So last Sunday was one of those nervous, nauseous and queasy days for me. I ran my fourth half marathon. It was sunny and beautiful – definitely not what I’m used to. All the other half marathons I’ve run in have been held in February, on the coast. So I’m usually a hat and mittens kinda’ runner. Not a shorts and sun block girl.

While this was probably my slowest race ever (hello 10-minute mile), I had a great time. More than 8,000 people came out to try their hand (er … feet) at the Run to Remember in Boston. And while I felt like the slowest sucker out there, I was surrounded by other people, trudging along together. The race was out-and-back, so as I was lumbering along mile 4 or 5, the runners around me began hollering and clapping. I had no idea why – we weren’t even half way – until I saw a lone runner pass us in the opposite direction. Each time a runner passed us, a cheer would erupt from us trudgers. That’s why I run races. Because it’s not just a race, it’s a chance to run with other runners and cheer each other on.

I passed an elderly man around mile 7, only to have him pass me around mile 10. He must have run millions of these races in his lifetime – a wrinkly tortoise who just keeps plugging along. He probably beat me. But that’s ok. I beat chubby Christian in 3rd grade.

I highly recommend signing up for a race – any race. It’s a great goal to look forward to/dread. And the sense of accomplishment you feel crossing that finish line is well worth the race fee. Plus – imagine all the guilt-free eating you can do afterwards!

Find a race near you. Or! Plan a vacation around a destination race!

Have you entered a race lately? How did you feel?

Also – if you're participating in the Weigh In challenge, shoot me an email today with an update on how you're doing! We only have 3 more weeks until the end of the challenge!

Labels: half marathon, race, running

Labels: half marathon, running, training