Note to self. . .

So, note to self: don't drink four glasses of wine the night before a significant run. Yes, I had four glasses of wine. I was at home by myself (kids were gone) and bored. Yes, I know I should have been hydrating. No, I should not have stayed up until 1am on the computer. Trust me, I paid for it!

Saturday I did the middle of the 1/2 marathon course (from 18th Ave South). I started an hour later than I had planned--b/c I stayed up too late. As usual, after the first mile I found my groove. The route wasn't too bad. I was able to pick out the spots where I can gain some time by running. None of the hills were horrible (nothing like PWP). But then, I felt dehydration creeping up on me. About 4 miles into it I ran out of water and started getting a headache. Thankfully, some group was hosting a walk and let me fill my water bottle (thank you Lord!). I was good for another few miles when I ran out of water again. I had the foresight to bring $2 with me so I stopped in a store and bought another bottle of water. After that I felt my mojo coming back and I started enjoying myself again. Yes, there is joy in the pursuit.

My goal was to get 10miles in but I honestly don't know how far I went. I made myself stop after two hours b/c it was starting to warm up (It was 10:33am when I ended) and get more humid.

I can stay that I am so glad I ran the course. The coolest part was coming to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I could envision the finish line. I could envision myself running across the finish line with a huge smile on my face and sweat on my brow. Victory! It was too cool. One lesson I learned from the Athena 15k is to know the course. I will never be unprepared like that again. There is only one section of the course that I'm unfamiliar with but I plan on checking it out tomorrow.

One strange thing that kept creeping up this weekend was that feeling of being alone; not lonely. I know that my family and friends support me, but I feel like I am disconnected from people. I don't want the only thing I talk about to be running, but I have to say that I absolutely love it (well, currently walk/jogging). Saturday when I passed these two guys I felt so. . .I don't even know how to sum up the feeling. Being the fat girl all the time you get used to be passed but it is freaking awesome when you pass someone--and stay in front of them! I also found my pace Saturday. I was able to run more than I ever have (off the treadmill) and I wasn't totally spent afterwards. That "walk until you're bored, run until you're tired" thing really works. After my first stint of running Saturday it's like my legs were saying "okay okay, now lets go!"

To anyone preparing to renew your lifestyle, be prepared for the full cost. It takes sacrafice, discipline, time, and effort. It may cost you some friendships. It may cost you some "fun time." But for me, it has been worth it.