Welcome to my week 3 log of how my Half Marathon Training is going. Thank you for your support it means a lot – as you will see as I talk about how I have been concentrating on The Mind in my training this week. I truly believe that the only thing stopping anyone fit and healthy enough from running a half marathon is their mind. If they tell themselves they can’t do it for x, y or z reason. Yes it may take time, patience, determination and hard work but I think that we can all get there if we try. With this belief in mind I have spent some time this week in strengthening my mind to help me finish the half marathon.
Helping to Convince the Mind to Run a Half Marathon
I think the main thing is to break things down into SMART goals – that is Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and Timely. Thinking about how I will measure my successes and over what period of time. Keeping a journal and a log of the goals and measurements helps to keep focus on those small steps and the end goal, as well as showing how the progression is made. For me it is weekly in these updates, plus apparently telling people helps me eliminate the option not to do it (especially if I make the step so small that I would feel silly to not at least try). But I also need to remember that no-one is perfect and to forgive myself for any mistakes, picking myself up with the commitment to do better in the future. Regularly attending running club also helps keep me accountable plus I am getting to know the stories behind the other remarkable runners. The other thing I need to do is to remove any distractions that prevent me from reaching my goals. The fact that I have a race in mind, which I have already paid for – apparently stands me in good stead – so am winning there already!
Keeping up Will Power to Help Run a Half Marathon
I have discovered the wonders of the Podcast. These are not only a great distraction when out running (meaning you don’t notice what others are doing, how much time you have being running and most importantly that voice in your head saying you can’t do it) – but also there are some great podcasts on running and motivation! I have heard about the five minute rule technique – where you tell yourself you will just do something for five minutes to get you started, or for five minutes more. This doesn’t have to be five minutes it could be until you reach the next street, km, mile – or water station! That people usually have more will power in the mornings than the evenings when we feel mentally fatigued from the day. Taking short mental breaks and/or mediating will help build grey matter on emotions (can you tell those were words in a podcast!) – what it means is taking time to build myself up and tell myself YES I am that person who can run in the rain, find no excuses, make it until the end! Think through any concerns and find answers. Apparently visualising the route and any problems that can come up so that the brain is ready for them come race day! (Although I don’t like to think of it as a race as it does not matter what position I cross the line – and I WILL cross that line!
What have I been doing for Week 3 of my Half Marathon Training?
So yes I have been listening to Podcasts and the Paul McKenna mind-programming CD to help me get control of sugar (plus reading the book – which I paid for incidentally and this is not a promo at all!) I am pleased to report that despite a difficult anniversary (which we tend to have a Chinese for), and the temptation of the Chinese New Year, I have not consumed any takeout or food in restaurants this week. I have been snacking on carrots, eating a lot less in-between meals in general and even had a one-scoop bowl of ice-cream on Sunday without even needing to tell myself that I did not have to have more because it isn’t good for me.
I have actually spent a large chunk of the week blowing my nose and sleeping. But I have still managed to get some walking in; did 5 miles at running club; Parkrun (even though we were late); using my Microscooter on the school run (although I cannot seem to switch legs!); an hour of trampolining with my family; Yin Yoga (search on YouTube there’s some great videos) and yesterday I ran 6 miles. I think I met all of my goals last week – plus I won the Workweek Hustle and my friend started a Facebook group with all the local fitness clubs in – so I have no excuses not to find something.
Goals for Half Marathon Training Week 4
I guess I must be about heading for a more restful week (ironically seeing as I slept so much last week!) so I am starting with a visit to my Wellness Consultant. I want to work on my flexibility and stretching more, as well as meditating. I will of course go to running club and do Parkrun – and I aim to try to fit in at least another run this week. Of course I am going to continue with getting sugar under control. These are not very good SMART targets – so I guess I need to work on thinking about how I go about forming some.
Have you been getting fit and healthy this week? Do you have anything you want to share or advice you can give me please?
For more information about where the money is going please see last week’s training post.
I can imagine that training must be so hard with all the lurgies going round but it is inevitable and I’m sure you’ll be more than making up for it soon enough. Hope you’re recovering well now x
I love this blog! Keep at it with the training, you’re doing a fantastic job!
