As I sit here trying to decide the best way to start this blog about my “Boston qualifying marathon”, I can’t help but come clean from the beginning. The truth is, I fell apart. I completely broke down and nearly gave up. And when the race was over, I cried, not because I came in under 3:40, but because I was so mad at myself for almost quitting.
Now I’ll go back to the beginning…
Honestly, I don’t know where the beginning is. Just a couple of years ago, I still viewed my BQ (Boston Qualifying time) as unattainable. My fastest marathon was a 4:21, which is a 10 minute pace. My BQ needed to be under 3:40, which is an 8:21 pace. That wasn’t comfortable for me for a 5 mile run, let alone a 26.2 mile run. I tucked it away as something I would always dream about, but never accomplish.
Then, last year (2014) I decided I wanted to try and break 4 hours in the marathon. I didn’t follow a plan that included speed work, and really had no idea if I’d be able to do it. Luckily, the Lansing Marathon had pace groups, and my pacers led me to a 3:58 finish. That’s a 9:05 pace. I was elated, and honestly surprised that I did it. And it wasn’t even that mentally challenging.
Month: May 2015
I’m Scared
Last week I traveled for work for the first time ever. That meant a lot of “firsts” for me, and took me way outside of my comfort zone. It was my first time driving myself to the airport and flying solo. And my first time renting a car and driving by myself in a completely unfamiliar place. Everything went smoothly (except for the part when I couldn’t figure out how to start the “keyless car”). However, turns out that, even at the age of 34, I’m a bit of a wuss about doing new things on my own…I was SCARED. But, I was determined to not let my fear hold me back.
Before my trip, I did everything I could think of to prepare for success. I packed my most “confident” outfit…
I finished off the 5.5 mile sockless run with a sense of accomplishment (and a hashtag that read #bettertobebravethanboring). Should I have been out there alone? I really don’t know. But, I do know that if given the chance, I will do it again! Next time, with pepper spray.
When it comes down to it, I think I was scared for about 75% of that trip. Silly? Probably. But it helps me to remember that even in fear, we can accomplish some pretty great things.
And that’s what I’m holding on to as I get ready to run my marathon on Saturday. Because, truth is, I’m scared. Terrified actually. But I know that I have done my work to prepare, and I’m not going to let fear keep me from going out there and giving it my all.
Sparkle.Pounce.Breathe in Courage.Exhale Fear.
-Kendra
The Things That Matter
Last weekend was jam packed for me. Saturday morning began with soccer and baseball, followed by a trip out of town to help my parents with some spring cleaning, and leaving me getting home around 10:40 pm Saturday night. Sunday morning my alarm was set for 6:00 am to get up and fit in my 20 mile run so that it didn’t consume my whole day. And, even though it was a beautiful morning, I opted to stick to the treadmill so that my pace would be consistent and there was a bathroom close by because I’ve been having some GI issues….eeeeeek!So, for the last 5 miles of my 20 MILE TREADMILL RUN, I was interrupted approximately every 7 minutes by one of my boys wondering when I’d be done because everyone was ready to go fishing, and they were just waiting for me. Rush, rush, rush!
Off the treadmill, into the kitchen to drink my recovery shake, and then upstairs for a quick shower before heading to Lake St. Clair for a day on the water.