What made you decide you wanted to run a long distance race?
Wow what a question. I do enjoy a challenge. I'd have to think back as to why I thought I could. It isn't the Ragnar Relay because I thought about running a half before I thought about the Ragnar Relay. I guess when the bug bit it took some time for me to catch the fever. I think the final answer is I know others who have done it and I decided I could do it too I just didn't know how to get there.
Before this year, I knew I liked the benefits of running. I liked the way it shaped my body, helped me control and lose weight, and the emotional benefits as well but it was always just a workout. I know with running some days are like that, you have to force yourself out the door, but I never ran more than 3 miles at a time before this year and it was always a struggle.
It was the Ragnar Relay that pushed me to run more than 3 miles at a time as I started my first ever training plan. I've never used a training plan but it certainly has helped me to get out of bed in the morning or out the door after work to run because the ITS ON THE PLAN I have to! Since I've started to run more miles, I have come to LOVE RUNNING! I enjoy it, I want to do it, it isn't a struggle to get out the door. Some day's it is by habit, some days it is by need, and I enjoy it. :) So I guess through training for the Ragnar Relay I found out how to get there. I can't wait!
Why the full marathon or half as your distance of choice?
I chose a half marathon because it is well, a HALF a marathon. I've ran 5K races and one 10K this year so half is the next logical step, right? I've chosen my first full marathon in June 2011. I haven't registered yet but when I do you can bet you'll see a post about it!
Why was this the year to go for it?
This IS the year and the answer is "why not"? I am on a roll. I am on a training plan and I am loving having a goal, a next race, something to get me out the door running. The plan keeps me going and I'm on track. I don't know if I will like it, but I know that I will do it again. I already know I want to run it faster, to PR, to challenge myself further, and I haven't even run one yet! I'm so excited! :)
You are going to do great at your first 1/2! The good news is too that if you can do a Ragnar, you can definitely do a 1/2 marathon. In fact, most relay training plans are built off 1/2 marathon schedules. The biggest difference will be the long run on the weekend. Can't wait to follow your journey.
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