To kick things off, let's rewind to the end of April and I'll give you some thoughts regarding my first half marathon and running in general. It's going to be bullet list style because
- Nashville is an encouraging city. Tons of people lined up along the route to cheer the runners on. Some had drinks and fruit to give out (which were in addition to the official race stations). Bands set up along the route to contribute to the party atmosphere (again, some of the bands were officially part of the race, but several others just set up and played). Lots of people held up entertaining signs like this one. The funny ones were so much more motivational than the sincere ones - not sure what that says about my personality...
- If you're going to run, Nashville is a pretty place to do it. Granted, there are hills. Lot's of hills. But there are also magnolias. Lot's of magnolias and they smell fantastic right now.
- You many not think you can run, but you can. I saw several inspiring runners that day. One guy had two prosthetic legs. Another woman was wearing a shirt that said "Lung Cancer Survivor". And then there's me. The girl who had a stroke with a hole in her heart not only finished 13.1 miles but also beat her goal time by 31 seconds. If I can do it, so can you. Seriously. No more excuses.
- Running rots your brain. I don't really like running. I like finishing a run, but I don't really enjoy the whole process of running. I'm pretty sure that the runner's high they talk about is a form of brain damage brought on by oxygen deprivation. And that's probably why I've already signed up for my next event - The Nashville Color Run! If you're in the Nashville area, come run it with me and if you're not from around here, look for a Color Run in your neck of the woods!
2 comments:
Awesome. I don't think I will be able to do the 5K tomorrow because of a scheduling conflict, but I have already had thoughts about a half marathon. It seems like a crazy goal! The 5K is to raise money for an organization here that helps support/get these guys on their feet...the Lost Boys of Sudan. There is a group of young men here in Dallas who are basically orphans that ran for their lives. Many of them lost all of their family. I think some still have family, but...I don't know if you know their story. Anyway, whenever I thought,"I can't do this!" I would think of them and the ordeal they went through just in Africa, and then to come here and try to start over with such tenacity and determination (many of them are pursuing college degrees and looking for entry-level professional jobs, etc.), well, it's pretty inspiring is an understatement.
And if running rots your brain, then I am in serious trouble. My brain is already fairly nonfunctional.
That sign is awesome. That person is awesome. You are pretty freakin awesome as well for finishing the race. Personally, I don't like to sweat. Bah.
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