From Couch to Half-Marathon

SatelliteCrush80

So, yesterday I ran the Baltimore Half-Marathon, which was also my first. The weather wasn't the greatest...it was drizzling in some areas, and fairly breezy, but I was beyond excited to get out there. After all, I had 3 1/2 months of training under my belt for the big day...and all I wanted was to finish in under three hours. The course was hilly and fairly difficult, and I got some evil cramps in my calves by mile 9...even had to do some shuffling, and at some points flat out walking...but the thought of quitting didn't even enter my mind. I had worked too far and come too far for that. My finish time was 3:04:36 - not quite what I was hoping for, but I did just what I set out to do. I finished my longest race ever! Pushed through a difficult course and pain and kept going. This is also a perfect metaphor for our journeys to better health. No matter how difficult or painful it gets, there is no reward like the feeling you get in return. Never, ever quit.

Oh yeah, my quads are on fire today...and I'm already looking for my next race. Color me addicted.

to my Black Team and Runner's Club friends...I couldn't have done this without your support, friendship and wisdom. Hell, I wouldn't have even tried...so thank you all for being my inspirations!

jenlwren

That is awesome! I remember my first half marathon....What an experience.

Tip from a running coach....make sure you do a light jog or long walk today and ice your muscles a little bit


Way to Go!

rjdoell

CONGRATULATIONS!! I like hearing stories like yours. Last May I got the idea to walk a marathon. Before that I had never walked more than about 2 miles a a time. I've been training ever since and next weekend I go to Bar Harbor, ME, to walk 26.2 miles. I'm ready and excited. Like you, I am looking toward another event. That will be the motivation that keeps me walking. And I know the health and weight loss benefits are well worth it!!

threeupthreedown

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!!

YOU totally rocked it.
Way to go!!!

I do my first 10 kms race next Saturday.
I have registered to do my first half-marathon next May.
YOU inspire me.
Thanks.

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!!

:flowerforyou:

Marla64

Three cheers for the hero of the day!!

Wecandothis

God bless you!!! That is am amazing achievement!!! And it's very inspiring! Thank you for sharing that with us!!

emorym

I did that program last year. Congrats on your Half Marathon. I bet a year ago you would not have been able to do such a race or even that good of a time. Remember how far you have come. Think about all the training. You may have missed your time by a bit but you just completed 13.1 miles. It sounds like you had a challenging race cramps, hills and you did good. You should be proud.

Now pick out your next race while you are all trained up from your Half Marathon.