One Year of Running — From Non-Runner to Ultra-Marathons
After completing the marathon in May, I took some time for reflection. I acknowledged how much of a physical achievement it was however the biggest accomplishment for me was on a mental level.
As we approach 2023, you might be thinking of trying something new or setting a big scary audacious goal.
I'm hoping my running journey can give some insight as to why you should set that goal and work towards it.
Rewinding to November 2021, I had little running experience and didn’t do so because I told myself I wasn’t a runner.
It wasn’t until I signed up for a 10km trail run that I actually started training properly. Before every run, I felt resistance to the point where I wrestled with the idea of going out or not. The struggle was real.
This is what I believe is the reason why people don’t start running (or any sport/challenge/event) — they’re held back by limiting beliefs.
I told myself stories.
I’m not a runner.
My knees might hurt.
I don’t need to run.
All of this was my mind keeping me in my comfort zone. If I wanted to be successful at running I had to do two things:
- Stop telling myself I wasn’t a runner.
- Act like someone who is a runner.
Easier said than done, eh?
The Plan
I’ll be honest, I was a little lost and didn’t know where to start. After some research, I found numerous sources recommending 2–3 runs per week.
- 1 long, slow run (builds up your aerobic capacity).
- 1 interval session (e.g. walk/run/walk).
- 1 sprint session (often on a hill).
It’s also worth including strength training as this will complement your running. Stronger legs will make the hills easier.
I had to manage expectations and energy here. There would be weeks when my recovery was longer so I would drop the sprints and take an extra day off.
This was part of the plan.
I had set a minimum standard of what I was required to do each week to prep me for the marathon.
For me, it was the long and interval run plus 3 weight sessions.
There are going to be times in the journey when things don't go 100% to plan so having a minimum standard helps maintain your momentum.
Implementing
The main point to remember is that starting off small is okay. It allows you to build every week so, over time, you accumulate more experience.
In running terms, you run a greater distance. Your engine improves so when race day comes, you’ve got the ability to go the distance. The intervals and sprints come in useful if you need to increase your pace for portions of the race.
Ultimately, the 10 km became the first pit stop on a bigger journey. I signed up for the marathon because it was the big goal I needed. I didn’t want to look back and wish I had run one.
As well as improving physically for the marathon, my mental abilities also changed. My long, slow runs were all becoming longer than two hours. Being out there by yourself forces you to dig deep. Self-talk becomes important. Afterwards, I would feel drained but had to pick myself up to be ready to go again.
I believe people are capable of achieving what they think isn't doable. If your mindset is right and you have the willingness to learn about yourself, it can be done.
When you cross the line or complete the goal, you can't go back to the person you were before. You've come too far.
What does the version of you at the end of 2023 look like?
What's Next?
The truth is you're playing a bigger game.
It doesn't end after one goal is completed.
You keep playing but with better odds in your favour.
I’ve now signed up for an even bigger challenge — a 50 km trail run. This will be my toughest event yet. The new challenge of running on the trail as opposed to the road will be a learning curve.
Feeling fear when you sign up for an event or set a goal is good — because you’re leaving your comfort zone.
One of my favourite quotes is “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
If it’s hard and holds an element of the unknown, then it’s definitely worth doing.
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