Rewards All Around!

So yesterday was suppose to be reward day...  No it did not go by unnoticed because I didn't deserve it, more it went by because A.  I forgot Monday was reward day.  B.  I had to work ALL day yesterday. and C.  I don't exactly have the money to shell out on a massage since I had to renew my license plates instead (I mean who wouldn't want to consider that a reward!) I promise myself, though, one massage is earned and therefore in the rewards bank.  Besides those small details... there's much to reward myself for.  Not only did I reach the second reward milestone in this journey towards conquering my eating disorder, I also for the first time ever ran my first organized race!

The Hudepohl 14K Brewery Run, a race I have been literary training for all summer.  I've never been much of a runner, in fact I use to throw out excuses for not running that were more appropriate for my 84 year old grandmother to use than for me.  Senior year of high school I was at the top of my running game, I was able to run 20 minutes straight 5 days a week (approximately 2- 2.25 miles).  So when my dad asked me if I would be interested in doing a race that was almost 9 miles I was immediately intimidated, but committed, because it involved beer at the end.  I figured this would also be a good way to kick-start my bride diet in gear.  I did a Google search and found a program that told me I would be able to run 9 miles in 10 weeks, and so it began.  I started on a treadmill since I have never been much of an outside runner.  The program started off slow, 2 miles every other day the first week, go 3 by the end of the second, and for the first 5 weeks it really did go well.  By the time I ran over an hour on the treadmill straight (6 miles) I knew this race was going to be a piece of cake and I applauded my new stamina for running.  Thennn I took my efforts outside.  By the end of the first run (about 2.5 miles)  I knew I was in over my head and dead tired from heat exhaustion.  I hardly completed half of the 4 mile run I had set out to do, and I was one month  away the race.  I panicked (I couldn't start a new 10 week program this close to race day) and got in my head.  One particularly hot day after 5 frustrating outside runs I just stopped and said I'm done.  All my training, all my efforts, I wasn't able to do it.  I wasn't going to be able to do the race.  My frustrations were written all over my face and my dad knew this.  He explained to me over the phone that when running I should always be able to keep a "light" conversation going, and never try running at the peak heat of the day.  I agreed (even though I knew I was done trying) and left it at that.  The next day I couldn't help but think maybe I had been running too fast, and at the wrong time.  I tried again.  This time at twilight, and this time, I did it.  3.3 miles and the energy to do more.  By the next Sunday, I was able to run 5 miles outside.  I was sky high with glee!  I had trained my body to run outside!  I immediately called my dad and told him to sign us up.  I was committed from this point on.  Unfortunately, from this point on, life began to get in the way.  Days I should have been doing 6, 7 and 8 mile runs I was stuck at Champps working doubles and too tired by the time I got home to run.  Next thing I knew it was the night before the race and the most I had ever run outside was 6.13 miles a week and a half prior.  Panic immediately hit my stomach again. 

Hude Race Route, Tiny, but check out MapMyRun for more intricate details

But that was Saturday morning...

and this was Saturday early afternoon.  Post Race.  I did it!  It is one of those things in life I was on the brink of tears at the end because I was so proud of myself (I didn't do this for my masters graduation, one thing I do declare the proudest moment of my life)  that I had done it.  Yes it was hard, yes there were moments I wanted to stop and quit and just walk.  But in the end, I did it, I didn't stop, I didn't quit, I didn't walk, I got my metal and enjoyed my beer. 

This may have been my first, but definitely won't be my last race. As a good dear friend of mine knows ALL to well:  Running is addicting.  But I consider this to be a good type of addiction for me.  3-4 mile runs are just what I need to clear my head for 30-40 minutes, relieve a little stress, and let my mind wander.  I already have a few races in mind coming up... particularly:
Minster Oktoberfest 10K Race in early October
The Flying Four Miler Thanksgiving Run in Novemeber
Jingle Bell Run in December
... and the new set goal:  Columbus Half Marathon Spring 2013!  (I need time off to plan a wedding after all!)

In conclusion for today and all this running/race/excitement... isn't it funny how I can apply the same mindset I have towards running during a race to an eating disorder?  Don't stop (or in this case, do), Don't quit (I can hold this mindset, I can do it) and don't walk (don't give in.)  Earn the metal (a happy, healthier body) and enjoy the rewards, in some cases beer applies here too!

Until Next Time!