Ready to race

11.01.2013


When I started running I had zero interest in races. I wanted to complete a half marathon and lose a few pounds. 5K's? No thanks. 10K's? No interest. Just crossing the half off my bucket list thank you!

But thankfully a good friend strongly encouraged me to run a 5K right before that first half to get the hang of packet pick up and race day routine. That race changed things for me.

Being in a sea of other runners all out for personal bests and accomplishing personal goals, while sharing a common interest and supporting each other -- it was exhilarating. I'm not much of a crowd person but it filled me with so much adrenaline and excitement that I've wanted to be a part of it ever since.

Back when I was a teenager, I was too afraid to try out for anything because I didn't want to fail. I was terrified of not making the cut and being embarrassed.  Our pastor shared something Sunday that I wish I'd taken to heart all those years ago. As he talked about fear he said, "I'd rather aim too high and miss than aim too low and hit." It's a simple truth but it resonated with me and it's something I want my boys to understand very early. I hope they'll see me trying things (that are sometimes out of my comfort zone) and gain a sense of confidence that they can too.

Tomorrow I'll be heading out for my first half marathon since recovering from my stress fracture. I won't be going for a PR and I'll likely be walking a bit. But I can't wait to be among my running community again. I love the diversity, the old, the young, and the in between. I can't wait to see who passes me, to see all the bright crazy running clothes, share laughs with friends and strangers, crank up some tunes, and meet up with Mr. C at the finish line for a high five and my fifth medal.

I'm just so thankful to be on these feet and running again. And to remember how every finish line feels like this.


Do you have any races this weekend? Here's wishing you luck!