At the beginning of the year, I created a goal list for 2010. You know, one of those lists where you are "starting the year out right" with set goals in mind (that a lot of times you move to the next year's list.) This year, I was determined to check everything off that list. Under "physical goal" I listed "run a 1/2 marathon". So, in February, with the list still hot on my mind, I started running in the 20 degree weather with determination to reach this goal. Just little 2 mile runs...with the thought in my head "there is no way I can run 13 miles." Well, today, I did it. And I didn't stop once.
5 things I learned about myself while training for a 1/2 marathon...and completing a 1/2 marathon
1. No matter how impossible anything seems, if I push myself hard enough, I can accomplish what I think is impossible.
2. No matter how independent I try to be, sometimes I need cheerleaders. I can't do everything alone. (A big thanks to everyone I know and did not know that boosted my confidence along the way - in spirit and in person!)
3. It's not worth it to quit anything once it becomes hard. I had a major gut check with that around mile marker 11 where my body was definitely telling me that it was time to give up.
4. There are always going to be people that are better than me. All I can do is push myself to my potential and find serenity in knowing that Idid the best I could and not come down on myself for not doing better.
5. I'm over emotional. (I kinda already knew that.) I cried when Michael injured himself and told me there was no way he could run, I cried every time a friend or relative called my name during the race, I cried when I passed the 10 mile marker and saw a sign that said "If your feet hurt now, it's because you are kicking A$$", I cried when I starting into the last mile and I could see the finish line, and I UGLY CRIED with my hands in the air across the finish line.
So, what's next on the list? I'll let you know when I figure out the next challenge...
