Bandwagon anyone?

I recently ran my first ever half marathon and I can’t quite get over how good it feels. It’s not the classic ‘birds are singing’ kind of joy… more a quiet contentment at the fact that I challenged myself to do something really quite hard and through sheer grit and determination… I actually did it.  

Unsurprisingly, it’s given me a boost of confidence in areas that are seemingly unrelated to running. I would be someone who has always struggled with self-belief, whether it’s warranted or not. No matter how much I work on it, despite all the attempted self-care, and all my achievements big and small, doubting my abilities is just my shtick sadly (or should I say ‘shadly..?’). That said, since finishing my first ever race, I can’t help but feel like something has shifted. Even with work and college assignments, where across the board I’m doing lots of new things that fill me with self-doubt on a regular basis, I suddenly feel more optimistic… more able to take on the challenge, bit by bit, step by step.  

There were various moments during the half marathon that I felt overwhelmed by the distance, unsure I’d make it to the end (if you hadn’t realised, 21km really is quite far!!!). That said, when those moments of self-doubt crept in, I found myself focusing on the one step I could take in each individual moment, rather than the thousands of steps ahead of me. In doing that, I kept shuffling in the right direction (no doubt adopting my best “Mum-run” by the end) and eventually I shuffled across the finish line. I made it the whole way, only briefly stopping to navigate a much appreciated, if little chaotic, water station.

Not only has it reinforced the idea that breaking things down makes them easier to handle, but it’s helped me respect my body more too. Another contentious area for me, I’ve battled with my body for longer than I care to remember and effectively been on a diet since I was in my early twenties (#living). Having to focus on fuelling my body and seeing that in response it can do amazing things has shifted my outlook. Yes, yes, yes chocolate will continue to maintain a special place in my heart, but having something to work towards and properly plan for food wise has certainly made me rethink how I eat.

I read an article recently that said there’s been a massive spike in women in their 20s and 30s running half marathons, particularly unmarried women with no children. Supposedly it provides that milestone fix that’s difficult to obtain without kids, a spouse or for example if you’re alive during Ireland’s god forsaken housing crisis. I can absolutely see the logic and although I've never been one for doing things just “because”, admittedly this is one bandwagon I’m happy to be on the back of.

R x