I love what you’re doing so much! I love being able to follow along with your training. It’s very inspiring!
I’m a fan of Paul McKenna books. I’ve never managed to read the two I own from start to finish but I always manage to pick up lots of strategies that help.
I agree with that a lot of fitness is will power. I struggle to run for even 5 min as I just don’t have will power and allow myself to give up as soon as things get a little bit harder.
You have definitely inspired me. I need to take note of all you are doing to achieve your goal. Good luck x
Sounds like you know where you’re at and how you’re going to convince yourself to run that long. Meditation sounds cool and I personally love stretching.
You are doing so well, it can set you back being poorly, but like you said keep you mind clear and steady
Lindsey x
Argh parkrun, thanks for the reminder. I need to get my little girl there again soon, Saturday morning lie ins are just too tempting! Great advice on training your mind for the HM. I don’t really think things through enough, I just enter stupid events and drag myself round. I’m learning a lot from your training plans. My tip for keeping going in a HM is to start in a pacing group a bit slower than the time you’re hoping to achieve and spend the whole race overtaking people one at a time. It relieves the boredom and makes you go faster.
Nat.x
WAY to go!! That is awesome that you are working so hard to reach your goal. I began running last summer. It is a great feeling. I think my problem is I didn’t complete the mental aspect of it! This is a great reminder!
This is so good you plan this all out and write down your thoughts about the marathon. I wish I could get in the mindset of running a 1/2 marathon one day!
I have been thinking about trying to train for a half marathon. I have come so far in the last year with my diet and exercise. I think it would be a great challenge.
It is amazing what we can do when we put our mind to it. I will have to give a half marathon a try. It will be a great goal to train for.
I can’t imagine training to run for a mile much less for a half marathon!! You go girl!!
I am so sure the training is so hard and I admire you for your determination. Feel better soon.
This is so useful! I will be doing a 10k race soon (my first one) so this is spot on. I was just thinking about podcasts the other day – I ran my very first 10k on the weekend with my boyfriend and the pounding head is just not for me. I need headphones in. And music sometimes slows me down when I hit the wrong song so a podcast I think will be the way to go. I’ll give it a try this Sunday. x
This is some really great information, I have always wanted to do a marathon, but always got scared to try one. I am going to have to get over my fears and try one.
You are doing so well, you must be really proud of yourself. I attempted to run to school and back last week and couldn’t breathe when I got home so I certainly need to do something with my fitness
Go you!! I have huge admiration for you doing this, I can’t even run up the stairs and back. Keep going! xx
I am admiring you greatly from afar, keep up with the training and yes once we set our mind to something we can accomplish with determination and hard work.
Good for you! I would love it if I could do a marathon. I should do some training as well. I think it’s great for good exercise.
I couldn’t imagine training for a half marathon or even a full marathon. My aunt used to run and she had to train rigorously in order to run them. I am not in a position to run and I kinda miss it. I am lucky if I can walk sometimes.
I can’t imagine how hard training must be! Good for you for sticking to it!
The mind can be a powerful thing! Congrats on the progress you have made so far!
You are doing great Joy. I know how hard it is training when your not feeling well. Your mind wants to run but your body is too weak. That is when you know you have to rest. I am proud of myself this month, I set a goal to run everyday and I did :):)
The half marathon is not always easy, but if your mind is determined you can do it! Sometimes I’m thinking to try it. Hope you feel better.
It sounds like you are doing brilliantly and it’s great that you are focusing on your mind and your whole body, rather than just running to train. I totally agree with you that I think anyone who is reasonably fit can do a half marathon – it just takes time and dedication!
I have to get into the habit of exercising more! I am wishing you good luck in your training routine, and hope that you can achieve your goals! I just need to be more efficient now to even have time to exercise.
You are doing so well. Good luck with the marathon.
I truly admire what you’re doing. And no, I’ve not been getting fit this week, but I’ll start next week. That’s for sure! 🙂
I’ve never trained for a marathon before. I need to work on getting healthy and change my mindset about that.
My mummy’s been poorly this week, its hard to train at this time of year with bugs going round. Fair play to you for remaining focused and strong. Good luck with the rest of the preparation x