This weekend, I've seen some wonderful Twitter and Facebook updates from friends who have competed in various 10K's, half marathons and full marathons either yesterday or today. People excited for personal records (PRs), excited for finishing a new distance, etc.
Since my half-marathon, I've tried to reshape the accomplishment in my mind. The way that I think tends to be very self-negative in a way that I downplay things or find reasons to discount achievements. One key example:
Nice person: Wow, that's awesome you ran a half-marathon!
Me: Thanks, I walked part of it though, and my jogging – not running – is so slow it's like I was walking anyway.
Nice person: That's still amazing that you finished!
Me: Yeah. <then insert quick change of subject>
Uncomfortable, right?
I read a lot of blogs and quite frequently seeing people say how their goal is not to walk at all during the race. People mention to me that they can't wait until they're XXX weight to start doing races. Or people hoping they're not the last person to finish (I have been in this camp before).
The question on my mind right now is: What's wrong with walking? The answer is, NOTHING!
Whether you walk or jog or run any distance is an accomplishment. You've gotten off the sofa and have done something healthy. You put your effort behind reaching a goal, and no matter what the speed it is that you make it, you did it. If you haven't checked it out yet, see my guest post over at Katie's blog with my tips on walking.
Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest
My challenge to you, and to myself, is to accept that you are the only person you should measure yourself against. Most of us won't be competitive runners, so the time shouldn't weigh so heavy on us. Don't wait until you feel you're at a good weight to start running. Start with a walk. Then walk a little faster. Then jog. Then run.
No matter what speed you go, remember:
it's just one foot in front of the other.
It's perfectly fine if you want to jog or run or go for personal records- I'm completely for whatever goal you want to reach. My point is: don't let anything hold you back from starting.
