It’s official! I survived, no scratch that, I KICKED ASS another half marathon!! I have to say I struggled getting myself excited for a 2nd half marathon. The first one I did I was excited to do because it was something that I wanted to accomplish. The 2nd time I was a little unsure up until the day before the event why I had let myself sign up to do it again. I mean I’ve already tortured myself with one half marathon and proven to myself that I can do it. Why do I need to do it again?
The day before the race as I went to pick up my packet I was quickly reminded of my why. The drive and the energy from everyone at the health and fitness expo was amazing. I ran into numerous awesome runner friends (some of them I didn’t even realize were runners) who I got to spend time with. I had several of my friends tell me that my posts from my half marathon experience last year actually inspired them to do the half marathon for the first time this year. Some of these friends were people who I didn’t even realize were watching my posts! This really goes to show you just have to keep your fire lit and keep posting and inspiring. You never know whose life you are going to touch.
The morning of the race the adrenaline was pumping. As I walk up to the bridge where the starting line is and see a mass of people I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be doing this again. This isn’t something I’m torturing myself through. This is a gift that I’m able to give myself. I’m blessed to have the ability to do this race. This isn’t something I should take for granted. I should be thankful that I’ve continued to improve my life one day at a time to be able to do this. Negative thoughts are gone! It’s GO time!
The shots are fired and the race begins! I run to the beat of the drums on the sidelines. I can’t stop smiling because of the people around me. The runners, the pacers, the encouraging spectators are all there! It’s just so much to take in and I’m trying to enjoy every moment of it.
Last year during the race I stopped to take selfies at mile markers and took pictures of funny posters and spectators along the way. It was my first race and anytime I got was going to be my best time. This year I took the race a little more serious. No selfies this time. No stopping for bathroom breaks. Just pure running until the bitter end.
I managed to shave 12 minutes off of my finish time compared to last year! Either the hard work and extra strength training paid off. Or the lack of selfie breaks. Or maybe both. No matter what factored into my time I finished 15 minutes earlier than I expected.
A video posted by Daniel DB Buchanan (@dbinknoxtn) on
I could not have been happier to see my families smiling faces as I crossed the finish line. The first sweet face I saw was my 10-year-old daughter. The excitement on her face absolutely made my day. And then seeing my 5-year-old son run up to me to give me a hug was priceless. And of course, my supportive husband there documenting the whole thing. There are just no words for how thankful I am for the 3 of them.
So will I do another half marathon? Absofreakinlutely!! Will I continue to share and inspire? You betcha!! You know why? Because after the race was over my 10 year old told me that as soon as she’s old enough she wants to run a half marathon with me. My 5-year-old has been begging to run a half marathon with me since last year. And now my husband is telling me he wants to run with me next year. I DO these races for myself, but I SHARE the experiences to inspire others.
I haven’t join any marathons yet. I hope can do it this year. You have a beautiful family! It’s great that your husband is very supportive!
I am planning to join a running activity this year (not necessarily the marathon) and this post made me even more motivated to do it. Thanks for sharing such great post!
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You are amazing! I have so many friends that are run marathons and am in awe of their dedication and stamina. Happy New Year!
Congratulations on kicking ass at your half marathon!! I’m jealous of your will to run! I would love to be able to do what you do. So glad that your husband was able to document this for you!!
The way you describe it, it does sound like a lot of fun! Maybe I should add that to my bucket list, at least once!
Wow, you are such an inspiration! I wish I had the drive and motivation to do a half marathon! Keep it up, because I can tell you really enjoy it!