Half Marathon Ready!

I’m less than a week away from running my first half marathon and I can tell you that I am nervous but ready! At least as ready as I’ll ever be 😉

Training

For the past 5 months, my friends and I have been training weekly for this race. I have run many distances since I began running, but I’ve never run a half marathon and it has always been a goal of mine. This race is special to me because 3 years ago, I attempted a different half marathon and tore my meniscus during training; I was beyond devastated. Looking back, I realize that I thought I needed to push through any pain, but I’m hear to tell you friends: there is a huge difference between discomfort and PAIN. This go-round, I vowed to be smarter, listen to my body, and give myself plenty of time to get used to the miles.

We began training in January…in New Hampshire! Whatever you imagine running outdoors in New England, in the Winter, is like…I can assure you, it was worse! Some memorable moments:

*Running on snow, which sat on top of a layer of ice…we wore spikes and even with those on, we slipped.
*Running at temps below 20 degrees.
*Running with wind gusts of 30+mph.
*Running in the rain, getting drenched but somehow not hating it.
*Giving up almost every Saturday morning to get our long runs in.
*Running when you have to go to the bathroom…with no bathroom in sight…and making friends with the woods…sometimes barely making it.
*Mapping out ALL of the best bathrooms on our route.
*Accidentally running 14 miles instead of 12 when our GPS’s lost signals.
*Looking forward to post-run breakfasts/lunches with some of the best women I know.
*Laughing until our bellies hurt.

We have two goals: Cross the finish line and Don’t Die. That’s it.

As I said, we are ready.

Body Positivity and the Running Community

Recently, I’ve seen a lot of commentary on what a Runner “looks” like, physically. Maybe you’re picturing someone with the lean physique of Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono, the 2019 Boston Marathon winner. Sure, there are many long distance runners with his physique. But I’m here to tell you that there are many MORE runners who look very different from Mr. Cherono. I am one of them.

If you saw me on the street on a regular ol’ day, “She must be a runner.” would likely not be your first observation. In fact, if you saw me RUNNING on the street, you may even question what I was actually doing.

The thing is that I AM a runner…and Runners Come in All Shapes and Sizes. That’s the thing about running…it doesn’t discriminate…if you have the physical ability, you can do it and we welcome you with open arms…this community is amazingly accepting and supportive of anyone who wants to join us!

Why do I run? Because it makes me feel amazing. Ask any runner why they do it and they will probably tell you the same thing. It is NOT easy, but it is my go-to mental health break. I recall being asked when I felt the most proud of my body and each and every time, I can tell you that it’s when I am putting it through its paces with some type of workout, but ESPECIALLY after a run. Don’t get me wrong, not every single run is amazing; most of them suck actually…but there is no doubt that the post-run high is a reality, and each and every time, I’m proud of myself.

My goal is to bust the ridiculous belief that you have to be a certain size, shape, or age to be a runner. You do not. And if anyone tells you otherwise, they are an ass, my friend. First of all, NO ONE has the right to comment on ANYone else’s physique or ability. Yes, it happens – it’s what is inherently wrong with society today. You can choose to ignore them or share the message proudly because if you run, no matter how fast or slow, you are a runner.

Don’t know where to start? Let me help you – just send me a note!