To Run Or Not To Run

I look forward to arriving at a place with my running where it is second nature, a place where there is no decision. Perhaps though, I may never arrive at that place. As much as I appreciate every blessed step, the initial question, "To run or not to run" is a vicious battle.

I can come up with the most ridiculous reasons to not run.

First Half Marathon Goals

I have exactly three weeks until the half marathon. I can't wait. Well, actually I can. There is more training to be done.

Yesterday I ran 11 miles. That is my farthest distance so far. Everything I have read seems to say that you only have to be able to run 10 miles in order to complete a half marathon; the adrenaline will push you through the remaining 3.1 miles. I believe that is true, but I don't want to rely solely on adrenaline for the last chunk of the race.

I am wondering if I should have a specific time goal. I'm not sure, but for now, here are my "First Half Marathon Goals."

1. Pace myself enough that I don't wish to kill myself for the 2nd half of the race. I am hoping that my death wishes don't kick in until the last few miles.

2. With the exception of water stations, which should take under 30 seconds (I won't rush that), I want to run the entire half marathon.

3. Feel like an athlete.

4. Avoid injury.

5. Be thankful during the race.

6. Have fun.

7. Experience a sense of camaraderie amongst the running culture.

8. Want to run more half marathons.

9. Finish the race.

10. Allow myself to cry when I do.

Look at these legs

I had training for races all wrong. It was not quite a year ago when I decided that I wanted to become a runner. This was prompted by my friend wanting me to run a one mile race with her. I remember being so scared that I would finish last. I only had two weeks to train. Each day that I ran I increased my distance. It made sense in my wannabe athlete mind. Add a little distance every time.

To make a long story much shorter, when we got to the race, I was furious that it was a fun run and that it wasn't going to be timed. I talked my friend into running the 5k instead and we did so with ease. Of course, our time was hideous. But who cares? We ran the entire time and we finished.

Two weeks later I injured my foot and my four week running career was over for some time. Anyone can get injured. However, in my commitment to training for a half marathon, I have learned quite a bit and now I know what a fool I was. This may seem like Running 101 to all those intermediate runners, but I learned the hard way. DISCOVERING THE FINISH LINE is about a weekly training schedule that includes a long run, a recovery run, and a speed run. It is only during that distance run that you should add mileage and to be honest, that mileage shouldn't be increased much more than 10% of your run.

There are many components to avoiding injury, but your days of rest are just as integral as your days of running. I have also learned the importance of weight training. The body needs to be surprised with a plethora of activities in addition to running.

I feel strong and that by far is more important than how I look. Though, my legs are rock hard and I love the strength they hold. I see my hamstrings in the mirror and I can't believe it's me. It is also productive that I have lost weight as well as inches. I know this will continue.

Today I ran eight straight miles for my distance run. I think back to before Christmas when you could catch me breathing slightly heavy from walking up the stairs.

I like defying the limitations my body falsely creates. I love being a runner. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Yet, it is also simple. I am a runner because I run. I love that.

FIVE WEEKS UNTIL THE HALF MARATHON.