A 13.1 Mile Journey: My First Half Marathon
- Christine
- Sep 14, 2015
- 2 min read
Five years ago, I injured myself and went untreated. I had to stop playing sports, I couldn’t stand for prolonged periods of time, and overall, I got lazy because every time I tried to do something, my ankle blew up like a balloon. Three years ago, I quit my job to start physical therapy for the two-year old injury that had gone untreated. I also became increasingly unhappy with my body, finally noticing the weight I had put on since my injury. No longer was a playing sports ¾ of the year, but I had not thought to change my eating habits. If anything, they got worse. So I decided to do something about it. I changed the way I ate, I attended therapy for what felt like forever, and I changed the course of my life. Once my injury was “treated” as much as it could be, I took up some new hobbies, only suffering minor complications, such as swelling if I forgot to wear my ankle brace. I started hiking, riding bike, and the most life changing, running. I signed up for my first 5k near the end of my weight loss journey. I haven’t stopped since. I’ve ran countless 5k’s since, from Color Runs, to more competitive runs in the dead of winter (not that I actually compete. It’s about more than just a medal to me). Now, I am taking the next bit step in my running career. I have officially registered for my first half-marathon.
This past summer I would run nearly every day, as long as I didn’t have both jobs. By mid-summer, I was up to about 6.5 miles, halfway there for a half marathon. That run is my longest to date. But that is going to change.
I did plenty of research before diving into a half-marathon. I looked up exercise plans, read about the importance of cross-training and rest days. I know the importance of fueling the body with whole, natural foods. All this information alone is enough to send some people running in the opposite direction, but I know that with hard work and dedication, I can conquer my first half marathon. Over the next eight months, yes, eight whole months, I will track and share my half-marathon journey with you, from exercise plans, to meals, from stumbling blocks, to the big accomplishments.
At one point in time, I never believed something like this possible. I believed I’d never get treatment for my injury and I believed that I’d be hindered by a bum ankle. I never would have believed five years ago that I’d one day be training for a half-marathon.
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