7/28 Securing Our Spots
Kale Trail Update
I did it…I secured our spots in the Women’s Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, Fla. Training is one thing…renting a condo is another, (built in vacation if we freaked out and didn’t run) but paying for our spots was a financial and emotional commitment. I felt excited and nervous as if something wonderful was happening. As I began to fill in the form for the race, my faithful companions Insecurity and Doubt showed up and began telling me, “You can’t do this, You aren’t a runner.”
As I pressed on, filling in my address and shirt size, Insecurity and Doubt became louder and more belligerent, fearing they were losing the battle. “You know you can’t do this. Why even try, only to be disappointed?”
As I filled in my credit card number and expiration date they were positively shouting, “What are you doing??? You can’t run a half marathon. You have never done anything like this.”
As I clicked send, submitting my forms and payment for my first half marathon, I knew in my heart that something had changed because I felt it lift. I acknowledged Insecurity and Doubt, thanked them for coming and let them know that they were no longer needed. Just because they showed up didn’t mean that I needed to hang out with them. I was too busy, I have a half marathon to train for.
Fear can restrain us from experiencing life. I don’t want to miss out. Becoming vegan has helped me find my voice, my inner athlete, and a strength and curiosity I didn’t realize I had. This reaches far beyond food and I am really loving it. Have you had a similar experience? Please share. I would love to hear from you.
Have a delicious day.
Tags: plant based diet, plant strong, the Kale Trail Update, vegan experience, vegan runner, vegan transition, vegan wannabe, Women's Half Marathon
July 28th, 2011 at 6:33 am
I’m proud of you! My husband and I love vacation/destination races! We ran the Chicago Marathon — it was our seventh wedding anniversary (we got married while living in Chicago!) and we went to Nashville for a marathon, too. If you think about it, running 13.1 or 26.2 miles through a city is a great way to be a tourist! LOL
Enjoy your training!
July 28th, 2011 at 10:22 am
I usually have the opposite experience. I find out about a race, get really excited about it, and immediately sign up for it. As soon as I hit the submit button I think to myself, “What have I done?” ha ha – too late now! Anyway, congratulations on running those fears and doubts into the ground. You are going to rock this race!
August 1st, 2011 at 12:05 am
JL,
Thank you we are really excited. The run goes through some of the most beautiful parts of St Petersburg, by the waterfront, through communities and downtown. It will be the perfect way to be a green tourist without a rental car. I never thought of it that way and you are so right. I have a feeling this will be our first but not our last destination run.
August 1st, 2011 at 12:07 am
Amanda, thank you for the positive reinforcement. It is very appreciated. I think once we have one under our belt we will want to do them all over the place.
August 20th, 2011 at 8:52 am
I keep reading this over and over…hoping courage is contagious.
If it’s any incentive, St. Petersburg is home to the Kalamazoo Olive Company. Yes, it’s true! And they have an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room. Need I say more?
http://www.kalamazooolive.com/
Found through Hungry Vegan Traveler
http://hungryvegantraveler.blogspot.com/2011/02/kalamazoo-olive-company.html
Cheers!
August 25th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Nik,
I read your comment on the morning of our latest long run. I felt scared and inadequate and was procrastinating on the computer. All through our run I used “courage is contagious” as my mantra and it helped me through. It was the strongest run I have had yet. I really cant thank you enough for sharing those inspiring and caring words.
You know how much I adore specialty balsamic! This store will be a must do in St. Petersburg. I went to the Hungry Vegan Traveler and it lead me to the Organic Pizza Co. in Tampa. Seriously!! Their menu is amazing. It is worth running a half marathon for. Cant wait. http://www.gourmetpizza-company.com/menu/