Do Something For Yourself And Set A Goal
Start writing a post

Do Something For Yourself And Set A Goal

And work your ass off to achieve it.

5
Do Something For Yourself And Set A Goal
Nathan Fairbairn

In May I decided to set a goal: "By the end of summer, I will run a half marathon." What the hell was I thinking? Well, I made a goal to my self, and there was no way I was letting myself down again by not going through with it. So... I put on my running shoes, put my headphones in my ears, turned on "I'm Born to Run" by American Authors, and headed out the door.

10 minutes and 3/4 of a mile later, my body was drenched in sweat and I was breathing like I smoked 10 packs a day.

Fast forward to June. Honestly, after that first run, I said no way that I am going to be able to run this half marathon, so I should just give up now. But then, this funny thing came across my timeline on Instagram: "Run the Christmas in July Half Marathon." Now, who doesn't love Christmas in July? I mean it is the two best times of the year put into one. So, I took a leap of faith and decided to sign up for the race. I had around a month and a half to start training to somehow be able to run 13.1 miles without crawling over and dying after two miles.

So, again I put on my shoes, laced them up, put my headphones in, and went for a run. This time I was determined I had to do this now since I already signed up for the race. I worked my ass off for the next month, running either in the morning or late at night because the best part of summer is the amazing heat — something I always had to battle. Every day, when I would run, I would just try to run a little bit further each day.

The hardest thing I had to endure besides running was of course, with my luck, getting shin splints two weeks out from race day. I did what any person would do with shin splints — hate their life and give up. However, I pushed through! I took some time off from running, bought new shoes, and worked my ass off again to get back into it.

I had one week until race day. Imagine thinking about running 13.1 miles when you just sat on the couch and ate food for the last week. Impossible. I couldn't believe that I was going to have to try to do this. My anxiety was through the roof. My pride hurt from just thinking about not being able to finish this half marathon after everything that I had put into it. But, I did all I could do and started to run every day the next week.

Then came race day. July 14th, 80+ degrees by 8 am. Its was going to be a rough day, but everything I have been training for was finally going to pay off. I got to the race at 6 am walked to the starting line at 6:45 am. The starting gun went off at 7 am. There was no turning back the. The only way I was stopping was when my feet crossed over that finish line.

1 hour and 58 minutes later, I crossed that finished line with legs throbbing and wearing a shirt that you thought I just swam in. All that mattered at that point was that I did it. I completed my first half marathon in under two hours.

Make a goal for your self if its a half marathon or just simply run a mile a day. The feeling that you get when you finally achieve a goal that you had is like any other. Make a goal, do whatever it takes to achieve it no matter how hard it is.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48192
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30598
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954526
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

175092
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments