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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Really Big & Slightly Scary Running Goals

Another whirlwind of a weekend has come and gone and this one was spent in New Braunfels, visiting my brother and sister-in-law! We had a BLAST and loved our time there. I even took an extra day off of work (yesterday) so we could leisurely return home, which was definitely the right call.

With another Tuesday upon us comes another Tuesdays on the Run and this one is all about race goals - big, scary, hairy race goals.

To be honest, I hadn't given much thought to race goals prior to this summer. Earlier in the year, I began to experience something that concerned me and after speaking with my physician, it was determined that I have a complication that arose during childbirth. I haven't shared about this here because I haven't been quite sure how to go about doing so and let's just say that what I've experienced has left me with a heart full of gratitude that I can even run at all. My running goal prior to this summer? Just. Keep. Running.

Throughout this "journey", so to speak, I met an amazing physical therapist who taught me a wealth of knowledge and gave me hope when I needed it the most. Maybe...just maybe I wasn't completely done in for just yet!

With the conclusion of physical therapy came the eye opening wonders of Orangetheory. I love this form of cross training because it's doable for me, even with a weight restriction. I can work on strength as well as cardio at the same time which is perfect for me! I can also see and feel the benefits of Orangetheory and now I'm totally 100% hooked.

Now, my goal of "just keep running" has turned into "maybe I can run a little faster"..."or farther"...?


So, where do I go from here? Well, I thought I'd never be at a place where I'd be able to reach or beat my current half marathon PR from 2015. My goal that year was to break 2 hours in the half and with the help of a pacer, I did just that.

Is a sub-2 hour half marathon doable for me again? I can't say exactly, but I'm starting to feel strong and more powerful, just like I did back in 2015. Breaking my half marathon PR IS a huge and scary goal for me, so we shall see what the future has to hold.

Another HUGE lofty goal for me is to hit a 4:30 full marathon time. My current PR is 4:44, but my knee can say otherwise at times, so I'm not sure how many more full marathons I have in me. Again, we will see what the future has to hold here!

Is "just keep running" a big, lofty, scary goal? Sure it is. Each of us are fighting our own battles, and if putting one foot in front of the other is the biggest goal that can be set right now, then I'm all about that. I might never reach a PR status again, but if running is something I can continue to do for years to come, I'll be happy enough with that!

Do you have a running goal that scares or intimidates you?

Tuesdays on the Run

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with ErikaMarcia and Patty

20 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear that you have been struggling with a medical complication, but am glad to hear that things seem to be looking better. I am also currently working towards my goal of a sub 2 half. I never thought I would be able to reach that goal, but I can't believe how much my times have improved since starting OrangeTheory that that goal actually seems like it is reachable!

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    1. Yesss! That’s so exciting! Isn’t it amazing how OTF can help make such an improvement?! I love it!

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  2. I was very impressed with your running after the birth of your son. You are amazing Karen and I hope whatever condition you have does not hold you back. I have no doubt you will reach those goals because you are so determined and you work HARD!

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    1. Thank you so much. I seriously appreciate that. ❤️

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  3. I'm sorry you had a childbirth complication...wasn't it enough that you grew, carried, and birthed a baby - did your body have to throw in something extra, too?

    I've seen a difference in your enthusiasm and fitness since you started going to Orange Theory - it's fantastic that you have clicked with something so much, and I say go for it with your running goals!

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    1. I know, right?! That’s what i keep saying too. Hello, body...wasn’t birthing a child enough?!

      Finding a fitness outlet I enjoy has really made a difference. After my running group dissolved, I kind of felt like I was in this weird no mans land for a while. So glad to have a place to belong to again!

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  4. Isn't it amazing how we get indications that there's still goodness left within us? Ultimately my goal is to be a Forever Runner. That probably does not mean Forever Marathoner but I'm all good with that!

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  5. I agree that the main goal is to just keep running, for the rest of our lives. But you just never know where that will take you, so good luck with your time goals!

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  6. I know all about a wonky knee. My goal has also been to keep running, and to keep getting stronger.

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  7. Wow, you and I share similar goals ;-) I would LOVE to snag another sub-2 half marathon (it's been over 2 years for me) and my marathon PR is 4:33...so I'd LOVE to get under that as well. But, like you, I also agree that to "keep running" for a long, long time would be pretty darn sweet, too ;-)

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  8. with a few injuries myself the last few years, my current goal is to just keep running injury free. I have half on my schedule this fall that I hope to be in good shape to tackle.

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    1. Ohh i hope it works out for you! Remaining injury free is a good one!

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  9. I also have the goal to just keep running. I want to be able to keep running for decades.

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  10. I only started running three years ago (much too late as I know realize), so my big scary goal is breaking the sub-2 in the HM.
    I am getting close but haven't been able to do it yet... and last time I tried with a pacer, let's just say the pacer wasn't good at what he was supposed to be doing.

    So, I am right here with you... and you've done it once, I am sure you can do it again.

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    1. Aw I’m sorry to hear about your experience with the pacer! Mine was awesome! I hope it all works out for you next time!

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