So this is the weekend I have been waiting for. Well, one of them anyway. As of tomorrow, the training will be done. 14 weeks gone; 13.1 miles ahead. That’s right, this weekend I will enter my first ever half-marathon. What, you didn’t know I was a runner? Well, that’s because I wasn’t and I’m not and I may never be, naturally, but I am always a girl who loves a good challenge and this time, the challenge comes in the form of a 13.1 mile run.
While in retrospect it’s easy to get romantic and sentimental about the training process, the truth is that it’s tough. It’s aches and pains, loss of sleep and time away from the family. Physically, it is one of the tougher things I have ever done but, at the same time, it’s been one of the most rewarding. Rewarding when I look in the mirror, rewarding when I add up the miles, rewarding when I realize it’s almost over. Hallelujah for that!
I think the most amazing part of this whole adventure though has been realizing that, little by little, it is possible to do things that you thought were totally out of your league. And in the end, it may not even be nearly as difficult as you imagined. I am now fully convinced that anyone who is physically able (and by that I do not even mean in good shape – just able) can run a half-marathon. Seriously. This coming from the girl who a few short months ago thought 2 mile jogs would be her lifetime capacity. Funny what a couple months of running can do to you.
What’s more? It’s contagious. My mother-in-law started it and I got a couple of friends to jump on board with me. Slowly but surely another one came along and after a little more prodding I have even got my own hubby out there pounding the pavement. Why? Because it’s fun, it’s free, it’s good for you and, well, it’s contagious. Just beware…the bug may be headed your way next!
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I'm proud of you! My (crazy) husband is training for a race right now too. Personally, I'm out of breath just thinking about it. I ran a 12K a few years ago and that was plenty enough running for this girl. Good luck with the race!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I am somewhat envious because I know I CAN run a half-marathon (I often run 6-7 miles every few weeks for long run workout days). I am just not movitated to put forth the effort to finish it off. Good for you, though! I hope you had fun!!!
ReplyDeleteYee Haw! I'm proud of you, Katie! (I'm proud of myself too - but more for you & Alesha!) I have played soccer & run and "stuff" for the last ...well, forever...so it doesn't seem as big of a deal. What we should really be proud of is how much slack our hubbies picked up for us...full families makes a full time job. I couldn't have trained without Dan & I for sure wouldn't have finished the last 2 miles if they hadn't been in the truck following along. Such a fun challenge -thanks for encouraging me. I really mean it when I say if there is anything else on your bucket list you need me to do, let me know. I'll probably hum & haw at first, but you know me...I'm just as competitive as you. hehe.
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