Jogging for Normal People: Does This Mean I Can Proscrastinate?
You've met my type before. We're either blissfully laid-back -- the dudes with all the time in the world -- or rushing past you at full speed, cursing like a banshee with tourette's, trying to cram 2 hours of work into 45 minutes. If I'd left myself more time to finish this post, I'd think of a better cliche than "procrastination is middle name." But I didn't.
My problem compounds exponentially on long-term goals. If it takes a whole year to finish something, what's the harm in putting such a gargantuan task on hold for one measly extra day? Or, you know, six months?
So when I learned that I could train for the half marathon I'm scheduled to run next February in only 16 weeks, it was like I'd been given a form of slacker-friendly crack. Theoretically, I could sit on my expanding backside for the next 6 months -- at least -- eating frozen pizzas and watching sports on TV (so I could feel active by osmosis). As long as I kick things into gear by August I'd have time to spare. Right? Right?
I'm only half joking.
The half marathon was supposed to be ultimate motivator -- as completing a run of such an enormous distance seemed downright absurd. And it will motivate me -- 6 months from now. If I hadn't put off looking at the training schedule I would've known this sooner, but, alas, here we are, sans the urgency and/or sense of impending doom I was looking for.
The question is: where to go from here? Do I scrap this column, or change it's name to "Sitting On One's Ass For Normal People," and release my fitness desires into the eternal ebb and flow (just until August)?
I vote not. But I'm busy, and it's cold, and I'm tired, and I haven't eaten yet, and I'm not feeling well, and I have to get up early tomorrow, and...
Help me, Internets! I clearly need a kick in the ass.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-20-2007 @ 12:55PM
Tim UF said...
If you are up to running 6-7 miles at a pop and 20-30 miles a week by the time you reach the 16 week 1/2 marathon program, you can focus on your TIME not just finishing! how cool would it be to finish at the head of the pack (the pack that is average runners, not the elites)!
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2-20-2007 @ 1:45PM
Eric Mark said...
I'm in the same situation as you here: neophyte runner, but I made a goal of running a full marathon within a year.
I started my training about a month ago, and I've kept to it very diligently, which is something that doesn't really characterize me. I think some of the factors in my diligence include running early in the morning and possessing a mindset to keep you motivated.
I decided to run in the morning, since my class schedule is erratic, and I wanted to keep my running a consistent event. It was hard at first, convincing my body to operate early in the morning, but I adjusted to it and feel great throughout the day after running.
My decision to run a marathon was done more out of spontaneity: I had the crazy idea to do it, and I'm following through with it. My mindset though, is that I'm running mostly to become physically fit and the coming marathon will act more as a benchmark of my progress than a culmination of a set regimen of training. Because my main goal is improved fitness instead of a single event, every day I get to train is a step forward to my goal. My marathon is mostly meant to show everybody else exactly how much progress I've made in my mission.
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2-20-2007 @ 3:23PM
Tim UF said...
Ok, i liked Eric Mark's answer better!
On another note, you could always look for an ealier half marathon, or a series of 5k and 10 k races to run in the time leading up to the marathon!
Me, I run because i can, (shin splints permitting)!
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2-20-2007 @ 4:54PM
Heidi said...
My suggestion: Find a half-marathon to do this summer - then do another one in the fall, and keep it all a secret. Then when you get to the one in February you will no longer be a novice and you will kick ass.
Or, just do one sooner this summer, and show yourself that you dont need a full year to comeplete your annnual goals.
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2-21-2007 @ 5:33PM
Tim UF said...
In case you needed some inspiration:
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/608106477/m/4231040442?r=5991044642
thats a forum thread of of various forum members before and after pictures. might be the most inspirational forum thread on the runnersworld forums!
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2-22-2007 @ 1:06PM
Tim UF said...
more inspiration:
the narative's last words are the most significant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZWx1nMx5oA
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