For the Runners.

I know I need this encouragement when I run. Especially yesterday.

Training yesterday was overall good but it started off with me feeling so HORRIBLE. I wanted to just quit and sit it out. My body was feeling stiff. My legs felt like they were not responding and moving naturally. I just wanted to stop, give up and sit it out. But I kept on going. Eventually my body realized I wasn't stopping, I pushed through and by the end of the training session I felt brilliant.

Running is a mental battle. Yes your physical fitness and training play an important role in your runs. But to move from being a good runner to becoming a great runner your mental strength is what takes you there. Our bodies are far more capable than we think. When we take the time and effort to push our selves mentally, we begin to see ourselves accomplishing things we only dreamed off.

Do not always rely on how you feel. Feelings are fickle and can often be deceptive and limiting. Instead, look at your goals and keep going towards them; whether you feel like it or not. Develop the mental discipline to push through and be what you want to be. Of course it is important for you to use wisdom so that you make sure you are not pushing yourself to the extent of bringing harm to yourself.

Train hard.
Work smart.
Give it your all.

Enjoy it.

I wish you an amazing training week.

Xx

Rati :)

Fitness: Early Morning Inspirations

A few weeks ago I went for an early morning run. It was a day after it had snowed quite a lot and it was just so beautiful out. It was still dark, but I absolutely love running when its still dark.

The streets are empty.
The road is yours.
Its just you.

So, of course,  the run was great! I went for about an hour. I ran about 9km/5.5m at a nice easy pace. I just felt so good. Then it got me thinking, "I think I am about ready to start training and running for a half-marathon". And so that's what I did... I am officially registered to run The Hague, ABN AMRO Half-Marathon on March 10, 2013.

SOOOO EXCITED!
and nervous.
but more excited!

It has always been a dream of mine to run a marathon, but it has always felt so far off and too hard. So I just set the dream aside. Then in December of 2011, I decided to a set small goal and I signed up to run my first 10km race on the 18th of March of 2012 at the Limassol Marathon. I was as excited as I am now about the half-marathon, but I was definitely MUCH more nervous about it. I trained, and I had good weeks and bad weeks of training. But on March 18th, 2012, I ran my very first 10km race and I fell in love with the racing atmosphere, adrenaline and camaraderie among runners. The whole day was just good vibes.

But after that 10km race, I sort of felt I was done with training specifically for running. I wanted to focus more on general fitness. Which I did. I started weightlifting and I absolutely love it. I experimented with other sports like rock climbing and hiking. I experimented with all sorts of fitness, which I enjoyed very much.

I needed to give myself this change to challenge my body in new ways of fitness, but I would always go back to running. There really is nothing like the run. You catch the rhythm of your feet and push yourself mentally and physically beyond where you thought you could possibly go.

And so.. here I am, once again registered to another race. This time the race is a half-marathon. I am currently in week one of training and it is going really great. I will keep you updated.

My dream of running a marathon just feels so much closer. It can be a reality and it feels good!

I am so happy and prod of myself at how far I have come.

I am a runner and I love it!

xX

Rati