New to the group, and just completed my first Half Marathon this past Saturday (2:38). I'm starting training next week for my second in October - though I guess maintenance would be a better word for it. I was thinking today about all the things I've learned in the past 5 months. I've never been a runner (this was my first distance race of any kind), I played tennis and softball way back when but I never had the endurance for running. Little did I know what I was missing (or maybe I was just too lazy to care). At any rate, this is what I've learned, read on if you want a good laugh, there are a few nuggets of genuine wisdom in there somewhere.



1. No matter what anyone else says, I am not in fact crazy! And the next person to ask me 'Why?' when I say I'm training for a Half Marathon will receive the following answer: "I'm preparing for when I survive the apocalypse so I'll be ready to outrun all of the zombies."

2. The only person who cares how my butt looks in my running pants is me. And even then I only care for the first half mile or so, after that my rear and I reconcile our differences and agree to work as a team to get through the next several miles in one piece.

3. Bengay should only be used AFTER a run and BEFORE a shower. Reversing these two only leads to disaster.

4. It's better to listen to your body the first time, because she's always right and she'll just end up saying 'I told you so' later. Save yourself the headache, and all sorts of other aches, and just do as your told.

5. The squirrels are not really out to get me. *Though I still maintain that *kitten* threw the branch at me and then practically fell out of the tree laughing. This lesson does not apply to snakes, snakes are most definitely out to get me, and I secretly suspect they hunt in packs and are lurking behind every tree, bush and rock on my route just waiting to jump out at me.

6. Hydration, nutrition and recovery time are as important as any other aspect of my training. I have to take care of my body if I expect it to meet my (at times unreasonable) demands.

7. Few things are worth the price we pay for them, sports bras, running shoes and socks are the exception. And to that end, only buy seamless sports bras (just try getting bandaids to stick THERE after an unfortunate chafing incident); try on as many pairs of running shoes as it takes to find the right one for me no matter how many dirty looks the sales person gives me (though in my experience they are much friendlier and patient at the Running Store).

8. Do not fear other runners, they are not out to get me; nor will they attempt to bite, shove or kick me. They won't judge me or talk down to me because I'm a novice. In fact it's better to run with a group of strangers who offer unconditional support and experienced advice, rather than alone.

9. Everyone is nervous before their first race. Just don't barf on anyone before it starts and you'll be fine. Make friends at the start line, find a Pace group with a hot Pacer and everything else will fall into place.

10. If it feels like work, I'm doing it wrong.

Thanks for sharing. I replied on the other board too, but what the heck, why not here too? lol... Does anyone else get chased by dogs or am I just that lucky? I love dogs by the way - have a beautiful basset hound doggy that I adore. But seriously, my love diminishes when they're running towards me and I don't personally know them and think they might be protecting "their" bit of sidewalk that I happen to be running through at the time. Nothing like a little unplanned speedwork I guess!