Although running isn't always easy, it is something that we were all born to do. Not many people can say that they've run a half marathon, but here are 12 reasons why you should consider it, and consider signing up for the Hokie Half!
1. People will pass you, and you will be okay with it.
An older man was legitimately juggling while running at a pace faster than me. Even though I could have felt down on myself for not going faster, I knew that I couldn't compare myself to anyone else. But hey, good for him for simultaneously accomplishing 13.1 miles and performing a circus act.
2. You get to see all of Blacksburg that you normally don’t get to see on your way to class.
If you don’t normally run on the trail, it is a great way to see the countryside of Blacksburg with gorgeous rolling hills and mountains. Sadly, you do have to run up those hills - but the view makes it a little sweeter.
3. You get to run on Route 460.
For some reason it just felt really intense running on a major road in Christiansburg. Don’t worry, the road is entirely closed so you won’t have cars zooming past you.
4. It’s the perfect temperature.
The race started early in the morning, which is the perfect running temperature when it’s still a little warm outside. It's brisk, breezy and the sun peaks out of the clouds just enough to light up the pavement without making it ridiculously hot and uncomfortable.
5. Families come to support you who you don’t even know personally.
The community of Blacksburg is so wonderful in the way that it has such a supportive atmosphere. I saw so many families and kids cheering for us all, which makes a huge difference when you are in the final stretches of the race.
6. You get the best feeling of accomplishment.
So many emotions run across your mind as you cross the finish line. The initial ones are usually relief and exhaustion, but once that fades away, you feel so proud of yourself for accomplishing something that you never thought you could.
7. You get some pretty sweet gear out of it.
I’m not going to lie – I definitely love having a couple of new T-shirts to add to my wardrobe. You even get a medal at the end! What could be better?
8. It’s a fun way to be active with your friends.
Getting ready for the race is always better with friends. When you plan weekly runs with a few friends, it makes the miles go by a lot more quickly and holds you accountable for running. Running is the perfect activity to chat with friends, enjoy nature, and get a workout in all at once.
9. You realize that running is a mental sport as much as a physical sport.
Sometimes it feels like running is more mental than physical. You really have to have the willpower to keep going. Running a half marathon teaches you how much inner strength you truly have.
10. You have an excuse to make a fun playlist.
Now is your chance to play every song that pumps you up and makes you excited to get moving. If you train with the same playlist, it makes it a lot easier to keep your pace as well!
11. You have an appreciation for a different type of exercise.
You really don’t have to be a “runner” to do a half marathon, you just have to have the willpower and endurance. Although I’ve always enjoyed running, it's amazing to see people who usually don't run complete 13.1 miles.
12. You get to say that you ran a half marathon.
Come on, this is what it’s all about! Challenge yourself and sign up today (and cross it off the Hokie bucket list!)
