BEFORE

DURING:

AFTER:

Well, I did it.  I used to hate running and now, em, I can at least say I didn’t hate running a 13.1 mile race.  I’d rather you call me a “jogger,” though.  It’s still a bit of a chore, but it’s one that I really, almost, very close to enjoy, and almost enjoy plenty.

I thought the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day was fairly well organized, but not exactly the most exciting course in the world–can you say, STRAIGHT LINE–but there were some chilly and cheerful crowds shouting support along the way.  That said, there was a great spirit in the air and running with 11,000+ others is really fun.  If you’re trying to get in shape, I really recommend signing up for a race and using the race day as a goal.  I never would have run 13 miles by myself, but having that race date on the calendar kept me motivated and exciting.  I think the half marathon distance is a really good one in that it’s still an accomplishment if you do it, but it’s also a fun and reachable distance for those of us who aren’t natural runners. Actually, “getting in shape” is one way to put it, but I used the training more as a “getting in touch with my body” exercise.  It’s amazing how training for a race helped me become more attune to my body, muscles, diet, heart rate, etc.

Don’t know what’s in the near future for my jogging exploits.  I think I’ll take it easy over the next few weeks, but definitely try not to completely lose my training.  Who knows, ING Georgia Half Marathon come spring?

thanks to Stephanie Berghaeuser for the turtle image