3 Miles on a Tuesday and NO WALKING

Brian Martin
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read

My bib for the Philadelphia Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon will read, along with my number: “NO WALKING”

Today was the first of my 3 days in a row running 3 miles. I have to say that the soreness is more of a factor than I thought at this moment, so stretching is definitely in order tonight. This happens from time to time though so I am not worried, more excited at the prospect, as weird as it may seem, to troubleshoot.

I know the soreness that I am experiencing in this moment does not even come close to when I begin adding on the mileage towards the end of my program. Speaking of mileage at the end of my program…

At the gym this morning I saw a news story on another local run that is probably more well known than most…The Philadelphia Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon. Now I have done only one half marathon in previous years, and it was not the most enjoyable experience. Though I had prepared for it physically as best I could, I did not plan the weather accordingly. I had to walk, and got pretty badly sunburned due to my lack of planning on the sun coming out and it going from a mid-70s and cloudy day to a 90+ and sunny day.

Live and learn, I suppose. But this time, things are different. My maturity level and relationship with running had not gotten to the point it is at now. I depend on it too much, am too driven by it and my need to succeed with the lofty goal of a marathon that I have set out for myself. For this reason, when given the option to add a few letters to customize my bib, I wrote the phrase “NO WALKING”

I did this for two reasons, the first of which is accountability. If someone sees me walking with that written on my bib, I can almost guarantee it will be met with someone yelling to me, “HEY! NO WALKING LIKE IT SAYS!” I think this will be motivating extrinsically.

Intrinsically though, I did it because of my last half marathon, and how I had to walk. I refuse to have to walk again. I will complete the Half - running — the whole way, and the same goes for the full Philly Marathon. If at any point during the long miles I look down at my bib and think to myself how much pain I might be in, or how much I might want to just stop and rest, I will have “NO WALKING” staring right back up at me.

That being said, September 17th, 2017, I will be completing my second Half Marathon ever, and this one you won’t find me walking. I will be running listening to the music and enjoying, probably even more deeply, the joy that running brings.

Keep running —

Brian Martin

In training for the Philadelphia Marathon. I like to run, write and talk about fitness. ACE Certified Personal Trainer. 🏃 Instagram: bmart692

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