Half Marathon : Worst. Idea. Ever.

On Saturday I ran my first half marathon........

Here is a list of things I learned from this experience:

1) I still hate running.

Okay, so "hate" is a strong word..... I strongly dislike running. I've always had a hard time being excited to run, but I wanted to run a half marathon so that I could understand why so many people seem to just love it. I still don't think I understand this sick, twisted obsession some people have to torture themselves for hours on end, but I do understand the rewarding feeling that comes in the end from accomplishing such a lofty goal.

2) I don't believe in "runner's high."

Let me explain. Yes, I do feel really good after I'm done with a long run.....but who doesn't feel good after doing something that is complete torture. Anytime anyone does something they really hate, of course they are going to feel great when they're done....because its over! Am I right? Am I missing something here?

3) It's all about enduring boredom.

Training for a half marathon for me was more about training myself mentally to just keep going. I honestly feel like after training for this race, I am more capable of enduring really difficult things for long periods of time. Its all about just pushing on, just putting one foot in front of the other even after you feel like you can't take another step.

4) Anyone can run a half marathon.

My friends Andrea and Debbie always told me that anyone who trains for a half marathon can run one. I never believed them. Just like so many other myths about running-like, "oh yeah, once you get past the first few miles you will feel like you can just keep going...." (what a lie....) But yes, I do think anyone who trains can run a half marathon, believe it or not.

5) People who run full marathons are insane.

Enough said.

I remember growing up, living in Colorado my sister Celeste had a friend named Rachel. She was a big time runner, and track star. I remember she had a track shirt that said, "How can something that hurts so bad, feel so good!" I realize its a little weird that 12 years later I still remember this shirt, but this was the thought that came to my mind at the end of the race. It felt so good to have set a goal for myself, and achieved it. I ran the first 6.55 miles at a 9:17 pace, but my final pace was a 9:56 mile, so I must've slowed way down. My final time was 2 hours 10 min. I am slow, we'll just leave it at that.

Jason on the other hand ran the half in 1 hour 43 minutes, which is a 7:54 mile. He is just amazing. He placed 52nd in his division out of 408 runners. He said he hit a wall at around mile 10. He said from about mile 10 on, he felt like runners were passing him left and right. He started to see some girls pass by, and he thought to himself, "well, these girls are all granola girls, running is probably their life. Now, if a cute skinny blonde girl were to pass me, then I would know I'm in trouble." Just as this thought crossed his mind, a cute skinny blonde girl who looked like she'd just stepped out of the salon came prancing by. He said he wanted to pull her to the ground by her long ponytail.

The truth is, running in this race was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had, and I can understand how people can get addicted......I guess I'll just have to see if my opinions about running change next time around......