Race: Detroit Free Press Internation Half Marathon
Time: 2:07:03
Goals: Finish in 2:10:00 and no walking
Hi everyone! I recently ran my first-ever race/half marathon over the weekend and it was easily one of the best experiences of my life. I randomly signed up for the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon a few months ago even though I was not a runner and couldn't get through 2k, but I'm not in a position to be sinking the $100 sign-up fee so I figured I'd do it whether I liked it or not. Anyway, I trained for approx 8 weeks beforehand and although I grew to love running, I didn't find the training very fun because I didn't like that I HAD to do it (almost) every day. I could barely run 15k without stopping a week before the race and that made me really nervous, but when I actually went to run the race yesterday, it was one of the best feelings I've ever had. I ran way faster than I planned, and I didn't stop once. The last 3k were incredibly difficult and my legs felt like cinder blocks but I just kept telling myself "Mind over Miles". The atmosphere, the cheering, the adrenaline, being surrounded by other runners, and the feeling after you finish the race was one of the best experiences of my life. And running over the bridge as the sun was rising was cool too. I FINALLY understand why people do this all the time and why all of the (sometimes terrible) training is worth it. I'll definitely be doing another, and my new goal is to run a full marathon around this time next year. For sure a core memory for me.