When I did my first half marathon, I did not train well. I did not use a training program, nor did I run very far during my "training." This last time, I trained hard. I found a training program on Pinterest and followed it almost to a T. I had a minor set back due to a foot injury at about week 7 into my training, but some rest and switching to spinning versus running cured that! And my sweet new running shoes :) It's amazing how awesome I felt while running this time. Mile one is my enemy. Always has been, always will. It sucks. I hate the first mile and it hates me. If I can make it past mile one, I can keep going. I have to get past my mind block and into my zone.
Like last time, and as I expected, I swore, I laughed, I sang, I danced and I finished the race crying. There's just something that comes over me when I see these other runners and supporters of runners who are cheering on the finishers as they near and cross the finish line. I'm a sucker. It's so cool because these are people who I don't even know and they are cheering me on when I feel like I have nothing left to give and want to just sit on the side of the road and lay down....and then devour a cheeseburger. Or a pizza. Or both.
One thing that I found really helps me is to take the advice of my running mentor, my dear sister, Marin, and run a mile for someone in particular. Each mile I ran, I thought about someone in my life that has touched me or that inspired me, all of them are individuals whom I love and I ran that mile for them. I started the mile thinking of someone, sometimes the first person who came to my mind and then said a few things about them and why I was running that mile for them.
Mile 1-3: Will
Will had planned on running the half marathon with me and had completed a great majority of the training program with me. He was such a champ and ran at my pace during our long runs and was such a motivator for me. It was about week 7 that his knee was just not cooperating. He hurt it the first time we did the half marathon and this time it got so bad that he couldn't run. Instead of probably hurting himself more, he decided to not run the half marathon. It was so awesome to see his face at the finish line and he was cheering the three of us gals on! I ran the first three miles for him because he could not run and I know it was killing him not to be able to participate in it and feel the incredible high that we were experiencing.
Mile 4: Allie Pal
I ran mile four for my niece Allie because she's 4 and she's a fun, spunky, independent, little character. I thought of the number four and Pal came to my mind. I love her so much! I hope she always stays true to herself and doesn't change who she is, because who she is is pretty freaking awesome.
Mile 5: Mims
Of course I ran a mile for Mims. How can I not?! I am where I am today because of my wonderful mom. She's my rock. She's the best mom I know :) Mims is a woman who has been through so much in one lifetime and is still level headed, strong and compassionate. She is one sassy gal that is so full of life! I think that next to Will, Mims is my biggest cheerleader and just like she used to sit through my entire track meets (what a snooze!!), she would have been at the finish line with Will whooping and hollering just as loud!
Mile 6: Marin
Marin is my mentor. I have texted, emailed and called her with all of my wacky questions about running (ack! BMs!) and she answered them. She gave me such good advice and had great ideas for me. She is a hardcore runner and is so inspiring! I started running because of her. I know that I can never run like her or be as successful at life as she is, but without knowing it, she pushes me and motivates me to be a better me.
Mile 7: Megan
My other sister Megan is a runner too, she's more like me, not as hardcore as Marin. Currently, she is in the same boat as Will and cannot run due to injury. Since she can't run, I ran for her. I know she'd love to run! Soon the three of us sisters will run a race together....maybe Megan and I behind Marin, but still together :)
Mile 8: Matt
Oh Matty. My only brother. He's become such a cool guy. He has grown leaps and bounds from the man he used to be. He is one of the hardest workers I know. I channeled him as I worked hard to stay focused and keep on keeping on during my race. Thanks for the strength brosef!
Mile 9: Me
Sounds silly, but I ran mile nine for me. I do sometimes do self-talk and try to pump myself up or keep myself going, and knowing that mile ten is my hardest mile, I needed a little positive self-talk. I was nervous about running due to my foot injuries and also, any runner is nervous about possible BMs during a race (Ack! NO THANK YOU!). I was able to get in my zone and just go. I felt good. My training paid off. I found a determination and strength in me that I never knew I had. I was pretty damn proud of myself. I found the athlete in me once again....and it felt so good!
Mile 10: Adri
I ran mile ten for one of my besties and running partner, Agies. Let's just say, mile ten felt amazing. No longer was it my hardest mile to finish. The girl proved herself and others wrong with her goal of running three half marathons while she was thirty. She did not only run three half marathons, she joined the Runners Fanataics group by running two half marathons within two weeks of each other. What the heck. How freaking incredibly super duper cool is that?!?! She set a goal and went way above and beyond! You go girl!!
Mile 11: Rachie
Rachies is one of my besties too. She and I have been runners together since middle school. Granted, it was a lot shorter distances since we were sprinters. She still runs for fun. I used to think that was so crazy. Running for fun?! Say whaaat? I know that she was thinking positive thoughts for me and Agies during our big run. For your continuous support, I am forever thankful, bestie.
Mile 12 & 13: Grampy
Grampy is what....83 now. He is Will's grandpa, aka my "adopted" grandpa :) He told me that he walk/runs a mile a day in his garage. He is 83. Seriously? He stepped out a mile in his garage and he walks 10 laps around the garage then switches directions and runs 10 more laps. How can you not be inspired by that?! Rock on Grampy! I only hope that I can age as gracefully as he and Grammy! Who knows, maybe I'll get him to run a 5k with me someday soon :)
This is my FAVE running song. Totally pumps me up and pushes me. It came on my ipod at mile 13 and I got to cross the finish line with this. I'm a freaking champion....
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