Privileged
I did it. And it was the worst best thing I’ve ever done.
I have started this post at least a dozen times, and am having a hard time putting into words what happened on Saturday.
I could tell you about waking up at 4:30am, and stressing out in a traffic jam on the way to the race.
I could tell you about the last minute visit to a Porta-Potty that had no toilet paper.
I could say that miles 1-5 were fun, and 5-8 were less fun, and 8-9 was really tough, but 9-10 was easier, and from 10 on, it was sheer agony.
I could talk about the heat, and the people passing out right and left.
I could give you the amazing finish times of all of my friends, who I am so ridiculously proud of.
I could report that I came in 8,449th out of the 22,749 finishers, and 3,987th out of the 14,505 women.
Or, perhaps my favorite tidbit of information: I could talk about the friend-who-will-never-be-named who is so hardcore, she PEED HER PANTS in the last mile so she wouldn’t have to stop.
But I think that this is my biggest take-away: what an enormous privilege. To have legs, to have a body that works, to have the opportunity to train for something far more physically taxing than I have ever attempted before. To have the ability to run.
Even in the heat. Even when it’s not fun. Even when I didn’t get the runner’s booty that I hoped for. I am ABLE to run. Not everyone is.
And this girl is getting busy getting grateful.
I am so glad I did it. I am so glad it’s over. And I guess I can’t deny it anymore: once one has run 13.1 miles, she is officially a “runner.”
More to come in the next few days…
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tags: Annie Parsons | Country Music Half-Marathon | Happy | Health | Nashville | Perseverance | Running | Running | Thankful
So immeasurably proud!
That’s the take-away we all need to look for in any life circumstance. I’m with Greta ~ you ARE the s***!
xxoo, mom
You are a “runner” and you have a booty to top your legs of, so I’m pretty sure you do indeed have a “runner’s booty.” Just an observation.
Way to go! YOU are so hard core! What a wonderful accomplishment!
You did something that you never imagined you would be able to do just a few months ago. It’s inspiring. Congratulations!!
Hi Annie—I’ve been reading your blog for awhile but never commented before. Thanks for the posts about the race. My friends and I are running the Fort Collins half marathon next weekend, and I’m looking forward to being done and feeling as awesome as you do!
I am so proud of you Annie! I am running my second 12k on Sunday and am still nervous. I’ll be thinking of you to get me through it.
Nicely done!! No way could I ever do something like that. Congrats!
I looked up your time, nice work. I don’t think I could ever do that:) p.s. your mom stole my line:)
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
ps. I beg to differ… you have a runners booty!
Be proud!! You finnished well within the top 25%! In other words, on this, your first race, you did better than 75% of the finnishers. Never mind the starters who had to quit.
Also, there’s no way you can train for as short a time as you have and expect to get the runner’s booty. That will come, just not yet. I’ve been lifting weights 3 time a week for a YEAR and I’m only just starting to get the Pro Football Player Shoulders that I’ve always wanted.
You’ve also proven to yourself that you have the mental toughness to take on a massive physical challenge. Be Proud!!
You make me smile! Congratulations!
Oh, Annie, I ran my first half this last December. Miles 10-13 were sheer agony for me too, sister. I stopped running at mile 11 to walk for a minute and realized how much my body ached and kept running again so that I wouldn’t have to feel the pain. I will never forget those last 3 miles. And I didn’t get quite the booty I wanted either- until after the training- then the weight came off. I have no idea why, but about a month after training is when I saw some poundage fall. So take hope- it can still happen!
Congratulations! Your blog made me LAUGH.
Way to go girl!!! What an amazing accomplishment. You are right – it’s a privilege and you rocked it!