I trained, I ran, I conquered

Approximately three weeks ago I ran the Cap City Half-Marathon.

That’s right folks – I ran 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 47 minutes. OK, well I actually ran about 12 miles and walked (a brisk power walk, may I add) the other 1.1 miles.

finished my first half-marathon in 2:47!

And I am pretty darn proud of myself.

I only stopped once to open my GU packet around mile 9, and let’s not lie, once I passed the 8 mile marker I was thinking about quitting, simply stopping right in the middle of the street. I wanted to join the runner from the “A Corral” that had already finished the race. They were starting to come back down the course and cheer on the ret of the runners –  with delicious bagels and tasty coffee in their hands.

That’s right…I was tempted by a bagel.

However, I didn’t let the delicious Panera bagel stop me! I kept right on moving my feet: I moved them from downtown to the Lennox Town Center, to campus, down High Street, to the German Village, then to the beautiful finish line by the State House.

And I was supported all.the.way. All glorious 13.1 miles.

I think that is what made me love the half-marathon so much – the incredible support from Columbus, my friends and my social media family.

whooo-hooo! First half-marathon! Check out my nervous self at 6:45 in the morning.

My boyfriend drove me to the starting line and stayed with me until we were told to make our way to the proper starting corral. He also kept me calm as I worried about what to eat, what to wear and about not even crossing the finish line (being THAT person that was going to slow and was pulled from the race).

I had prepared for it all, everything but the amount of support and love I received in less than three hours.

Members of the New Albany Walking club calmed my nerves and we waited for the race to start, random people yelled my name and told me to keep going along the way, my wonderful friend Elizabeth gave me the much-needed encouragement at mile 5 when I was starting to feel winded, and my incredible boyfriend and amazing best friend clapped louder than anyone for me at mile 11 (and tempted me with Starbucks). My friends on Facebook and Twitter sent me encouraging posts the evening before and during my race…and every single volunteer at the water/GU stops told me to keep being strong.

The finish line was slightly emotional, so much cheering and support for EVERY SINGLE runner that crossed the finish line. Even better, look at the awesome medal I received!

I officially have the “running bug”. I signed up for the Color Run 5k in July and the Columbus Half Marathon in October. Once registration opens up for the 2012 Cap City half, I am going to register for that one as well. I am not the fastest or the steadiest runner – but I am determined to make each race a LITTLE faster and a LITTLE bit better. I am moving from Corral E to Corral D for the next half marathon – so I already feel like a champion.

Thanks everyone for your support!

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.

I’m a big believer of bucket lists – everyone should have a list of things they want to accomplish before they “kick the bucket”. On this list there should be goals ranging from visiting a quaint café in Paris, taking a family vacation to Hawaii, swimming with dolphins to climbing a mountain.

And, maybe a few that don’t need thousands of dollars in travel fees. So I signed up for the Capital City Half Marathon on May 5th.

13.1 miles – bring it on!

Now, to understand why this is on my  bucket list and why I am DETERMINED to become a person who loves running you need to know the back story. Me and running? Not exactly best friends. More like frenemies. I run and my lungs explode, sweat fills my eyes, my legs cramp and I slowly lose energy and drop to the sidewalk.

Not really of course, but that’s how it used to feel. But I loved the way I felt after a run. I felt stronger and more energized, so I promised myself I would try very hard to become someone who enjoyed running. Instead of hopping on the elliptical or the bike – I’ve tried to run a mile. Not a large goal, but a personal goal. Then slowly after a few weeks of a mile, it became two, then three, then four … and it’s still right around four miles but I’m working on that.

I have 53 days before the 1/2 Marathon and my goal is to finish the race in under 3 hours. Nothing too crazy – just a personal goal.

I want to encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and make a bucket list … but include things that can be crossed off within a few months. Bucket lists can include taking a new exercise class like yoga, pilates, spinning or kickboxing. Exercising is great for the mind, body and soul; and it’s always fun to take a risk.

I’ll keep you updates about my training and the race! While I don’t ever see myself being the first one to finish a 1/2 or full marathon, I see myself slowing falling in love with a sport that makes me feel strong and helps keep me toned and in shape.

Let me know if you are running in the Cap City 1/2 Marathon!

Hope I see you there,