Saturday, May 5, 2012

Running Commentary (Pre-Race musings)

Well, it has been a while since I've written a new post so I figured that since I have 4 hours to kill until race time...well, there's no time like the present! In a weird way, today kind of reminds me a little of my wedding day (minus the fancy dress, hair appointment and 100 guests). Today, like on my wedding day, I'm not nervous or anxious - just excited. I'm just dying to get there, get it done and party afterwards! The wait is killing me! (Advantage of early morning races duly noted.....)

For most of the morning I've been thinking back on the last 3 months and how far I've come. On this date, 3 months ago, I started the Couch to 5K running program, barely able to run for 60 seconds at a time. To be honest, I had no real expectations that I would be able to make it through the entire 9 weeks, which is why I didn't register for the race until March 27th - the beginning of week 8. If this program has taught me anything, it is to never doubt what you are capable of. Our biggest limitations are those that we impose on ourselves in our own minds and once we change our way of thinking, anything is possible.

I know that, to a lot of people, running a 5K race might seem like a very small thing. I'm not exactly changing the world here, am I? This is right, of course. In the grand scheme of things I am just another faceless runner doing the same thing that millions of runners before me have done...both farther and faster than I will. For me, however, this is a pretty big freakin' deal! Something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember but never thought I could. As a result of this journey, I've learned that if I want it badly enough I can make it happen. A pretty big lesson, I think. All of the sore knees, hips and backs along the way have been more than worth it!

I am really touched by the outpouring of support I have received during my journey - all those likes, comments, private messages and tweets along the way have meant the world to me and I thank you for them! More than you know, you made it possible to get here today! I'm in the home stretch now!

Can't wait to cross the finish line....which we all know is really just the beginning.

J :)

2 comments: