Project Half Marathon - Journal on how we learn to run
My colleague Theresa and I have been bitten by the ambition bug: We want to make it from "can't jog" to marathon runners, alright half marathon - but even that's enough. Follow our ups and downs here, from learning to run to the half marathon if you like. The goal is the Greifensee Run on 17 September 2016. Welcome to our three-and-a-half-month sporting journey.
How this sporting project came about
The idea came about at the beginning of the year (yes, we've already let a lot of time pass!) when I read a promotion from Theresa here on the site about her personal sporting goals for 2016. In it, she wrote that she would like to learn to jog with the aim of completing the Greifensee Run. She spoke to me from the heart. I've wanted to take part in this run for a long time, but I've never really been serious enough about it, which is why I've failed to realise it.
Now we are both super motivated to take part in this race and have also decided on the longest distance, the half marathon. Why?
C: My motivation lies in the challenge. Despite several attempts to start jogging, I haven't become a real runner yet. I probably just approached the whole thing the wrong way. I usually had to stop after a few kilometres with a red head because the side stitches became unbearable or I had to concentrate so hard on breathing that the wonderful liberating effect of running, which old joggers always rave about, never materialised. As a result, my motivation quickly evaporated. I told myself that running just wasn't my thing and had almost resigned myself to it. But now that I've found a fellow sufferer, so to speak, I want to give it another go - and I want to do it properly. I want to prove to myself that with the right training I too can learn to run. Hopefully I'll also experience the feeling of happiness when I run. My sporting ambition motivates me to set my sights high and sign up for a half marathon.
So for me, this sporting project is starting from scratch, if not lower considering my previous failures and disappointments in connection with running. I wouldn't describe myself as unathletic: I regularly power myself up in invigorating fitness classes. I also try out new sports from time to time and always enjoy doing them. The only thing that hasn't really worked out so far is jogging. But now I'm fully motivated and I'm already looking forward to my first running training session, even though I have a lot of respect for it. But now I'm glad that I have a running partner in Theresa: A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved. We can motivate each other again and again if necessary. It's just important that I don't expect too much straight away, but approach this challenge slowly and consciously this time.
- Motivation
- Initial situation
- Outlook & challenges
Discovering foreign countries and cultures and tasting coffee or other delicacies is what I enjoy most when I travel. My home is decorated with little gems I find in thrift shops and at flea markets. When I’m having one of my big DIY moments, my creativity is unleashed. Both the mountains and the seaside restore my inner balance. With a snowboard or surfboard under my feet, I’m happy.