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After all, I’ve been running after my kids, running after the bus, running around the house picking up before company comes over, and running late to meetings. I’ve also wiped and blown hundreds of runny noses and make runny eggs frequently. So clearly, running is in my blood and this shouldn’t be a stretch for me.
Hmph. Perhaps this is a different kind of running.
I’ve been intentionally running since early 2012 and have completed 4 races and some sporadic weekday runs. That's it. And now I’m signed up for a half marathon?! I guess I should have asked myself these questions before I handed over my credit card. (Oh yes, they make you pay for the privilege of sweating with thousands of strangers.)
1. Am I crazy for even considering this?
Well, duh!
Anyone who is a runner is a little crazy. I mean, short miles around the neighborhood are fine. But 13.1 miles? And don’t get me started on you full marathon people! Why run when I could be cozy in bed? Crazy. Why put your body through the physical and mental torture, I mean training? Crazy. After I completed my first 5k I thought, “Gee, that was fun, but I’ll never do that again.” Then I did. Twice more. And then I ran a 15k (9.3 miles). And after that I said, “Gee, that was fun, but I’ll never do that again.” See? Crazy.
2. Can I do this?
Yes. No. I think... Hell no! Maybe? Yes.
I never, ever, ever thought I’d even attempt to run this far. I mean, who can really run for over 2 hours straight? And maybe I won’t run the whole race. In fact, I’m positive I’ll need to walk a few times; perhaps more than a few times. I might even find myself crawling over the finish line. But finish I will. There may be glory in finishing first, but there is also glory in just finishing. And THAT, I can do.
3. You mean I have to train?
Ugh!
Don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy running. But training for a half marathon is about more than just running. I mean yes, you have to increase your miles every week, but it’s also about cross training, core training, training yourself on what to eat, and training yourself to breathe. Wait. I have to learn to breathe differently too? It’s a lot to take in, and a lot to process. Can I take a train ride instead?
4. What do I do if I have to use the bathroom in the middle of the race?
Ummm, no seriously. What do I do?
Ok, so I know they’ll have the ever popular porta potties throughout the course, but who has time to stop? What if there is a line? What if there is not one when you really need it? Will there be toilet paper? Can I pause my official race time so I can go number 1? I already know I have to forgo my morning coffee, but I do need to hydrate throughout the race. Is a diaper appropriate? Stay tuned.
5. Why am I doing this?
For the 13.1 car magnet of course.
Listen, running a half marathon is no small feat, so you better have solid reasons for wanting to do it. Here are a few of mine: It’ll improve my health. I may lose a little weight. Training time is “me time”, with no interruptions. It’ll cross off a bucket-list item. And hell yes, I’m getting me the damn magnet when I finish!
