Saturday 27 April 2013

Musings on Half Marathon's Eve

Tomorrow morning, I will attempt my first Half Marathon.  I have worked my way through a myriad of emotions over the past couple of weeks; fear, self-doubt, fear, determination, fear, acceptance and more fear.  My training has not gone to plan.  Only last Sunday did I manage my first ever 10 mile run.

Before Boston, I was going to chicken out.  I wasn't hugely motivated, I was worried about my knee (I still am) and I just didn't think I could do it.  Then Boston happened.  Obviously, as a human being,  a devastating event like the bombings really makes you think and reassess your personal freedoms.  As a runner it has also made me think.  It has made me thankful for the freedom to run.  I have niggles and aches, and really I would rather not haul my ass out of bed at 6:30 on a Sunday morning so that I can push my body to its physical and mental limit, but....I am going to do it.  I am not running for Charity this time.  When I need to dig deep for motivation, I am going to think of those who lost their lives, those who will never walk or run again, and the runners in Boston who were not allowed the freedom of crossing the finishing line.