I received a call from a good friend of mine sometime in July in which she expressed the desire to run in a 1/2 marathon. I was in shock! I met India (the one in green) while attending police academy. India is very much a makeup, pink lace girl. I am more of the adventurous outdoor type. However, we became inseparable during our 10 weeks of police academy. She hated to run, I loved it, and its something we had to do every morning. However, when she expressed to me her desire I did not miss a beat I told her to start running and I would run the 1/2 with her. She ran her first ever race, a 5K, on August 21st with me. She called me the day before the race and asked me all kinds of questions about what to expect, what to wear, what to eat, and such. I answered her questions the best I could without expressing how comical I felt the conversation was. I was so excited for her once she crossed the finish line because I know what it feels like when you don't believe you belong amongst all the spandex, fancy shoes, and technical shirts. Its something after you complete your first race that makes you believe you are a runner. The distance does not even matter its the ability to start something and make it to the end amongst the cheering that counts. Oh, she still wore makeup for the race! Somethings never change =)
Running races is a huge motivational boost. It makes you come back for more. I ran my first marathon in 1998 and pretty much lost count after 30. If I can be of any help and you have any training questions for the 1/2 and full you are planning on doing, just holler! By the way, I don't wear makeup but i do curl my eyelashes before a race...LOL!
ReplyDeleteI can't even hardly imagine finishing my first marathon and you have done over 30 I am in complete awe of your accomplishments! Any advice you would like to toss my way is welcome with open arms!! I have based my training for my first 1/2 on the Hal Higdon's intermediate plan. I don't have a clue if its a good one to follow I just knew I needed to try something =) I can run 6 miles right now and feel fine. My main problem is finding the time. LOL you curl your eyelashes before a race?!! I do wash my hair even though I know I will get sweaty again =)
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