What I thought about during Run #3 -
When I decided to run my first race right around a year ago, I was really nervous and thought that a 5k might be the end of me. I had never conceived of running 3 miles before and have even played out the scenario, that if I was being chased by a scary person, they would probably catch me in the end, because I am slow and I hate running. The whole, 'run for your life' mentality just didn't sound worth it. Especially if I was going to wind up keeling over from all the - trying to run away business anyway.
So, when I started talking about running a 5k last year, several of my friends started telling me all these crazy things like - 'a 5k is a great distance!'; 'that is one of my favorite race distances' and '3.1 miles is really a wonderful way to challenge yourself'. I would hear these things and think to myself, 'friend, you are f-ing crazy' or 'there is nothing great about running 3 miles. It hurts me and therefore, I would like to punch you right now for thinking this is good'. But I would just smile and nod and continue on my way.
After running my first two 5k's, my friend Jill tried talking me into a 10k. She kept trying to use encouraging phrases like - 'a 10k is so much better than a 5k!' and 'it's a great distance'. I thought I might beat her up if she didn't stop with all the 10k talk, but thankfully she ate pavement while running one afternoon and gave herself a 3rd degree sprain. There was no way she was running that race and I was off the hook! (I would like to take a moment and tell Jill, that I really do love her and do not wish her any real pain in life).
But last month, after the St. Paddy's Day 5k, my friend Sara tried talking me into running a 10k. I laughed and I laughed. Yet, she kept trying to tell me that 'a 10k is just a fantastic distance and a great challenge!'.
Then the margaritas happened two weeks ago. Ashley and Sara ganged up on my running resistance and after lowering my willpower with the magic of a margarita, those two girls talked me into running 13.1 miles. That same night at dinner, one of Ashley's friends started talking about how much she loved running and that a half marathon was an amazing distance.
Last week - I posted the 'news' to my Weight Watchers profile and while hoping to get a different response from my weight loss community (like, girl - you are crazy, get out of this thing now and just go earn some activity points like a normal person) but instead I started getting peppy comments. And guess what they said? 'A half is a great distance, perhaps my favorite distance to run!' I couldn't help but think to myself, 'really?!' Is every distance, really magical and wonderful and perfect? I still hate running 3.1 miles and I sure as hell will hate running 6.2 and you have got to be kidding me if you think, I think, this half marathon is the perfect distance. I will tell you that it is perfectly insane and that is why I am doing it.
To all my crazy running friends. I love you, but it is ok to secretly hate all of those distances too!
Lesson Learned - Every distance is a great distance and I should embrace them all with open arms and cushioned socks. Someday. Maybe.
Distance: 3.21 miles
Time: 36:24
I have to say, after running my first half, it was wretched and I would never do it again. Then, I actually trained for one(like you're doing now) and really enjoyed the heck out of the one I did last fall! I was clapping and cheering out loud but by myself as I passed miles 11-13... it really was a great time! All that being said, nothing beats the Bolder Boulder 10K. So suck it Foco ;)
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