I am a new woman since y’all last heard from me.
I have now completed my very first race!
This is a big deal for me for several reasons:
1) I absolutely hate running. I have never liked running in any way.
2) I have had three knee surgeries, and my knee problems often limit my ability to run.
3) Even when I have music to listen to, I often find running to be boring and can’t motivate myself to keep going very long.
4) Did I mention I just hate running?
Seriously, though. Running is difficult for me due to all my knee problems and short legs; I am definitely not built for running. I have never enjoyed it and often find it hard to stay motivated to run. I get bored easily and find it hard to mentally focus during a run.
The biggest thing that helped me get through this race was the fact that I did it with a friend.
I trained two days a week with my friends Bethany and Lindsay and that was the best thing for me in my training! We would all talk and run which helped keep my mind distracted from any pain or desire to quit running. In addition, I was motivated to keep up with them! I didn’t want to slow them down so I busted my butt to keep moving and not stop running. Even though Lindsay couldn’t make the race, it was great to be able to train with her and Bethany!
The morning of the race I was super nervous, but as soon as I got to the starting line, I got really excited! The energy right before a race is awesome; everyone was so encouraging and just ready to get started! Once the race started I quickly fell into a good running groove and felt great! I loved getting to race amongst so many people; it was so much fun! The worst part of the race was a massive hill around the 2.5 mile marker — I wanted to stop and walk so many times but I just kept pushing myself and I did it! I ran the entire time and was so proud of myself!
Best news? I finished 5th in my age group! Granted, the race itself wasn’t that big but I’m taking what I can get! Bethany finished in 4th and I was so proud of her!
I seriously had so much fun that I think I’ll keep running and try to enter another race! Who knows . . . maybe I’m finally getting the hang of this running thing. 😉
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No school today so no outfit to share! I did wear a green t-shirt to keep myself from getting pinched though. 🙂 Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
simplify the chaos 