13 Thoughts That Go Through Your Head During a Half-Marathon
From "Do I look as awkward as that runner over there?" to "How do I drink water and run at the same time?"
Your alarm goes off at an ungodly hour and you realize, "Holy crap, it’s here! It's race day!" And that's just the first of the many thoughts I had when I toed the line at my very first race, the NYCRUNS Queens Half Marathon, just a few short weeks ago. I finished with a glowing sense of accomplishment to match my morning enthusiasm, but during the race? Well, here's what it was like.
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Mile 1
I could be sleeping in right now. Why did I sign up for this again? Oh, right.
Mile 2
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Whew, starting to get hot as the sun comes up. Full-length leggings maybe weren't the best idea.
Mile 3
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Here's a new skill I'm really bad at: Drinking water while running at the same time. Definitely didn't practice that enough.
Mile 4
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Oh no. NO. I have to go to the bathroom. Don’t think about it, don’t think about it… ahhh!
Mile 5
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This energy gel just gave me a magical boost! Maybe I actually can make it through the next 8.1 miles.
Mile 6
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That person has a super-weird run.
Mile 7
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My feet hurt. So do my legs. And my lungs.
Mile 8
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Seriously, where can I get pizza after this?
Mile 9
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My legs are on fire, and I'm probably going to need to be taken home on a stretcher.
Mile 10
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But I have to make it to the end, or else I won't get to take a finish-line selfie.
Mile 11
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Eff yes! Rihanna "Disturbia" is here to save me. Thank you, playlist.
Mile 12
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Wait, what? Where did this humongous hill come from? I thought the hard part was over.
Mile 13
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Just one little. bit. farther
Mile 13.1
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Whew, I made it!!!
Photo: Giphy
That wasn't even that hard.
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