To finish is what matters …

We have been running consistently since late 2008. We got into running by accident; it wasn’t planned or thought out. Kyra signed up for the shamrock half marathon and, in the next few weeks, I followed. Running is not something I ever really thought about. I was able to sprint, but distance running was a distant thought. Our training strategy has always been to run by time rather than by distance. We knew a half marathon would take anywhere between 2:05 hr to 2:30 hr. So, we were initially training to prepare our bodies mentally and physically for at least a 2hr run. During the first half marathon, we both put on our music and ran. We don’t talk at all while we run – we’re each in our own zone – but we do motivate each other. We ran the Jingle All the Way 10K in Dec 2008, which wasn’t easy (not to mention the fact that it was way too cold), but it prepared us for the race day nerves that we had heard so much about. Shamrock 2009 was great and at some point during the 13.1 miles, we realized it had become a mental challenge, even more so than a physical challenge. Our legs were working and our bodies were tired, but it was our minds that made us cross the line. Since Shamrock, we have done numerous races, including another half marathon in VA Beach, and every single time we’ve had the same experience. Our training runs are now both physical and mental. We always go in a race with the goal of finishing it, no matter what.

Yesterday, we finished yet another 10 Mile race, and this time it was half physical and half mental. Kyra has been under the weather and has had really bad allergies for a few days and she was having a hard time breathing. The climbs in the race did not help and, after we hit 5 Mile mark, it truly became a mental game. I tried to stop her several times, but saw her giving 110% and she refused to walk…every time I suggested it. We finished with a pace of 10:05/mile (our aim was to run a 9-minute mile), but we finished nonetheless and that’s what matters.

Life is so much like running. You have your share of good days and bad days, but the key is to not stop and keep moving forward because, in the end, what really matters is “did you finish?” or “did you quit?”. If you get a chance, watch “Spirit of Marathon” (it’s on Netflix). Awesome movie.

P.S. – We are retiring our shoes today and will be buying a new pair this weekend. YEEHAW! Just in time for our very first full marathon training (yes, 26.2 miles!) to begin.