This fall I will be running my tenth half marathon. Half, yes, not full. I ran one full marathon… that was enough for me. I may be convinced, however, to run the New York Marathon thanks to a certain Arkansas business consultant’s review of it… we shall see.
The most recent half marathon I ran, and the one I’ll be running again in October: The Nike Women’s in San Francisco.
When I started running it was nothing short of horrifying. I believed, with all of my being, that I was not cut out to be a runner. My body was not designed for such things. I would never be able to do it.
Any time I tried to run a mile…ONE mile… about  one third of the way in I would feel like I was going to throw up.  This would lead me to lying down/passing out, panting, in random people’s front lawns. It was not pretty.
After the 2010 Carlsbad Half Marathon.
Then something changed. I don’t know what it was, but for some reason I decided to keep trying. Glenn had been running a lot and I envied this cool athleticism he now had. Â One day, he invited me to join him on a three mile hilly loop around his parent’s house. I warned him that I may only make it a mile {or less…} and he said that was fine. Â Somehow, by the grace of God, I ran all three hilly miles.
I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment.
The 2010 La Jolla Half Marathon. One of the most challenging and beautiful courses I have ever ran.
Once I figured out that I could run three miles, I felt like I could do anything. Â I would push us to run farther and farther, until eventually I suggested “What if we train to run a half marathon? Do you think we could do it?”
We followed what is still my favorite training schedule: Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training Plan. This is the program I am doing for this, my tenth half marathon, as well.
This time around, though, I am acting like it’s my first time training. I have set lofty goals for myself, but I am convinced I can do it. I’m training faster than I ever have, and am also {trying} to train in this OPPRESSIVE heat. It may kill me, but somehow I am determined to make it happen.
I’m nervous and a little afraid of failing {story of my life}. Even as I type this, my little heart is going pitter patter with anticipation! I know I am capable, though, and I know that this is a battle that is worth fighting. At least I hope it is.
Anyone else training for the first time, or training for a bigger goal than ever before? We can do it! Right?
~Kristin
You go girl!!! Training for anything in that heat is NO JOKE! San Francisco will be nothing. It was after my trip to Georgia that I busted out with that 10 mile solo, remember?
I’m training for my first 26.2 in November! Yikes! Training officially begins the first week in August. I’m trying to enjoy life now while I can 🙂
I know you can do it! You are so inspirational.
Go girl!!! You can definitely do it! I cannot believe this is your 10th half – you are an inspiration to all of us!
Do you remember me asking you if you wanted to try a marathon together to celebrate our very BIG birthdays next year? I’m still actually interested.
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