"How much faster do you think you can really get?" echoed in my ears. I didn't really have an answer, but I had a feeling. Not the kind of feeling that I'd maxed out my ability and was on my way down (as suggested by the question). But, a warm, swelly feeling in my chest. "Just you wait and see..." I thought.
For those of you who followed my other blogs, particularly my work to qualify for Boston (where my singular goal was to run a 3:50 marathon yet having a current PR of 4:16 and change), you'll know how far I've come. And as I approach my 43rd birthday in January 2010, the question was probably a fair one. After all, it was only four years ago I couldn't break 30:00 in the 5K, and only a few years before that I had no hope of doing anything like running... ever.
I've just really figured out how to race in the past year. And I am just grasping what it takes to get faster. This blog is the "what comes next" after finally qualifying for Boston. 22:00 isn't going to be my PR for the 5K, nor is 3:38:22 going to be my PR for the marathon. I will write about my training / runs, my diet, my thoughts, my races, my set-backs, my victories.
I promise.. this is not the peak. I feel the potential burning through me. Now, it's time to bring it!
I don't think the peak is even within sight. I can't wait to see what's next. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteHey, with great kick-butt running friends like you, it's sure to be amazing! Your long-suffering encouragement and belief in me means a lot :-) -Alex
ReplyDeleteYay - new blog! You most certainly can accomplish all your dreams. I have no doubt :) I look forward to following your adventures. This is going to be exciting!
ReplyDeleteSharon, Hey! Thanks for the visit to the new spot :-). I'm pretty fired up about what's in store... How are you doing? -Alex
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Your question is the exact one I was asking myself this past spring. I finally decided that with passion, dedication and hard work it was possible to get much faster than I ever imagined. I am very excited to follow you on the next leg of your journey! Like you, I needed a 3:50 to qualify for Boston and at first I felt that was a lot further off in the distance than it actually was. Although I came nowhere near your qualifying time, I did come under my goal and am now on the same road that you are at the moment: to become a faster runner on my journey to Boston. Good luck! I look forward to reading about your training.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing pretty well so far. After 3 months of walk/run intervals, this week marked my first "all running" workout. I covered the scheduled 2.5 miles without incident! I am currently following the Hal Higdon novice program for the 10k. I wanted to pick something that would gradually (and safely) ease me back into running. Today I will run 2 miles and I'm hoping things go well. Thanks so much for checking in on me :-)
ReplyDeleteSharon, That sounds great! I used his novice program for my first marathon, I think his programs are good :-) you've come a long way. Really happy to hear you are doing well! -Alex
ReplyDeleteJust chanced upon your blog. It really is very inspirational. Looking forward to see your journey to Boston, and beyond.
ReplyDeleteKeep running!
Jacky
Singapore
A Boston wannabe :)
Jacky, Thanks for the visit! I'm glad my ups and downs provide inspiration for others! One of the key reasons I write this blog... Best wishes for you in your journey! I cannot believe Boston is just a hair over 9 weeks away. --Alex
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