Yesterday I completed a half-marathon. I know I have blogged about the triathlons I have done this year but this race meant so much more to me. As a teenager I struggled with asthma that often interfered with any sort of sport. Today it can be induced by exercise but is much more manageable. On top of that, I was never much for working out. I was not athletic enough to make it on any sports teams nor did I have any desire to engage in individual events. Last year I started to get serious about exercising. Running was still my weak area and I would struggle to get a mile in before walking. I was so focused on the triathlons this year that I didn't train as much as I should have for this race. Running was also low on my "likes" that it was easy to skip my run days when I was tired. As race day approached, I was terrified. I had only gotten up to nine miles and that was interspersed with a lot of walking. It seemed impossible that I would be able to push out 13.1 miles, especially with my knee giving me trouble. Friday night I resigned myself to the possibility of walking a lot during the race. When I woke up Saturday I kept telling myself to just do my best.
The course was beautiful. It wound down a canyon full of gorgeous trees. As I looked at the scenery and listened to my music, I started to just relax and enjoy it. I kept running and running, longer than I had ever before. At mile 10, I gave myself permission to walk for a few minutes. The last three miles were so hard. The course moved in to the town and out of the canyon. I could feel pain in various parts of my body and my knee but I pushed myself to keep running. Monica ran me in the last half mile when all I wanted to do was quit. I was so grateful for her pep talk and keeping me focused (although in the moment I didn't appreciate it quite as much). As I crossed the finish line, I started to cry. Perhaps it was exhaustion but I had also accomplished something that I didn't ever think possible. I used to be a lazy asthmatic that detested running and here I was completing my first half-marathon. All the downhills helped me to finish in a much faster time than I expected. I proved to myself that I really can do my "impossibles." This summer I have seen my progress and it feels pretty darn good. How lucky I am to have friends that encouraged me and pushed me to do all these races! Now I wish I knew someone that could rub my extremely sore thighs and calves. Yesterday I was on cloud nine and today I just want to find a really good massage therapist.
7 comments:
I'm so proud, especially hearing that background story. What was your time, eh? Oh, and Kathryn at Massage Envy on 400 South in SLC. She's amazing. Just $39 for first-timers.
Good on ya. As an asthmatic, I understand how difficult it is to the distances with that condition. I'm super proud of you too!
You can self promote anytime its for something as cool as this. I love it when races have music because I think it helps keep the focus on something other than one's pain. Way to go!
you guys are all so wonderful! thanks so much.
dainon, i finished in 2h10min and something seconds. it wasn't time chipped, but that's what the clock said when i went through. it was fast for me, as i really start to slow down after six miles. gotta love those hills. kathryn eh? i might just call, unless i can find someone closer to home.
sara, the ipod shuffle has been a lifesaver. the last tri i did, we couldn't use them so it made the run exceptionally hard.
I think a full marathon would be more impressive.
Haha. Kidding of course. Way to go. I have no desire in any way to ever do something like that. I hate running more than I hate being a fat ass. Great job, I am super proud of you.
Absolutely fantastic! Congratulations. I remember when you were quite young - trying so hard to participate in Wildwood School's running club events and how often your asthma would interfere. I never thought you'd become such a jock! Your inherent stubbornness and determination has certainly paid off - well done.
Wow Ais! You are amazing! I am so impressed with all of these races you have been doing! What dedication! You have certainly come a long way since our walks around the parking lot!
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