I think I've lost my mind!

This morning I decided to do something a little crazy.  Well, actually it was really crazy.  I ran a half marathon without really training for it.  My body is currently reaping all of the painful rewards.  Originally I signed up for this half marathon thinking that it would motivate me to train and whip my butt into shape.  I just knew I would follow my fancy training schedule because after all I did pay for this.  I thought wrong!  My life is too crazy for me to find the motivation to get running.

Despite knowing that I paid for the race, yesterday I debated whether or not I should run.  "Maybe I'll just pick up my shirt and turn in my timing chip," was the thought running through my mind driving into Kansas City.  I got there, and decided I couldn't quit before the race started.  Then this morning of course I set the wrong alarm, but luckily woke up in time to still make it to the race.   BUT I would be cutting it close to making it on time for the start.....SO I thought, "Maybe I will just stay in my nice warm bed and snuggle with my husband," BUT I knew I couldn't do that.  I was already awake, and I knew I would feel like a quitter if I did not at least try to run. 


The next excuse that came to mind was my ankle.  My ankle has been bothering me off and on for the last few weeks, so I maybe it would be better for my ankle (and my untrained body) to not race. I was trying to avoid running in every way imaginable.  Of course the thought that popped up next was running a little bit, but not necessarily finishing because of my bum ankle. Being the competitor that I am, I knew that I had to just run it ALL or else I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

After making a mad dash to the start line in  the nick of time, I was off and running.  While my body wasn't entirely thrilled with me, I ran.  I ran all 13.1 miles!  My goal was to finish in under 3 hours.  I did just that and even better than I expected.  The benefit of running was being able to taken in the Kansas City scenery.  As I ran along I found myself admiring old buildings, homes, parks, fountains, new buildings as well as Kansas City life in general.  This run has given me a new appreciation for the breath-taking beauty this city holds that I wouldn't usually make the time to see.


So, you might be wondering what is the moral of this post and why do I feel I have lost my mind. 
Moral #1- My body can do more than I think it can, so as a result I should push it harder more often. 
Moral #2- Running 13.1 miles without training for it was not the smartest thing and next time I need to train. 
Moral #3- I love running in races, even if they are painful
Moral #4- Today's race (despite the pain) has awaken my desire to run another marathon.  Now I need to make time to train and find a fun one to run!
Moral #5- Running long distance races makes you think you like running really far until you have to train for it, but you decide you should still do it despite the crazy affects on your body.....


Yes I know that I am crazy for running a half marathon when I only got my millage up to 3 miles!