I started running about four years ago. Out of shape and not exactly sure what I expected, I’m amazed at how far I’m come. Nothing illustrates it better than the post below. I wrote this in April of 2010 about 2 weeks after I started running. It’s a true testament
that if you believe in yourself and put in a little bit of hard work, anything is possible. 
“One of the many goals that I’ve set for myself this year is to run a 5k, 10k and half marathon. To some of you reading this, I’m sure this seems totally plausible. What you don’t realize is that I’ve spent the better part of my twenties denying the fact that I’m horribly out of shape. I used to say that: “I only run when I’m chased,” all the while thinking that I’m fairly certain that I could negotiate with said chaser and not have to run. I’m a former dancer and dancers don’t really run. Yet, I’ve always been a little jealous of those friends of mine that can run and don’t get totally out of breath. Even when I was young and played tag, I wasn’t very good. And while I still think this thing called a “runner’s high” is a myth, I have begun my journey to becoming a runner.
I’m in the second week of an eight week training program that is supposed to get me to running 30 minutes. The goal is not speed, nor distance, but rather endurance. We’ll see what happens, but I have to say so far so good. Yesterday I ran three whole minutes in a row!! I didn’t just do it once either…I did it 7 times to complete my 30 minute workout!! This is in drastic contrast to the first time I went out when I thought I was going to die. Seriously, about mid-way through my 30 minute workout of running one minute/walking for two, I was gasping for air. By the end of the week I found it pretty easy and even noticed I was less tired during my kickball game. Now I’m running three times that amount. Amazing!
I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress, but if you’re toying around with starting to run, take it from me that it is indeed possible.
Today’s Music Inspiration: “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” ~ The Darkness
This past weekend I traveled to Nashville for the Country Music Half Marathon with the Hubs and friends Bill and Annalise. It was a fantastic weekend, with perfect weather and even better company. This race in particular was special for several reasons:
- It was my 20th half marathon!!
- Revisiting my current course PR (April 2013)
- The Hubs is finally back in the racing saddle after a knee injury
- I got to watch my friends Annalise and Jaq finish their first half marathon and marathon respectively.
Race Review: This race is now part of the Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series, of which, I’m a huge fan. These races are always well organized, well attended and have good medals. You never have to worry about the organizers running out of water or post-race food. Nashville in particular does a great job with crowd support and the bands along the course rarely disappoint. It is the Music City, after all. Special shout out to DNA, the band between miles 7 and 8. You guys were awesome.
Course: The course itself has a few killer hills, but I’d rate it as challenging, not impossible. It’s just enough to keep it interesting. You get a beautiful tour of Nashville along the way including Music Row and Belmont University. They moved the start location this year, so that shuttles from the finish line (where you park) to the start are no longer necessary. It was a nice improvement. The course is now very similar to the Nike Women’s Half that takes place in late September. I ran the race about 9 minutes slower than last year, due to the difference in weather and being lazy the past few weeks. My official time was: 02:54:04. However, I had a blast. Stay tuned for goofy race photos. If there was any doubt, I now have photographic documentation that I am a huge nerd.
Expo: Worth the trip for sure. RNR expos are something you always want to make time to do. I snagged a new Brooks top just in time to transition into summer running. Woo!
Race Highlights: If you’ve never watched a friend or a loved one finish a race, add it to your list of things to do. As one of the slower runners in our group of friends, generally folks are waiting around at the finish line for me. But this was one of the few times that I got the chance to watch others finish.
Annalise – who grew up with severe asthma, never thought she could accomplish running a distance this far. She went in with expectations of a 3:30 finish. All of her hard work and dedication equated to a 3:01:52 finish and the biggest smile (with a few joy filled tears) I’ve ever seen. Seeing the expression on her face as she neared the finish line is a quick summation of why I run. We all have different goals. The journey and the accomplishment are the triumph.
Jaq – started running about a year ago as a means to a healthier lifestyle. During his journey to being a runner, he lost 20lbs, discovered he’s actually wicked fast and raised over $2,500 for St. Jude. He crossed the marathon finish line just over his goal of 4 hours. Finishing your first marathon is a huge accomplishment and milestone. The pride of all he had accomplished showed on Jaq’s face too.
I had goose bumps watching the two of them and I have them now writing about it. You guys are amazing! I’m so glad I could be there to share this moment with you. Special shout out to The Hubs – he turned in a 1:51:22 finish time, which isn’t shabby after coming back from an injury. Great job honey! It’s nice to have you back out there with me.
Lessons Learned: I really should know this by now, but…dress for 20 degrees warmer than what the temp is. Admittedly it was only about 50 at the start of the race, but by the end it was 75. I started to overheat about mid-way and had to slow down. I thankfully grabbed a paper towel from a very nice random stranger that helped me keep cool on the back half. I haven’t acclimated to summer running yet, so this was also a gentle nudge to adjust my expectations about pace times.
Nashville: in addition to the race, my traveling party: the Hubs, Bill, and Annalise got to meet up with our friend Jaq and wife Hannah at The Pharmacy Burger for post-race chats and merriment. It may have been one of the best meals of my life. Ok hungry runner Kate might say that about most-post race meals, but this was exceptional. Sorry I didn’t get to catch up with more of my Nashville peeps this trip. But there is no doubt that we’ll be back. Until then, kids!
Kate Pearson Runs 