Thursday, September 10, 2009

Here it is....the mega Half Marathon post

Today was a big day in my half marathon quest. I picked up my race packet. A little exciting, right? I mean, I got a number, with my name on it! Exciting stuff for sure.

So there I am at Fleet Feet, double checking the information on the back of my number, examining the chip, and then the friendly volunteer hands me my bag. I grabbed it and started to browse around at a few shirts that I had been thinking about buying with my recently acquired gift card.

Then I remember in my bag there is a race shirt. Curious as to what it looks like (I heard they were awesome looking) I glance in my bag and see the half marathon race logo.

All of the sudden I was completely overcome with emotion. I bolted out of the store and as I settled into my car I started to cry. Yep, I cried after looking at my freaking free T-shirt. And while, yes in face the shirt is awesome, it certainly was not the reason for the tears.

My mind went back to February when I couldn't run a pair of 3 minute intervals in 30 minutes. I told friends that I would never, ever be able to run. Eight months later and I am doing a half marathon.

I never thought I would make it this far in training. I figured I could probably make it through about 75% of the training before it either got too hard or I got injured.

Am I a fast runner? No. Will I end up walking a decent part of the race? Absolutely. But those things are really starting to be less and less important as the reality of what I have accomplished in 8 months is hitting me.

As cheesy as it sounds, this whole experience has taught me that I can do anything if I want it bad enough. I never had that confidence before, and I feel like a completely different person.

Even though I am the one most responsible for my success, a very special thanks to my own personal cheerleader who has helped me in many aspects of training. I had the privilege of doing a short run with her tonight and another rockstar runner with lots of words of wisdom. You both rock!

Any good thoughts, vibes, prayers, and what not for myself and the other runners would be much appreciated on Sunday morning.

15 comments:

Angie said...

That is soooo amazing Teresa, and I am seriously so happy for you. It is amazing to know that you have that kind of inner strength. I'll be thinking of you and Jenn this weekend. Good luck!!!!!

Julia Goolia said...

Awww, if you are this emotional before the race I can just tell the whole experience is going to be nothing short of amazing for you. Enjoy it! You can absolutely do this.

N. said...

Good for you! I am so excited for you, not only to do the race, but for the amazing accomplishment and everything the experience has given you. Congratulations!
I'll be thinking of you on Sunday!
I can't wait to hear all about it.

LC said...

Theresa, you are definitely an inspiration to me right now. On Monday, Mike and I will start the Couch to 5K program and I am already starting to doubt myself. I just feel like I cannot run for that long. I love how you kept going through the whole journey and pushed yourself. You will do great on Sunday and I will be thinking of you. GOOD LUCK!

Jennelle said...

You've accomplished SO much in the past eight months, Teresa! Get out there on Sunday and kick some ass!

Jenn said...

Yeah for us!! I can't believe it wasn't that long ago when we were just doing the C25K and now we're running a freakin' 1/2 marathon!!

Let's just plan on kicking ass and taking names!!!

Kristen said...

good for you girl, not many of us have the drive to get ourselves that far - especially me! Good luck with the marathon!

Lisa said...

You go girl! You deserve every last bit of pride that you feel. You're kicking ass :).

sarah said...

Woot! You are going to do such an awesome job. I remember finishing my first half marathon and feeling so incredible, like, "Yeah, I totally just did that." You deserve every ounce of pride you are feeling, and so much more. And if you cry, don't be embarassed at all - you've worked HARD to get here and you have every right to be emotional about your amazing accomplishment. I can't wait to hear about your race day experience! Are you doing a big pasta dinner Saturday?

Teresa said...

sarah-I think I am going to do some kind of shrimp spicy pasta thing the night before.

Maria said...

Congratulations Teresa! I'm so excited for you!!

Anonymous said...

I'll be thinking of you all Sunday morning T!!

Anonymous said...

I would tell you good luck, but instead, I'm going to congratulate you on finishing!! I have no doubt in my mind you will rock the hell out of it.

Claire Uncorked said...

I'm proud of you, you're going to do great no matter what! Go, T, go!

I am Alive said...

wow... U r an inspiration for so many ppl like me...

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