By Poornima Vijayashanker
I began running in high school. I loved being outside, by myself, and especially running in the 90+ degree Texas summer heat (an obvious precursor to my now 10-year Bikram yoga obsession, I mean practice). I was by no means a star runner. I just did it because I enjoyed the activity and of course the runner’s high.
Challenging status quo.
In 2010, I was getting a little bored, so I decided it was time to try something new. I didn’t think I had the time or energy to train for a marathon, so instead I set a smaller goal: to run a half-marathon. It was still a lofty goal to me, because I had never run more than 7 miles at a stretch.
I was of course nervous and knew that I needed a plan.
I did some research and found a guide that offered a two-month running schedule. Being a fairly disciplined person I thought, “OK I’ll just follow the guide, and everything will be peachy.”
When I got started everything was peachy, because I was running what I had always run, about 10-15 miles per week.
But things changed when I had to start running longer distances…
Deviating from the plan.
My handy-dandy guide failed to mention the following:
- How I needed to change my pace for the longer runs, starting out slower.
- How bored I’d become on the longer runs. My companion, a seemingly endless iPod, would not be a sufficient motivator.
- How hungry I’d be on those longer runs. I’d need to start eating more.
- How much rest I’d need to get between runs, including additional hours of sleep.
- How much time and patience all of this was going to take!
Soon my fun side-hobby had taken over my life!
Testing commitment.
But I did really want to continue. So I told myself that if I was going to continue, then I just had to learn to listen to my body and make adjustments accordingly.
I started eating more, drinking more water, sleeping more, and found running friends.
Two weeks before the race I was closing a round of funding for BizeeBee. I didn’t have the energy to run and fundraise. But I didn’t want to give up, so I cut back to the 10-15 miles a week schedule.
Testing resourcefulness.
I had purchased a Groupon for the half-marathon, thinking that I just could register any day. So on the day before the race I went online to register, only to find out that the race had sold out due to everyone redeeming their Groupon! I wouldn’t be able to run in the half-marathon without a bib.
I felt like all my hard work was for nothing.
To lament, I went on to Facebook, and posted a message about how disappointed I was that I wouldn’t be able run my first half-marathon across the Golden Gate Bridge.
One of my friends saw my message. He mentioned that often times people back out last minute, and will try to sell their ticket online via Craigslist.
I immediately went to Craigslist and noticed that there was 1-ticket left in the women’s division. A lady named Julie was selling it. I contacted her and then proceeded to spend the rest of my afternoon driving up to San Francisco to purchase it!
Getting a little help.
On the day of the race I was all nerves. My younger brother wanted to watch the race. While he isn’t a morning person, he was willing to wake up at 5am, just this once, and drive up with me to San Francisco. Good thing I had him, because when we got there, true to San Francisco, there was barely any parking. While I warmed up at the starting line, he proceeded to find a parking spot.
I was actually quite surprised at the number of people who were running beside me, and I found it very energizing. As I began the race, I told myself to just focus on: finishing the race without walking.
Being present.
I don’t know if it was runner’s high, but as I got closer to the Golden Gate Bridge it started to rain. Instead of being disturbed by it, I just gave in, the rain kept me cool, and as I ran across the bridge I just enjoyed the view!
All throughout the race, I stayed present. I listened to people cheer myself and others, and I enjoyed running through San Francisco as if I was merely sight seeing. As I neared the finish line, it felt the race had been so short but worth every moment!
I was happy that I had stuck to it, despite all the random events that were trying to tempt me to quit!
Remember you might have a plan for a project or a goal, and it’s very likely the plan will go awry. When it does you might be tempted to quit and those feeling are OK.
But you might just stop to ask yourself, “Am I still committed?” “And if so, what can I do to keep myself motivated?” “Who can I get help from?” And finally, “How can I stay present and enjoy the what I’ve worked for?”
I’d love to hear about the last time you wanted something, had a plan in place, but then things got a little crazy, what did you do?
