This past November, my husband and I took on the challenge of running our first 1/2 marathon, the San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. Before this, we had only run a couple of 5Ks, so this was a major step up. We started training in the summer using one of the 1/2 marathon training schedules we found online. We also used Beachbody’s Insanity workout program to get in shape. It was an amazing experience.
Most people, when I talk about this, or mention running as a fitness alternative, say they don’t like to run. I don’t either! I have never been a runner. I have always been someone who doesn’t like to run. I’m still not too sure that I like it that much! But I have discovered that I don’t find anywhere else the feeling of accomplishment and achievement I get from running.
And what an experience it was! I crossed the finish line at 2 hr 27 minutes running a 11:15 minute mile. (I’m no speed demon! 
) By mile 9 or 10, I knew I was going to finish, and finish strong. I kept getting chocked up. I tried not to outright cry, because I didn’t want all the spectators lining the way to think something was wrong with me!
The spectators! What fun! People lining the streets cheering you on, holding signs with funny or motivating sayings. Wow!
And the racers! Now there’s some inspiration for you! People of every size, shape and age! Big people, little people, runners and walkers (did you know you can walk the 1/2 marathon! Wow!), people in wheelchairs and on prosthetics. Old people, young people, people in costumes and teams of people. I even saw couples pushing their kids in strollers! It was also amazing to run with that many people. Over 30,000 people ran in the San Antonio race. You can chat with the people or not, but everyone was just out having a great experience!
By the end, I was ready to stop, but I was beyond elated! I did it! I actually ran 13 miles without stopping! I learned from this that I am capable of amazing things! That I can do more than I ever thought possible! I still get a little buzz when I think about it!
Mike and I will be running more 1/2 marathons this year. We will definitely be running the Virginia Beach Rock ‘n Roll 1/2 Marathon in September and possibly the Maryland 1/2 in May. Maybe we’ll see you there!
