The finish line is my crack - maybe it could be yours too!

That's me. Finishing my first half marathon. Note the amazing form. Note my jubilant expression. Note my boobs all the way up by my chin! Just kidding. I was effing tired!

I promise this will be my last update about the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon - but I need to make something very clear: Finish Lines? They're my crack. I tell myself that running is fun, but who am I kidding? It kinda sucks to be running for 3 hours and knowing you're going to end up exactly where you left off. I tell myself the blisters don't hurt and my muscles aching for a few days isn't a big deal, but it definitely isn't super awesome to hobble around after a race. I tell myself these things because of finish lines.

Finish lines are a destination. Finish lines are a rush. Finish lines mean you've completed something and you deserve a pat on the back - and probably a beer. Sometimes, you even get a medal - which, if you ask me is pretty freaking fantastic. I like shiny things.

I've had a lot of friends/family/randos ask me recently why I run, how they can get started running and why the hell they should run; my answer is "finish lines." Sign up for a 5K, 10K, whatever! Just give yourself a finish line. Once you cross your first one you'll feel one of two things: 1) "I'M NEVER DOING THAT SH*T AGAIN" or 2) "THAT. WAS. AMAZING! I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN!" More often than not, I'd say the latter will come soaring out of your mouth moments after you cross that line. If it doesn't, well, that's fine too! Running isn't for everyone and that's a-ok.

However, if you've been thinking "maybe I should try it" or "I really need some motivation" or "I'm so bored of the gym" - try it. Sign up for a 5k. It doesn't matter if you run the whole way (I sure don't), and it doesn't matter if you are the last person to cross that finish line, what matters is that you did it. The best thing you can do for yourself is try. See if you can make finish lines your crack too.

I seem to be capable of running...

Last night at the gym, I did something I didn't realize I could do. I did an hour of cardio straight. I walked for 5 minutes, then ran for 3 - wash, rinse, repeat. I didn't think I'd be able to run for 3 minutes, but I did it! 7 times! *I will now wait for you to cheer, dance, and generally just shake your groove thing for me for a minute*

Thanks. You can stop cheering now.

I realized yesterday - with the help of wise words from Emily including "are you done feeling sorry for yourself now?" - that yesterday's blog post might have been a bit melodramatic. (Who am I kidding? I was going for a whining Academy Award, apparently.) I CAN DO THIS.

I've actually sort of prided myself on the fact that I'm being such a realist when it comes to this whole half marathon thing. I'm very aware that I won't be running the entire 13.1 miles. I get that. I'm not trying to tell myself I'm some super athlete that can go from not running (period) to being a half marathoner. But I AM an athlete. I've always been an athlete and I CAN eventually be one hell of a half marathoner. (Off topic...is 'marathoner' even a word? Get back to me on that one, will ya?)

My friend Stacye made me tear up a little bit this morning because it's like she always knows what to say. She put up the same picture I posted on yesterdays blog - this one and included this on my Facebook page:

Right now it's hurting, it's taking time (it won't be overnight), you are dedicated, WE will be your will power when you need help, you will see the sacrifices you've made, maybe not today, or tomorrow, but you will! You are pushing your body to a breaking point, but it's WORTH IT. Because soon you'll look back and today's breaking point is tomorrows starting point. You've got this because YOU ARE WORTH IT! Love you!

 Things like this make my day. I love you, Stacks!

Not enough of a "runner" apparently...

So a few people have told me to go into running stores and talk to the people who work there and see about group runs, etc.

Close to my house, there's a store dedicated to runners called "Stinky Feet." I was really excited to go in and talk to runners who know what they're talking about and see if they could give me some info on group runs, etc. It wasn't exactly a welcoming environment. In fact, I got the feeling they didn't understand why I would be in there.

I walked in and went to the desk, explained to a very nice redhead and a gorgeous brunette that I was just starting to run and I'd been told by a few people that I should check and see if they have any running groups. The brunette said "Yeah, we go 4.5 miles every Tuesday night - you'd have to train a lot to run with us" Gee, thanks, yo. How did she know I can't run 4.5 miles? Maybe I'm a ninja under all of this fat.

I admitted that 4.5 miles was a bit much for me to run right now and asked if either of them knew of more "beginner" types of running groups. Brunette said "We cater to more serious runners so not really..." thankfully the redhead spoke up and mentioned that she knows of a group than runs in Clinton (too far) but at least she was helpful.

I left that store feeling defeated and like I wasn't good enough to be a runner. And it's not like anyone took the time to ask me about my goals or anything - I was the only customer. I could have very easily bought a pair of shoes or some other equipment while I was there. But I didn't. I didn't feel like I was good enough to be in there.

This is the exact opposite from what I've experienced from runners online. The runners I've spoken to online are full of enthusiasm, encouragement and knowledge of running and what it takes to be a runner. I wish I had a running buddy in the area. I can't wait to take my business somewhere other than Stinky Feet and then walk my skinny butt in there one day and show them I AM a runner.