An Unexpected Benefit

I've recently discovered an unexpected benefit of training for this half-marathon: a new perspective on my body.

I've been working out regularly (5-6 times per week) since I was 14. When I was 14, I went to physical therapy for the rheumatoid arthritis in my right knee (it was flaring up) and the physical therapist put me on a workout schedule - I needed to work out to 1) strengthen the muscles around my knee to better support it and 2) keep my weight down (to put less pressure on my knee).

I have to admit: since that session, I've been working out religiously - at times obsessively, for the last 13 years. To be frank, it hasn't always been a healthy habit. Up until three years ago, I couldn't even take a vacation without feeling guilty for not working out. I'd love to lie and say it was because I didn't want my knee to get weak, but let's be honest - I was obsessed with gaining weight. Anyone who's been chubby at one time in their life can probably identify with me. It's taken a lot of practice and determination to force myself to take days off in the last 13 years - say, when I'm sick, or really tired.

Still, my only purpose for working out has ever been to stay in shape. This type of goal - to keep your size down - is a really tough goal!! No matter what, you never feel like you're winning or improving, you're just maintaining.

Now that my goal has changed to running a half-marathon, my whole perspective on my body has changed. Now that I have a concrete goal to work towards, I no longer care about my size or my weight - I care about my strength and staying injury-free. I realize low-mileage and rest days for what they are - vitally important to the training. Feeling myself improve and get stronger has been so rewarding. I hope that after I complete this marathon I will take this attitude with me, because it's much improved!