Two and a half months ago I was watching a TV show called Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. The person on the show was over weight and Chris, the host and trainer of the show told the participant she would run a marathon. After seeing her complete this task, I knew I wanted to start running. I have NEVER been a runner, I don't like to run, but I wanted to try something to lose weight and push myself. I had been going to the gym here and there and could run/walk 3-4 miles at a time. So, I decided to sign up for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 1/2 Marathon. I started a training program through this website http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program which was recommended by some friends. I followed the training with acouple exceptions here and there. I had acouple set backs - one being an injury to my ankle acouple weeks into the training so I had to take a week off. I surprised myself by sticking to the training. One thing I didn't follow was eating right....I think for the next 1/2 I'll try to eat better. This past week leading up to the race, I hurt my ankle again. I was running on Old State Road which has a lot of traffic but I didn't have a lot of time to run that day so I was running close to home, there was a car coming so I moved over and saw a dead squirrel starring at me. I screamed and jumped about 3 feet off the ground and came down hard on my ankle. It hurt to walk all week. I was really worried I wouldn't be able to run the 1/2 or even finish. I iced my foot for days leading up to the race, took some pain meds and went to the race yesterday morning. I was super early because I was nervous I would get there late. It was freezing outside so I think my whole body was numb before the race even started. Before the race they had fire works, a band going which really got me pumped up. After the race started I had another set back - my pants which I bought the day before were falling down, I had to continue pulling them up the entire race. I think it was around mile 7 that my ankle started hurting but after seeing all the stories at each mile and having people cheering you on the entire race helps a ton and seeing friends and family really motivated me to go faster and make it to the finish line. I am so grateful for my family being there to support me. This was an amazing experience! When they say runs are addicting...they are right. I by no means like to run, however, I want to continue pushing myself to run and I think I will only do that by having a race set up. So, I'm signing up for my next 1/2 which is in May.
Here's some photos from the race:
Right before the race started:
My watch showing my time, distance, time and calories burned:
Here's the link of me crossing the finish line:
This photo shows the fireworks going off at the starting line and gives you an idea of how many people were there (19,000). (photo courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch)
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