This past summer, after I started over again and was determined to get into shape once and for all, I started toying with the idea of running a half marathon. I’ve done the distance unofficially, on my own, a few times, but I want more than a Runkeeper screenshot as a memento of my accomplishment. I want the medal!
A few months ago, I pulled the trigger and registered for a half marathon. It was months away, I had plenty of time to train, what could go wrong?
Right around Thanksgiving, I fell victim to the cursed plantar fasciitis, and it ate up at least six weeks of my training. Even after that, I was running drastically reduced mileage. I didn’t get back to a normal running schedule until right before the new year.
My half marathon is this weekend. I’ve been hesitant to write about it, and I admit it’s because I figured, well, if I bomb, if I can’t finish, then at least I never mentioned it, and we will just never talk about it again!
My only goal is to finish. I won’t be smashing any records, qualifying for the Olympics, waving to you majestically from the podium, or making the cover of Runner’s World. That’s okay. All I want to do is cross the finish line (preferably running and not crawling or moaning or whimpering) and get my medal!
Ideally, I would not have missed over six weeks of training. I would have been able to do more hill training and speed training. But I covered the half marathon distance just a few weeks ago, so I know I can do it if I stick to my training. Go out easy, watch my pace, don’t get caught up in the rush and adrenaline of the crowd. Make it my run, my way. And make it to the finish line.
Now it’s supposed to be raining that morning, and I thoroughly, intensely hate running in the rain. I refuse to not do this, though, because of some water. This is something I have wanted to do for years, but I left self-doubt stop me from trying. Not this time. Rain, snow, sleet, hail, or anything else falling from the sky, so be it…I will be at the starting line!
Sweat & Sparkle 