I may have started out my weekend in crippling fear but it ended in such an amazing way; I finished my goal I set in March and ran every mile of my first 1/2 marathon yesterday! I had been struggling with IT Band issues for the last 3-4 weeks of training and couldn't run at all the last 2 weeks. I was so scared I wouldn't finish but my mind proved my body wrong! Granted I went slow as I was heavily advised to do so not to severly injure myself. That pace was comfortable and pushed me. Yes, it was disappointing a little bc it was 90 seconds off my usual pace but finishing, not time, was my goal now. I finished in 2:25 and loved it! There were many points in the race that were not easy and times I felt like giving up but had constant support around me from the crowds and other runners to push through! I was in pain but it was bearable enough to block out at times, especially when your passing children at every mile marker who've battled/or are still battling cancer. Your pain means nothing compared to them. Listed below are a few things I learned yesterday and I hope maybe they can help a little or inspire someone on the fence to just run, you won't regret it!!

I started running in Feb 2012 with C25K, did it again outside and then went on to Bridge to 10K then my 1/2 program. I love it and will run as long as my body allows me to. I can't wait to complete my next 1/2 as I have improving to do and return to being 100% healthy!!

13.1 Things I learned Today...

1. No matter how much your body tells you to give up, you are in control and CAN and WILL push through. Pain is temporary. Pride is FOREVER.
2. No matter how tired or focused you are, if a child reaches out for high five on the sidelines, you DO NOT ignore it! It's the greatest feeling and something for them to look up to.
3. Running Apps are a PIA. In a race ignore it, just use your music or the crowd. They're never right and sometimes the crowd or other runners kind words are all you need.
4. If you need to stop or walk please try to get to the side. Coming to a dead stop in the middle is not only dangerous but inconsiderate to others. Also I love groups but remember if you are running/walking 3-4 side by side think of the others trying to get around you and it's causing more running for them. Please, please don't do this.
5. Hills are evil. Incorporate them in your training though.
6. Pee before you start even if you think you don't have to!! Saw many people who had to make a stop before we even reached mile 1. Thank goodness I listened to my husband bc my bladder was full and I was too nervous to notice.
7. If in a large race with staggered starts and bitter cold, keep moving!!! Got to my corral at 7 as directed to but didn't start till 7:48. I was already stiff by then.
8. Being prepared is key. Have gear laid out the night before, double sock if need to, shower the night before, go to bed early bc you won't sleep, have a plan for your prerace meal and give yourself time to stretch before heading out. By doing this I was able to have myself up, ready and out the door in 30 mins which meant more time for sleep. However check your playlist too. Didn't realize I deleted my time consumed, well thought out 13.1 playlist somehow till the start. This was just another discouragement.
9. Don't forget to thank the volunteers, water people and crowds. Most important your support system. I was so scared and nervous I wasn't receptive at first to how much my husband was building me up and didn't realize it till middle of the race. Brought tears to my eyes bc he didn't have to get up at 4 am to make sure I was up to eat. He didn't have to stand with me in the bitter cold and he didn't have to worry and watch my tracker mile after mile praying my leg would hold up and I would finish. But he did and he had a bigger smile than me at the finish line. That is priceless.
10. There is a good chance you will cry at some point. Accept it. Whether its inspiring people you pass, pain or the feeling of accomplishment; it's overwhelming.
11. Running really isn't a competition with others. It's an uplifting and motivating sport full of encouraging others. Only compete with yourself and build up others.
12. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. Don't start the day before. Start the week before. Your body is a sponge and it will carry you through!
13. If you want to start running or want to sign up for a race but aren't sure, just do it. You'll have the WTF moment on the morning of but you'll never regret it. Just run. It's ok if you try it and don't like it, it's not for everyone. But...you tried.
13.1 Yes I'm in pain and can hardly move but I've never been more proud of myself than I am now and no one will ever be able to take that from me.