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Nov 26, 2013

Is It Time For a Half Marathon?

Image courtesy of tiverylucky
at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I have sometimes wondered if I'll be able to run at least a half marathon.  But right now, I just don't have the strong desire to run 21 k in one shot.  One of my running buddies already tried that several times, previously and he came out okay, of course not without cramps and post running injuries.  Last Sunday, another running buddy tried her mettle in running and she survived her first half marathon with the inevitable aching leg muscles, minus the cramps.

So when would be my turn? I don't know. I'm not even training for that. I just don't see myself doing that in the next months or maybe not even in a year. To be honest, a 10-k run is already too long for me. I already get bored running for more than an hour. So progressing to a half marathon that could take me 3 hours or more is stretching my limit way beyond my will power. If I do that right now, it will be a punishment of sorts. I think my body could still take the running, at least the run-walk-run routine, but if my heart is not into it, I'd probably not be able to finish the race.

With a half marathon, I need a very strong kind of motivation...the answer to the big WHY.  Why would I do it?  What's my purpose?  There has to be a good cause because in my current capacity as a runner, half marathons are no easy feat.  If it's just to say I did it and get a medal to wear around my neck and a nice looking shirt that says "21k Finisher" those are not good enough reasons for me.

So while I am contemplating on better reasons for doing a half marathon, I think I'll stick to fun runs.  I guess I'm done with my running infatuation and I have now settled to a more comfortable, leisurely pace.  It's not anymore a frenzy of joining running events.  That was last year, but this year, I even forgot to write about my last 10K run hehehe.  

Avid runners may frown at me and say I should be pushing myself to go beyond my current limits.  Maybe I'll get to that, when I find even just one good reason to do so.  Then you'll hear me talking about training for that.  Right now, I'll just run to my heart's content.  Never take the fun out of running.  



22 comments:

  1. I like what you said “I’ll just run to
    my heart’s content.” I believe that we must enjoy and love what we are doing.
    Otherwise we'll just end up regretting what we are doing. Just run and have fun :)


    Mommy Maye
    www.momaye.com

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  2. It's true Sis. We should know our limits. Pang walkathon and fun run lang din ako.

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  3. i agree... if you're not up to it, then no point forcing yourself. on the other hand, maybe you'll find that one compelling reason soon. :D

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  4. That's true. It's not naman that you won't be healthy if you don't run the half-marathon. However, you can always exceed your limits when you're already comfortable doing so! :D

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  5. I have officemates who are going for it...But they are training like crazy. Ako, I can only last for 5k tops. I am sooo out of shape hehe

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  6. For 21k, I think minimum of 3-4 times a week for practice runs...and I cannot do that right now. Sobra naman akong se-sexy lol!

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  7. You got it right sis. The reason why I went back to running is just for fitness and improve cardiovascular strength...not really to become competitive in sports.

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  8. I wonder what would compel me...definitely not for glory and honor. Maybe if someone's life depended on it hehe

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  9. Yes sis run and have fun and be fit...good enough for me. :-)

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  10. I probably could walk 21K hehehe...walkathon na lang. Running that length would give me a heart attack at my present condition.

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  11. Yes...we could only stretch our limits in certain ways...as of now, half marathon would be my breaking point...and I don't want that to happen. I'd love to be able to still run hehe

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  12. go for it! you'll never know your capability unless you try. i hope you regularly run for this event :)

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  13. I have officemate who already run 42k yata yun.. Naku I know you can do it too.. goodluck!

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  14. One of my dreams talaga is to join marathon kahit 5K lang. Haaay, kailan kaya yun. hehehe

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  15. You got this one Sis! there's nothing you can't do until you give it a try.:) Good luck!

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  16. Just enjoy what you're doing and when the time comes that you're ready to commit yourself into a much bigger challenge, that is half marathon, I know you'll enjoy it and you'll prepare real good for it because it's what your heart wants. Have fun running! :-)

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  17. Van is right! If you enjoy what you're doing like marathons, you can run marathons am sure! You won't mind the preps and regimen because you like doing it. :)

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  18. you'll know when it's the right time for a half marathon. in the meantime, enjoy the current pace that you have. never succumb to the pressure for you might regret it in the end.

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  19. I used to run in HS and College and then got bored with it, so I'm not a good one to give advice on running. However, if the urge ever rises, go for it. I still fantasize about doing the NY Marathon someday. For now, the drive isn't that strong for me either. I love dance, martial arts, yoga and walking... those are enough for me. :-)
    Eliz

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  20. Hope you are enjoying you time out from blogging and gearing up for 2014. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!
    Elizabeth

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  21. Yes, running is supposed to be fun, more than anything. Don't strain yourself. I also find it boring to run for more than an hour. 10k is already maximum for me.

    Take it slow... Listen to your body :)

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  22. I guess the running infatuation has subsided, sis. I am now in my comfy pace. I just love the workout but I'm not into the competitive streak....for now at least hehehe

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