13.1 miles is a long way...with many lessons learned...

Well, race weekend is here. On Sunday I will run 13.1 miles. It's crazy to me. I am scared, excited, nervous, but mostly I am ready. I have put in the miles, I have put in the time at the gym, I have imagined myself finishing this race for 12 weeks. And on Sunday, it all happens. But please, say a prayer for me.

In honor of the race here are 13.1 things that I learned or observations I have made during the training process...

1. I am stronger than I think I am.

2. Anyone can run a half-marathon if you train for it.

3. I can run 10 miles one day and not be able to run 2 miles 3 days later. And I don't understand it.

4. There were more than a few times when I wasn't sure I would survive my mid-week runs. And I felt like a failure because of that.

5.I have amazing friends who have listened to me talk about this race for 12 weeks. And still talk to me.

(My best friend, Courtney, who will be there to cheer me on on Sunday)



6. You have to commit to not only running almost everyday, but you have to commit to getting enough sleep before your runs.

7. Running with a partner during long runs is the only way to get through them. Even if you don't always stay together.

(My running partner, Heidi. Sadly, this is NOT a great picture of me. )

8. You only have to run for the next 5 or 10 minutes. And if you keep telling yourself this, eventually your running 2 hours and doing it 10 minutes at a time.

9. Having friends who have been there and done that helps when you have questions or need to vent.

(My friend Teal, who has listened to me complain and answered ALL my questions.)

10. My friend from college, Evie, and I have re-connected through running. Which is probably funny for those who knew us in college.

11. Throwing a boy in the mix during the last 2 weeks of training makes things are little more interesting. But worth it. 

12. Thank God for Spring Break. It's probably the only reason I was able to survive (and run) the week in between my 9 mile and 10 mile run.

13.  I am quite certain the only reason I have survived this semester is because I was actually training for this half-marathon. I forced the world to slow down for at least 45 minutes a day.

13.1 - I CAN and WILL do this on Sunday. If it kills me, I will run the whole dang thing and cross that finish line. Probably with a big smile on my face!

Stay tuned for a race and celebration re-cap. I can't wait to write about it!

-Cynthia

What I Believe

Here are the 11 things I know I believe after this week...

1. I believe that if I had facebook and/or twitter during the time that I was getting my undergrad degree, I would have never graduated.
2.  I believe that a good conversation over a good dinner with good friends is the best way to end the week.
3. I believe in the importance of sharing more than just “one story” about a place with my students
4. I believe it’s okay to cry when your feelings are hurt.
5. I believe that I am stronger than I think I am. And will continue to prove it to myself and the world.  
6. I believe that it’s important that people know what you believe in and where you stand. In life.
7. I believe it’s important to stand up for yourself. In all situations.  
8. I believe in the importance of worship. Every day.
9. I believe the only reason I have not gone crazy this semester is because I run 4 times a week. And life has no choice but to slow down for those 45 minutes.
10. I believe it’s important to have great co-workers, bosses, and friends who can support you. And tell you to keep breathing. 
11. I believe that trying new things is scary. But can turn into amazing blessings.  

   -Cynthia

-