I finished a half marathon!!! 13.1 miles!!!! Wo hoo!
My first 5-6 miles felt amazing- since I started towards the back I was passing people the entire time. It felt so good to learn that I was faster than someone! I felt very strong and even started thinking about training for another race. Unfortunately, mile 10 hit me... hard! I was so grateful that my family & David met me at this mile marker because I really needed a boost! David energized me and my Dad gave me such an encouraging and proud hi five! The last mile was definitely one of my most challenging to finish. At this point I was thinking, "What is wrong with walking? Why can't I just walk and enjoy the day?" My feet hurt, I was tired, other people were stopping... but somehow I crossed that finish line and boy did it feel amazing.
I still can't believe that I really did it. I've never been a runner before; in fact I'm pretty sure that I've hated it for most of my life. This time was different. With the goal of crossing that finish line, I pushed myself to run when I didn't feel like it and become an athlete again. In many ways, training for a half marathon was one of the most inspirational challenges I've had. It's easy to look at the 12 week training schedule and think that you can't do it- especially that one week when I ran about 30 miles! If you take things one day at a time, however, somehow you get through it. And on race day, even if you have some jitters, that training helps you cross the finish line. I think that I gained a lot of mental strength and discipline during these past 12 weeks. Even more, I think that I have some inspiration for the tough year that lays ahead. Studying for my medical board exam isn't going to be pretty. If I take a practice exam today, I will undoubtedly fail, just like I would if I tried to run 10 miles on day 1 of training. The point I have to keep in mind this year and the years to come is to be patient, have faith, and take things in long strides... eventually I will get there. Or at least I hope!
A huge part of why I crossed that finish line, was my support system. To all my friends who wished me luck. To all those volunteers who were cheering on race day. To David for not letting me take a day off. And most of all to my parents. To my parents, than you for encouraging me to take a day off when I was too tired and crabby but thank you for supporting me even when I didn't. Thank you for being there for me cheering me on just like all the hundreds of swim meets. Thank you for believing that I could cross that finish line. Thank you for being there for me on race day. I know that your support will carry me through these next tough months. Thank you.
