Heather and I are on a 20 week schedule to train for a 1/2 marathon in October. Running a 1/2 marathon has been a goal of mine for years now. I've never loved running so this goal is sort of random for me. And now that I have been running at least 3x per week for nearly three months and have put in my first 5k, I can honestly say that I still have no idea why this is a goal!
People keep asking me, "don't you feel great after a run?" Nope. No I don't. I feel sweaty and gross and so hungry! "But don't you get to a point in the run where you just feel like you are walking?" Nope. That elusive runners high has never happened to me. "Can you tell you have more energy now?" No. "Are you losing weight?" Nope. Nada. Nill. May have gained a pound or two which is just a cruel cosmic joke. "Muscle weighs more than fat, maybe you are just gaining muscle. Do your clothes fit differently?" Not really.
I'm not a negative person. But I am honest, and honestly I still have no idea why I am running. During the 5k I just kept thinking, "this is the worst hobby EVER!" But I kept running. And I will keep running. And I will drag my ass across that finish line in October after 13+ miles. Why? Because it is a goal. Because it is a goal that, barring any crazy injuries or something, I have control over accomplishing. I have a lot of goals that are delayed because of circumstances beyond my control. Even this whole running thing has been delayed by totally legitimate excuses like surgery and pregnancy in the past.
But now I don't have anything holding me back other than the fact that it sucks, and hurts, and it's hot outside, and I hate being hot. Obviously those are just stupid reasons and obviously there are a ton of reasons why running is great for you. So, I will just focus on the goal and will be thankful that I have Heather to run with because I am pretty sure I would have given up on this goal 2 months ago without her. She has literally pulled me along on this journey at times, and I am very grateful to her for encouraging me along the way.
I am also grateful to my supportive husband for juggling bathtimes and bedtimes while I run. And to my friends who have supported and sponsored me thus far and of course cheered me on. While much to Joey's dismay I will never "win" any of these races, I will finish them and that is good enough for me.
Your personal photographer will be there at the finish line snapping away to document your accomplishment! Worst hobby ever? Could be. But you will kick its ass at the finish line. ;)
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