This week I face a course of 13.1 miles through Lakewood Ranch, Florida. I feel totally different preparing for this race then I did for my last. I feel that I'm not "just" trying to finish. I have been preparing for this, and it is now race week.
Mind games- How do you prepare for a race? I've run this distance before, even practiced on the course before (I got a little lost and felt like I'd never make it home), but there is something different about a race. Is it the unknown factor- conditions or how you will feel that day? Whatever it is, there is something very special about a race.
Mind games- How do you prepare for a race? I've run this distance before, even practiced on the course before (I got a little lost and felt like I'd never make it home), but there is something different about a race. Is it the unknown factor- conditions or how you will feel that day? Whatever it is, there is something very special about a race.
I have been running consistently for a year now, and looking back it has been an amazing journey. The most interesting part has been meeting so many people who are so supportive, and excited about running too. This past week a member of the running community was hit by a drunk driver and passed away. Many (over 70,000) people ran in her honor this weekend. #megsmiles was the theme. It's very sad when tragedy is something that brings people together, but I have to say that the running community already seems to be a united front with one thing in common... running and supporting each other along the way. So, run for Meg and everyone who is not able to run. <3
I give total credit to my best friend, Shannon, for getting me into the sport. From day one she has been an inspiration. It all started when we decided we would text each other every time we ran- how far and how long it took. It was like a buddy system from afar. Each text to each other brought words of encouragement and support. She made sure to remind me that there are good and bad days in running but no matter what- keep running... Thanks Shan!
I give total credit to my best friend, Shannon, for getting me into the sport. From day one she has been an inspiration. It all started when we decided we would text each other every time we ran- how far and how long it took. It was like a buddy system from afar. Each text to each other brought words of encouragement and support. She made sure to remind me that there are good and bad days in running but no matter what- keep running... Thanks Shan!
So, instead of looking ahead at the finish line, I will look back at how far I've come in a year. I look at the roads I travel on very differently. You know you are a runner when you can point out exactly where a mile from your house is in either direction. I will look back at this past year as a year that I have accomplished a lot, but in a different way. I do not run to win (I really can't stand when people "did you win the race you ran?"). I run to accomplish what I set my mind to. The next few days I will prepare by hydrating, eating right, and looking forward to Sunday's Suncoast Half Marathon. Let's do this thing!