This consistency has kept fitness levels stable, providing a solid platform for tackling longer distances and more challenging goals.
Comfort in Long Distances
Running longer distances will become second nature again. Comfortably completing longer runs is a significant achievement in itself, demonstrating both physical and mental resilience. The ability to handle long slow distances (LSD) with ease is a testament to the dedication and time invested in training. I’m currently able to complete a 1 hour run most training days. It’s indoor and on a treadmill and i’ve been watching TV series, which helps with the boredom.
Previous Half Marathon Training
The experience of training for past half marathons has played a pivotal role in building stamina and mental toughness. Each training cycle has provided valuable lessons in pacing, hydration, and recovery, all of which contribute to the overall growth as a runner. I’ve run 4 Half marathons in the past and my last one was in 2008. I’ve run the Bayshore Half Marathon twice, the Betsy River Run at least once, maybe twice and I did a virtual half once. Where everyone was running at the same time, but in different locations. I ran from Leelanau County to Traverse City. It was rough for the last mile and a half because I had to run past my home. VERY hard to do when you are so tired.
Lessons from Long Slow Distances (LSD)
Long slow distances have been a cornerstone of training, offering insights into patience and perseverance. These runs not only improve cardiovascular endurance but also strengthen the mental resolve needed to push through challenges. They’ve taught the importance of pacing—a skill that is crucial for completing both short and long races effectively. It’s January and I’m already able to run 5.5 miles in about an hour. This should go well.
Exploring New Routes and Scener
One of the joys of pursuing the county goal has been exploring new routes and discovering the beauty of different landscapes. Running in varied environments has kept the experience fresh and engaging, providing motivation to keep going even when progress seemed slow.
Building a Community
Running has also been an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Joining local running groups or participating in races has fostered a sense of camaraderie and support. Sharing experiences and celebrating milestones with others has added a social dimension to this journey.
Overcoming Plateaus
While continuous improvement hasn’t been a constant, overcoming plateaus is part of any long-term endeavor. Reflecting on past efforts to break through stagnation can reveal strategies to reignite progress, such as incorporating speed work, cross-training, or revisiting training plans.
Setting New Goals
With the county goal nearly complete, it’s time to consider what comes next. Whether it’s aiming for a new personal record, tackling a different race distance, or exploring trail running, setting new objectives will keep the momentum going and provide fresh challenges to look forward to.
Celebrating Progress
It’s easy to focus on what hasn’t been achieved, but celebrating the progress made is equally important. Running consistently, completing half marathons, and nearing the county goal are significant accomplishments that deserve recognition. Taking a moment to reflect on these successes can reignite motivation and appreciation for the journey.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, running is about more than just improvement or hitting milestones. It’s about health, well-being, and the joy of movement. The discipline and resilience developed over these four years have likely impacted other areas of life in positive ways. Focusing on the bigger picture can help shift perspective and rekindle enthusiasm for future goals.
In conclusion, while the journey over these past four years hasn’t been one of constant improvement, it has been one of consistency, resilience, and discovery. Finishing the final county and completing the half marathon are monumental achievements that reflect dedication and perseverance. Here’s to celebrating this milestone and looking forward to new challenges and adventures in the world of runningzs
