13 Lessons in 13.1 Miles (part 2)

Part 1 of this "series" is here! Because post 1 was turning into an extremely long one I decided to break it into two posts.

5. Never underestimate the power of the starting line.  The closer the time got, the more nervous I was.  Why?  I had trained for this- however, the race was different than my training- and I think, deep down, I knew that.  The race was the real deal- that starting line was a difference maker.  I was going from a "runner" to a half marathoner with one step.  Everyone has a starting line for "something" in their life.  That start line is the beginning of their journey- thankfully I never had anyone telling me that I could not do it!

6. Water- the water stops were pivotal- just when I was regretting not having a water belt there it was- just in time to quench the thirst.  Even if I didn't think I NEEDED the water I took a cup anyway because I knew that I really did.  How much is that like our spiritual life- the water is being given to us- freely- it's up to us to drink of it.  But, it's just not important in the middle of the race- it's imperative before and after the race as well.

7. Enjoy the scenery- As I mentioned the other day- the signs were great but it was early morning and the weather was PERFECT.  Part of our run took us on a greenway and it was just beautiful out there.  Just another reminder to enjoy the surroundings.  Too often I want to look at my feet to make sure my stride is okay.  I need to trust my body to run correctly and not look down.  I want eyes that look ahead and see what is front of me.

8. Hills- oh those Hills.  There were 4 of them and they weren't fun.  One of them is a notorious one on the route and I ended buying a t-shirt that says It's not just a hill, it's a rite of passage.  LOL  It was a doozy (in my opinion) but I can say that I did them all.  Not all running, some of it was walking.  It really is a metaphor for life though- we have the hills- some will be steeper than others.  However, the only way to get better on the hills is to practice them- to deal with them- to face them head on and not shrink back in fear. (and for some those hills were no big deal)

and that is the end of post number 2- post number 3 will go up soon!