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13.1 Thoughts You’ll Have While Running A Half Marathon

The interesting story that happens in your head while running 13.1 miles.

Kathrin Ratajczak

Apr 22, 2018

Illinois State University

252

13.1 Thoughts You’ll Have While Running A Half Marathon

Kathrin Kasperlik

A week ago, a friend of mine and I decided to be superstars and run the San Francisco Half Marathon. I mean, who doesn’t fly 4,000 miles and pays a whole bunch of money just to run 13.1 miles in a city full of hills on the other side of the country? Right?

At the time I signed up for the race I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know how long 13.1 miles actually were. I didn’t know that I would have to wake up at 4 a.m. on the day of the race. And I didn’t know that running in San Francisco would resemble a hike up the Mount Everest.

Sure I was scared, excited, nervous, all at once. But when you are about to run one of the most beautiful running routes ever, you quickly forget about your fear. I mean, can you imagine running the Golden Gate at sunrise? Exactly!

And so, finally, on April 8^th 2018, the day came when I ran the most exciting adventure during my stay in the United States: my first half marathon! Let me take you on a crazy run through my thoughts at that time…

Mile 1. Wow, this is amazing! I’ve never seen so many people running!

Mile 2. This is not as hard as I thought it would be. I think I should sign up for a full marathon! Yeah, I should totally do that!

Mile 3. Okay, three miles down, only ten more to go…

Mile 4. Man, I forgot how much I love running!

Mile 5. Let’s take a deep breath. Nobody said it’s going to be easy. And it’s still fun, right?!

Mile 6. Hm, maybe I should have prepared better…?

Mile 7. Water! I need some water!!

Mile 8. I think we are almost there. What? It’s only mile eight?!

Mile 9. Ok, you can do that! You are strong, you are determined, you are focused. Go, girl!

Mile 10. Why are the official photographers taking pictures NOW? I look like a red tomato!

Mile 11. Can I sit down for a while and cry? Please!?

Mile 12. Forget what I said about that marathon. Never ever EVER!!

Mile 13. Will this race never end?

Mile 13.1 OMG!!! I really did it! Did I? Yes I did! It feels so great! I’m so proud! I’m definitely a runner! Maybe the marathon after all?...

No matter what kind of thought process you have while running, preparing for such a race and finishing it will definitely boost your self esteem and make you feel sooooo good. Be a superstar!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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13.1 Thoughts You’ll Have While Running A Half Marathon

The interesting story that happens in your head while running 13.1 miles.

Mile 1. Wow, this is amazing! I’ve never seen so many people running!

Mile 2. This is not as hard as I thought it would be. I think I should sign up for a full marathon! Yeah, I should totally do that!

Mile 3. Okay, three miles down, only ten more to go…

Mile 4. Man, I forgot how much I love running!

Mile 5. Let’s take a deep breath. Nobody said it’s going to be easy. And it’s still fun, right?!

Mile 6. Hm, maybe I should have prepared better…?

Mile 7. Water! I need some water!!

Mile 8. I think we are almost there. What? It’s only mile eight?!

Mile 9. Ok, you can do that! You are strong, you are determined, you are focused. Go, girl!

Mile 10. Why are the official photographers taking pictures NOW? I look like a red tomato!

Mile 11. Can I sit down for a while and cry? Please!?

Mile 12. Forget what I said about that marathon. Never ever EVER!!

Mile 13. Will this race never end?

Mile 13.1 OMG!!! I really did it! Did I? Yes I did! It feels so great! I’m so proud! I’m definitely a runner! Maybe the marathon after all?...

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Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

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16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

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