Saturday, April 14, 2012

Just do it or don't?

I got an email today saying that pre-registration was open for a running event that will be held in November. This is being organized by the same group that did the 240 km run across Kuwait (it took them around 50 hours!). At that time they had organized a 10 km support run to go along with them for a short distance. As someone who hasn't trained for any sort of run at all, I faced a dilemma - do I go for it or do I train and wait for the next opportunity? In the end, I went for it and completed the 10 km; half walking, half jogging.

This running event consists of an ultra-marathon (100 km); full marathon (42 km); half marathon (21 km) --- ya, not doing any of those -- plus a 10 km run and a 3 km fun run. This event is different as you actually have to register and pay to join ... not like the one I did just for the heck of it ... so the question is, should I register and go for it?

I wrote recently about my desire to run. I would really, really love to run -- I just don't know if I have it in me. It's been taking me forever just to run 1 km! I knew for the last event that I could walk (and I did), but this one seems like a proper run.

The good thing is, I have time to prepare. I have 7 months to train for the 10 km. I have no problem trying to train for it ... but the thought of committing and not being able to deliver in the end makes me really anxious.

In looking for inspiration, I came across this Nike quote:


I wholeheartedly believe that quote -- that doesn't take away the nervousness though!

So, just do it ... or don't?

8 comments:

  1. That depends on you. Can you stick to "running more" on your own? Initially I couldn't so I paid & registered WAY ahead of time, just so that the anxiety of not delivering scared me into keeping to the training schedule.

    But now (finally) I don't need this as a motivation, as I can keep with the schedule with a similar commitment for just for the sake of running. What keeps me in line is the incremental increase in distance, as in: if I skip days now, I won't be able to run longer distances.

    Figure out what will "keep you" running. If you're still not sure and can afford it, then fail safe option sounds like registering :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just do it. Registering and paying will motivate you to train. Instead of trying to run straight through, start by alernating run and walk intervals and slowly work up to run 10min walk 1min. Alternating like that through the race will keep you running strong. You can totally do this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just do it, thats plenty of time, especially using the couch to 5k then converter to 10k afterwards. That way you dont have to rush yourself. Good luck whatever you decide

    ReplyDelete
  4. I suppose you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of the whole thing. Good luck with training if you decide to do it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would LOVE to run, run like the wind, baby. I say at least TRY it..you can always figure out if it's not for you. For many folks the goal-oriented, incremental types of things done for these events are so motivating.

    Me, I wish. I can't. Arthritis and a torn ligament and a left food that will go numb even just walking a lot won't let me run. I wish...but if YOU can...why not? TRY!

    Happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm just posting a general reply to everyone who commented on this post -- thanks for the feedback, words of advice, and encouragement.

    I'd like to say that I just signed up for the 10K run. I think I've got plenty of time to steadily work on building up to run the whole thing. I'll take it one step at a time :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think it's actually easier to train than to think the mind games. I never succeed in anything in my mind games, but often do very well in the actual process. Good Luck!!

    :-) Marion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marion :) I totally agree!

      Delete

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can use all the support I can get :)