Oh My Goodness....I Think I'm a Real Runner

It's official....I'm officially over the half way point to the half marathon.  Huh?  Yeah, repeat that again....half way point to the half marathon (that's a lot of halves in there).    =)  For some of you natural athletic types, I realize that running a 12'35" mile might not be something you'd be proud to tell your friends (and some strangers) about, but if you are a short 5'1, blond woman, with a big smile and even bigger...well...I think you know where I'm heading with this, that is a sure enough accomplishment.  I told one my co-workers I think that is why I get random people who pull up along side me while I run and encourage me - because I don't look like your typical runner. I mean, if you see some lean athletic person barely breaking a sweat running a 5k in 15 minutes you hardly have time to register what you're seeing before they are gone, but if you see some chubby woman sweating it out, singing along to an iPod that the ear buds are not in her ears, but around her neck, pretty much running slow enough as to appear to jog in place, and it's almost 100 degrees outside, you have plenty of time to articulate your thoughts before she can get away from you.  I'm being funny about it now, but those random words of encouragement have gone a long way some mornings.

I thought I'd share some things I'm learning during this journey.

1.  I am physically stronger than I thought.  If you ask me about mental strength, I would tell you I'm a pretty tough cookie, but physically, I've never really pushed myself passed that "oh crap, this really doesn't feel good"  feeling.  It is wonderful to know that I can do it.  I've decided lately that it is a shame that I haven't been using my physical capabilities to the fullest of my potential.  I wonder how many people in my town alone would love to be healthy enough to even walk a short distance.  You know what?  I am.  I just allowed myself to be lazy - and for that I should be ashamed.  I am blessed with wonderful health and I plan to continue be thankful for that and take care of myself in the best way possible.

2.  There is a moment in almost every run where I question just why exactly I thought it would be a good idea to do a half marathon.  Funny enough, I don't question my physical ability, because I know I'll make it.  I cannot tell you that every single day three minutes before I walk out the door to run that I feel the most excitement ever.  However, I can tell you this without a shadow of a doubt - feelings change.  Just how you felt like parachute pants were going to be the fashion statement of a lifetime, or it really was cool to shave your eyebrows like Vanilla Ice, or an extra large can of Aqua Net and some hot rollers were God's answer to any hair dilemma, your feelings about exercising will change.  Some days, I hit the door without an once of real motivation, but once I get out there it's on.  The hardest part is putting my shoes on some mornings.

3.  The above being said - there is a moment in every run where I know I'm going to make it (usually over the half way point), I block out doubts and I run a bit straighter.  I just feel strong.  I remember EXACTLY why I made this commitment and I keep that in my heart.  Each and every single time I am finished, I am proud of my efforts.  They might not be the fastest, they might not be the longest in distance, I might of had better days, but what counts is that I'm doing it.  Who cares if I run 30 seconds faster today than I did yesterday.  Shoot, my goal isn't to win this thing (good thing because I'd be sorely disappointed...ha!), my goal is to finish.  With that thought, I'm able to put it all in perspective.  I will finish the race I have started.

4.  For those who read my earlier blogs about the proper running attire, here's one you'll appreciate.  I LOVE MY RUNNING PANTS.  Yes, you know, the ones I went on and on about how tight they are.  I love them.  I even purchased a new pair of capri running pants.  Those things hold everything where it needs to be and besides my perfectly fitting shoes, are the best purchase I've made.  I will only wear proper running pants to run in from now on - none of this yoga pants to run in stuff...shoot no.  I've spent more money on running clothes this year than new other types of clothes.  Nice.  You can see wear my priorities are.  ha!

5.  It was an amazing feeling to know I actually ran over 8 miles in one run.  It was awesome to think that I only have 5 miles left and I'll be at the half marathon distance.  Yeah, I know that seems like a big jump, but let me say, I really feel like if you can get to 8, you can get to 13.  =)

6.  My one last thought....this is more a mental task than a physical one.  There are several people who have asked how I am able to do it and here are my two pieces of advice:

• Decide to do it - purpose in your heart that you will complete whatever your goal is
• Do it - get out there and take action - even when you don't feel 100% you will be so happy you tried

I say it all the time, but this is an amazingly beautiful life, a beautiful opportunity, a brand new day to be an inspiration to yourself and those around you.  Use what talents and abilities you have been given....you might be surprised where they take you.  =)