Lessons Learned From Running 13.1 Part II

I am picking up where I left off in part I sharing lessons I learned while participating in my first half marathon. You can read my first six lessons here. So let's carry on...

LESSON 7: Choose a race that has an unbelievably fun theme!

When I first read about the Diva Half Marathon and 5K, I thought it sounded like it would be fun. Tutus, tiaras, boas, and hunks... oh my! I must admit I do embrace more of my tomboy tendencies then I do the "girlie" side, but this race did sound like fun! I had already planned to travel to North Myrtle Beach with my mom, aunt, sister, and neice, it would definitely be a girls' weekend. I was the only one who would be participating in the race.

The atmosphere race morning was full of energy, very cheerful, and very PINK. Various running groups were meeting up together to take pictures and other runners were posing for solo pictures. You had men, women, and kids adorned in pink and in tutus as they made their way to their pacing areas. One man in a tutu announced that he was supporting his wife in the run as he made his way closer to the front. I was a loner, so I stood alone and just took in the surroundings until a runner approached me asking about my shirt and the breakdown of my miles. After that point I was in and out of conversations with varrious other runners in passing. I even happily took pictures for runners who did not have someone else to capture their starting moment. The music was bumping as runners conversed and returning divas greeted one another happily. Even though I knew absolutely no one else out there, I did not feel alone. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming.

The breakdown of my miles dedication for the 13.1 miles for my #miles4change fundraiser

After the playing of the national anthem, one runner came to me and said she was almost in tears after reading the miles dedications on the back of my race shirt. Throughout the run I received encouragement from runners regarding my motivation for running along with my dedication miles through passing conversations or a quick thumbs up. Again, the atmosphere was very fun and upbeat before, during, and after the run. Definitely do not be afraid to register as a solo runner in this event. You will not feel alone!

Lessons Learned From Running 13.1 Part I

I finished my very first half-marathon on Sunday, April 12, 2015! It was the Divas Half Marathon and 5K in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In 2012 I created a New Years resolution stating that I would train to run a half-marathon to help bring awareness to human trafficking. Needless to say it remained a written goal, but not the beginning of a journey. Instead I foused on the legislative side of human trafficking contacting senators and representatives regarding issues that were arising and legislation in the wings. It was a good thing, but not everything.

In 2013 and 2014 the same resolution arose, but by 2014 I was determined to see it through. I began to train and extend my miles. I downloaded Map My Fitness and started looking for challenges. By the end of May I was running consistently more consistently into June, by July I was nursing an injury! I still have no clue how it happened, I believe it was truly too much, too soon.

 

The Nation Mourns

This past week was one of those really long weeks that I couldn't wait to end. Every morning after Monday felt like it should've been Friday. I was eagerly awaiting a countdown to winter-break, and Friday would bring us so much closer!

When Friday finally got here, so did news of a very tragic event in Newtown, Connecticut. I am not a parent yet, but as an auntie, an older cousin, a human, the news was a very hard pill to swallow without tears falling. As an elementary school teacher, my heart ached even more.

I lift up in prayers the families of Sandy Hook Elementary who have experienced great loss during this tragic event. I thank God for the faculty and staff members who became a hedge of protection for students that day and helped to save lives, even at the cost of losing their own. The world is shocked by these acts, but fellow educators realize our love for our students and passion for their wellbeing would warrant nothing less. We are their protectors when danger lifts its head on our watch. God bless all of the families of these heroes that day.

I also lift up in prayers families who have experienced a loss in any other tragic events long past or recent past, televised or not. I can only imagine seeing what unfolded Friday brings back memories of your own pain. I also salute the New York Football Giants, New York Jets, New England Patriots, and other organizations for taking steps to honor students and teachers of Sandy Hook Elementary School during week 15 NFL games.

A very hard reminder that nothing is more important than the people who are important to us. We must take time to value each other's presence regardless how hectic life may become. The stories that are being told of what teachers did to calm and comfort students are amazing. They spoke encouragement and peace in the midst of turmoil and saved lives.

May we work to find a resolution to the various problems that cause some people to be so consumed by darkness that they don't savor the precious gift of life.

 

 

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