10. You'll never accomplish anything until you actually get started! You can dream of doing a half-marathon or you can get off the couch, be proactive, and get after it. The choice is completely up to you!
9. It all starts with a plan. I got my plan from Marathon Rookie. My plan recommended four run/walks a week. I never missed a long run, but due to a few nagging injuries, I missed a few of the shorter runs. Because of my commitment to work the plan, I logged over 140 miles of training for this race over the last ten weeks.
8. Tell as many people as you can that you are training to run a race. This one was a hard one for me, but you NEED accountability or it will be very easy to drop out. Through my job at Starbucks, I have come into contact with some "hard core" runners in our community. Wasn't sure what they would think about a fat boy rookie trying to crash their running party, BUT they have been so supportive and kind and encouraging throughout my training!
7. An iPod Shuffle is an awesome thing to have when you run. I set mine on shuffle and it's funny how certain songs will come up at what seems to be a perfect time!
6. Honks help! I can't tell you how much encouragement I have gotten while on the road from people who just give a quick toot of their horn. My favorite has been a local police officer who will give me a quick siren blast when he sees me pounding the pavement! For whatever reason, most people will pass by a hundred skinny runners and never give them a second thought, but a fat man on the run will draw some attention!
5. It's a combination of pacing and pushing. I call this the "Jedi mind tricks" of training. I pick landmarks like mailboxes and light poles and push myself to run to a certain one and then attempt to go to the next one (or the next one or the next one) before walking a short distance. Other times you need to be careful not to push too hard so that you can actually FINISH strong. It's a magical combination that I have a long way to go in figuring out!
4. Always MAKE yourself go potty BEFORE a long run! Trust me, you will thank me later!!!
3. Spandex can be your very best friend... Strictly as an undergarment. Nobody wants to see a fat boy run in nothing but spandex!
2. Your body can go as far as your will can push it. I am blown away that in ten short weeks, I can now consider myself a long-distance runner. Three Saturdays ago I ran/walked 12 stinking miles!!! There were days that my body wanted to quit, had horrible runs, felt pain in every step, and did I mention that it wanted to quit? The problem for my body was that my will wouldn't quit. I am sure glad my will won this time!
1. Running has become one of my favorite times to worship. I can't fully explain the connection that I have felt with the Lord many times as I have been running. I have especially enjoyed my long runs over the last several Saturday mornings. There have been moments where I have been overcome with adoration for my Savior and His grace to allow me to go the distance!