Back in December I decided that I wanted to get back into running. As a former cross country runner in high school, I missed the feeling of accomplishment, the happy, endorphin-filled mood and having my old hobby back. Most people would gradually reintroduce running into their routine to get comfortable with longer distances. Did I do that? Nope. I did the opposite and signed up for a half marathon. I planned on training a couple months before my March race, but life got in the way and I ultimately ended up very unprepared to run a steady 13.1 miles. Although my training didn't go quite as planned, I could not have asked for a better race. Here are just a few lessons I learned along the way.
1. When in doubt, smile.
Smiling has a a magical effect on the body. During the challenging parts of the run where I would feel myself losing some of my energy, I would smile at the crowd around me and I was suddenly revitalized.
2. People cheering you on mean everything.
My favorite part of the race was seeing all of the people cheering on the side lines. The generosity of the crowd blew me away. So many people braved the rainy weather to pass out granola bars, hand out cups of water, and shout encouraging words to the runners. I even watched a man hand out a box of Dunkin Donuts to the runners who passed by -- truly an angel in disguise if you ask me.
3. Sometimes it's all in your head.
It's amazing how many lessons learned from running can apply to everyday situations. If you have a great attitude and push away every distraction, you can accomplish quite a bit.
4. Your body is capable of a lot more than you give it credit for.
Before the race I never thought that I would be ready to run for such a long distance. But if you tell yourself you can, it somehow becomes a million times easier.
5. People are crazy.
Whether you are running half a marathon or the whole 26.2 miles, it takes a certain type of crazy to commit to running for such a long distance.
6. Sweat really brings people together.
The strangers running beside you suddenly become your dear old friends who are going through the same journey as you.
7. A positive attitude will take you further than you think.
Instead of thinking about all the miles you still have to run, I thought about all the miles behind me. The accomplishment that I felt after each mile encouraged me to keep running.
8. You won't be able to walk for a solid three days.
This is a fact. Just let it happen and hope you have some kind friends who will bring you pizza and ice packs.
9. Finding something you are passionate about is everything.
I forgot how much I loved running. I've always enjoyed it, but actually completing something so challenging made me appreciate the hobby that sometimes I forget to love.
10. Being able to run is a gift.
You hear it all the time. People love to complain about everything-- especially about going to the gym or for a run. When I was running I channeled all of my energy to focus on how grateful I was for the ability to run. How amazing is it that you can move your legs for countless miles and that your body effortlessly knows how to breath to accommodate you? Being able to run is definitely a gift that I forget to thank God for on a daily basis, and a half marathon really opened my eyes to be grateful for the aspects we don't remember as blessings.
