2009 Parks Half Marathon

On Sunday, September 13, I raced in the 2009 Parks Half Marathon. Ever since the end of May 2009 I had been working toward this goal. 246.5 miles of training, all for the sake of one 13.1mile run, which for me would be over in 2 hours, 1 minute and 24 seconds. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

It was a day of many firsts for me: first time I’d signed up for a race alone; first time I’d participated in a half marathon race; and first time—I confess—I’d ever run 13.1 miles (the longest consecutive distance I ran in training was 10 miles). But it will not be the only or the last.

There’s something invigorating (or maybe it’s just distracting) about running with a throng that brings out the joy of running in ways that no training run does. Maybe it’s the thrill of doing something that 2500 other people are also excited about—excited enough to wake up at 4:15 on a Sunday morning just for the privilege of participating. Maybe it’s the cadence of thousands of feet hitting the pavement in steady rhythm, all reaping what we’ve sown in weeks and months prior on trails and gyms that stretch far beyond the perimeters of this course. Or maybe it’s just the satisfaction of knowing that in doing this, I am living well—pushing my body beyond its limits and finding out that the boundaries are flexible after all. Whatever it is, it’s thrilling and addictive, and leaves me wanting more. Another race (a marathon?!). Another physical and mental boundary overcome by the force of clear goals and focused training. Another milestone of growth and change. Another reason to believe that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

But in the meantime I’m working on easing my sore hips and quads. I took the day off on Monday, did yoga/pilates for an hour yesterday (which helped a lot!), and today, I’ll run my first 3 miles since the race. As I go, I’ll be dreaming of the next goal and grateful for the chance to continue building on yesterday’s victories, while I run toward a stronger tomorrow.