This past weekend, I completed my first half marathon. For those of you who don’t know, that’s 21.1 kms. After 18 weeks of discipline, 483 kms, and numerous hours of cross training. My body has finally worn out. Crossing that finish line was an incredible experience and I plan to do it again as long as my body lets me.
In training for my first half marathon, I had the opportunity to learn many new things, both about running and how it can benefit me. I finally found a hobby I love and feel passionate about. I also had the opportunity to build relationships with others who love it too. This gave me the idea to come up with a few reasons why I believe everyone should give running a try.
Here are my top 5 reasons to give running a try:
- Anyone can do it! Running is easy and not to mention cheap! All you need is a pair of sneakers. I’m not the type of person to say “if I can do it, you can do it” but I do believe anyone can complete a half marathon with the right training and health and wellness team to help you out.
- Running is the best stress reliever. Running boosts the brain’s serotonin levels making you calmer and more relaxed. Even on the worst day, a quick run around the block clears my mind and starts it fresh for a new one.
- Running improves your overall health. It helps to build strong bones, strengthens your muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness. If you want to show your body some love, running is a great way to do it.
- Running does so much more than improve your physical health, it helps to improve your memory, boost your self esteem and build a positive attitude.
- The results are your motivation! If you’re results driven, running is definitely for you! You are always trying to be faster and stronger than you were yesterday.
Here are my results:
We finished the Bluenose Half Marathon in 2 hours and 24 minutes! We ran with a consistent pace around 6:45 mins per km. We didn’t take any breaks, not even a bathroom break! Two hours without a pee break is not normal for me.
Start Finish
Jan 2, 2016 May 24, 2016
141 lbs 143lbs
I actually gained weight in the past 18 weeks. This is a great example of how weight doesn’t define your fitness level. I thought when I started this goal that I would have a “runner’s body” at the end, but on the day of the race I realized runners come in all shapes and sizes! As I mentioned above, all you need is a body and a pair of sneakers.
178 inches 176 inches
I lost three inches on my waist and gained an inch on my butt. What could be better results than that?
Before After
“It’s important to know that at the end of the day it’s not the medals you remember. What you remember is the process — what you learn about yourself by challenging yourself, the experiences you share with other people, the honesty the training demands — those are things nobody can take away from you whether you finish twelfth or you’re an Olympic Champion.”
-Silken Laumann, Canadian Olympian