For three solid months I ran. I probably covered enough mileage on foot to actually go somewhere really cool. Maybe somewhere like New Orleans? Miami? Who knows. The point is that I set a goal to complete a half-marathon, and I accomplished it. The runner’s high really is euphoric. People that you've never even met believe in you.
There’s a unique sense of community that arises when you dart through the streets with herds of other strangers. Maybe it’s because you feel closer to all these individuals knowing they are just as crazy as you are for signing up for such an arduous feat. Or maybe it’s the sense of camaraderie knowing that your sweat, along with the sweat of thousands of others, mixes together to create this pungent odor in the air that your nostrils can’t escape for 13.1 miles. Together you made this funk that is quite indescribable. Some get so comfortable they use the bathroom right before your eyes as they are running. It’s really fascinating stuff.
There’s also the outpouring of support from strangers that is pretty phenomenal. When
neighbors offer their own hoses and water supply to provide a refreshing spritz of bliss, their hospitality is more than appreciated. Then there are the enthusiastic high school cheerleaders chanting and high-fiving you all along the way to provide yet another a surge of motivation.
Outstretched arms line the course offering cups of water and sports drinks. Another fun fact about race day is that it is permissible for runners to litter. The roadways next to the water stations are blanketed with hundreds of flattened dixie cups. And running over them makes a pleasant popping sound that I began to appreciate during the race once struck by boredom and exhaustion.
The adrenaline rush takes over and you don’t even feel like you are in your own body. My heart fluttered, tears welled, sweat dribbled, and knees shook. It’s quite the sensory experience.
Crossing the finish line was truly an incredibly emotionally-charged moment. As I sprinted down the boardwalk during my last 100 meters, I felt accomplished and proud. And then for the next 24 hours I continued to feel awesome. While the sense of accomplishment did not dissipate the following day, I felt myself growing restless again realizing that I was in need of a new goal. I shared this sentiment with a friend. “I am already over my high from the marathon and ready for a new challenge,” I said. He responded by saying, “you’re cursed with a Type A personality, so get used to the constant feeling of dissatisfaction.” He continued, “But who ever got anywhere being satisfied with where they are?”
While those that know me are fully aware that I don’t quite fit the mold as Type A, it’s an interesting thought to consider that we often are never satisfied, but that’s the very thing that propels us forward. So for me I wonder, what can I do next? Another half-marathon will be another great challenge to work towards, but there’s a certain novelty that accompanies the accomplishment of something for the first time. What will it be????
There’s a unique sense of community that arises when you dart through the streets with herds of other strangers. Maybe it’s because you feel closer to all these individuals knowing they are just as crazy as you are for signing up for such an arduous feat. Or maybe it’s the sense of camaraderie knowing that your sweat, along with the sweat of thousands of others, mixes together to create this pungent odor in the air that your nostrils can’t escape for 13.1 miles. Together you made this funk that is quite indescribable. Some get so comfortable they use the bathroom right before your eyes as they are running. It’s really fascinating stuff.
There’s also the outpouring of support from strangers that is pretty phenomenal. When
neighbors offer their own hoses and water supply to provide a refreshing spritz of bliss, their hospitality is more than appreciated. Then there are the enthusiastic high school cheerleaders chanting and high-fiving you all along the way to provide yet another a surge of motivation.
Outstretched arms line the course offering cups of water and sports drinks. Another fun fact about race day is that it is permissible for runners to litter. The roadways next to the water stations are blanketed with hundreds of flattened dixie cups. And running over them makes a pleasant popping sound that I began to appreciate during the race once struck by boredom and exhaustion.
The adrenaline rush takes over and you don’t even feel like you are in your own body. My heart fluttered, tears welled, sweat dribbled, and knees shook. It’s quite the sensory experience.
Crossing the finish line was truly an incredibly emotionally-charged moment. As I sprinted down the boardwalk during my last 100 meters, I felt accomplished and proud. And then for the next 24 hours I continued to feel awesome. While the sense of accomplishment did not dissipate the following day, I felt myself growing restless again realizing that I was in need of a new goal. I shared this sentiment with a friend. “I am already over my high from the marathon and ready for a new challenge,” I said. He responded by saying, “you’re cursed with a Type A personality, so get used to the constant feeling of dissatisfaction.” He continued, “But who ever got anywhere being satisfied with where they are?”
While those that know me are fully aware that I don’t quite fit the mold as Type A, it’s an interesting thought to consider that we often are never satisfied, but that’s the very thing that propels us forward. So for me I wonder, what can I do next? Another half-marathon will be another great challenge to work towards, but there’s a certain novelty that accompanies the accomplishment of something for the first time. What will it be????
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