My Mom’s Initial Reflections on Training for Her First Half Marathon

What an absolutely amazing half marathon! The Savannah Sports Council did a wonderful job organizing the inaugural Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon. As an ambassador, I had the pleasure of flying home and participate in Saturday’s event.  We were lucky to have sunshine, cool weather, blooming azaleas, blue sky, and a scenic for the half marathon.

My mom and I are going to give you guys a few recaps regarding this race:

• My half marathon recap
• My mom’s half marathon recap
• My mom’s training reflections
• What we wore for the race

Based on your incredible response and support on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this weekend it seems like you all are excited for each of these recaps! Since my mom is currently sitting next to me, requesting that I type her dictated story, tonight’s post will be some initial reflections from my mom.

 

Y’all have been so supportive. It amazes me the number of positive comments I’ve received from friends and Ashley’s blog readers alike! You know how to make a woman feel special!

I have really done it. Two weeks short of my 64th birthday, I completed my first half marathon, The Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon. Before this endeavor, my weekly workouts included 2-3 three mile walks in my neighborhood or on my treadmill. The fact that I crossed the finish line after walking 13.1 miles still amazes me. My dreaded fear of  being “swept” by the police or street sweeper never occurred. In fact, there was great group of women both ahead and behind me during Saturday’s half marathon. This group of walkers continually supported and motivated one another with eager cheers as we celebrated completing each mile.

What is equally amazing is that I not only finished the race, but I successfully followed a three month training plan which Ashley and I created on December 29th. Initially, I didn’t talk about training with any of my girlfriends or acquaintances. Instead, I made a private promise to myself that I would finally follow through with a fitness endeavor. I can do anything for three months, I told myself. In fact, three months of training was only 48 workouts. These workouts became my weekly priority – the first thing I would get done on my days off. As a neonatal nurse, I work three 12-hour shifts per week, which didn’t allow for me to train on the days I worked.

 

I had three cheerleaders during this process. My husband served as in-house coach, making sure they I did my walks and frequently bringing me water during the longer workouts. Ashley and I texted on a daily basis, discussing my accomplishments and progress. Meanwhile, my son, knew how to make me smile by telling me how proud he was of my ongoing commitment. Towards the end, both he and my husband commented on how much better I looked after the weeks of training.

As we all know, the “winter of 2015” has been cold along the East Coast, even in the South. As a result, I decided to complete my weekly training on our treadmill. This allowed me to walk consistently regardless of the temperature or weather conditions. I do realize that solely training on a treadmill is not recommended, but under these conditions it worked well for me and kept me motivated. As someone who is new to long distance walking, I worried that I would give up due to boredom. I began to look forward to my treadmill walks of up to 3 hours in length, due to the television shows which I recorded in advance. My time on the treadmill each week was time just for me. I could indulge on any show, without having to compromise with my husband.

After each successful walk, I would record my mileage for that session on my calendar. It was gratifying to review my training each month, calculating the mileage and reflecting on my progress. As the mileage accrued, the half marathon became more of a reality.

Regardless of the hours spent walking on the treadmill, it wasn’t until Ashley and I picked up our bibs at the expo that the anxiety began. Suddenly I wondered if I could really do this. I continuously asked Ashley questions on Friday ranging from bathrooms needs to fueling. While I thought my training had prepared my physically for the distance, I hadn’t dealt with the emotional preparation. This is what I only began to deal with when Ashley arrived. Luckily we spent Friday talking through and addressing my fears…