For a few years, I have tossed around the idea of running a half marathon.
I am NOT a runner.
Most of you would agree that I'm not even an athlete.
In elementary school I played basketball and softball (when I wasn't busy with cheerleading, dance, gymnastics or swimming!). I was good at basketball, okay, decent. I could have been good with a little more effort. When middle school rolled around, I packed up my ball for a pair of pom-poms and never looked back. At least I was a well-educated cheerleader...yes, I know the difference in offense and defense and I can spot a walk from a mile away....you walked, you walked, you took to many steps.....opps, I digress! (*To this day, when we're at a UNC basketball game, cheers pop into my head....when the crowd yells "Defense!" my brain spins into cheerleader mode and I want to shout out "DE FE N-SE...Defense, Defense, Fight, Fight, Fight!" For the sake of those who sit near me, I keep these urges repressed, but they are there!)
I was good in softball - for one year. I played for about 8 or 9 years, but I admit I was only good for one year. That year, I had a new coach who didn't play "favorites" (what, that exist in sports?!?!) and he put me on second base and I did great. The next year, a different coach stuck me in the outfield and I hated it. Eventually, I was moved to catcher and you know what that means....worst. kid. on. the. team. I tried out for my middle school softball team and made the 1st few cuts but eventually figured out I was better off with pom-poms in my hands!
I was a cheerleader.....and I was a darn good cheerleader. Most school spirited thank you very much. I wore my green and gold with pride and when my team won I like to think I was almost as excited as the quarterback. When my team lost, I was right out there on the field crying with the quarterback....or the center, depending on the year! We didn't lose many games, so when we did, we lost the chance at being County Champs or a chance at playing in the State Championships. Not an easy thing to loose in high school.
I also ran track in high school....half way. I skipped practice to head in to work. I showed up for our track meets and sometimes finished 3rd. I never ran anything more than 400 meters (that’s only ONE lap around the track). Occasionally I did the 200 meter relay. I started off running the 300 m hurdles…until I tripped over a hurdle, in front of the crowd, got embarrassed and pretty much never wanted to do it again. One time, I won the long jump. Even better, my high school DID NOT even have a track. We ran on rocky, cracked pavement and practiced jumping into a big dirt pit. Clearly, not ideal conditions!
I ran a little in college....very little.
I enjoy working out but I do much better with biceps curls and squats than I do with running. Sign me up for a group exercise class any day of the week and I will love it! I can walk for days. I can do the elliptical. I can ride a bike. I HATE to run. It's like my body shuts down after about 90 seconds when my brain asks my legs to move faster and actually run.
It is clearly mental and I have realized this. I am capable of running but my brain tells my legs otherwise. Thanks to modern technology and some snazzy running mixes on
A half marathon is just one thing I want to check off on my list of "Life Goals." I recently found a half marathon in October that is only about 45 minutes from home and the registration was cheap. Before giving it too much though, I registered. I talked one of my friends - who is already a super star runner, she runs 4 - 6 miles every single day - into running it with me. I picture this as us going to the race together and her waiting about 45 minutes on me finish up at the finish line. Either way, she's doing it with me and I'm very thankful to have a friend for this journey!
On October 13th, I'll be running my first half marathon - 13.1 miles.
Training started yesterday.
I successfully completed my 1st 3 mile run. My time wasn't great but it was a good start. It can only get better!
Lessons learned: when you decide to complete a half marathon, you should avoid training in July! Hot, hot, hot!
If you're looking for me over the next few months, try the back part of our neighborhood....I'll likely be sweating and rocking out on a few very long runs!
If any one else out there is crazy, you can join us on October 13th at the Georgetown Bridge 2 Bridge Half Marathon and 5k.
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