Last weekend I ran in my fourth half-marathon race. This time around, I revisited the first race (i.e., the first half-marathon) I did last year.

I woke up to a perfect blue sky and gorgeous spring temperatures. Taking what I learned from the year before, I dressed appropriately (so I wouldn’t freeze), slept more, and didn’t show up too early. I also trained harder and smarter, really dedicating myself to the work it takes to be successful in running. My goal was to beat my time from last year; to prove to myself that I had learned and progressed.

A year ago, I ran through the course and really enjoyed (almost) every second of it. The only thing that bothered me? The mile markers. They sat at every mile, telling my over-analytical mind how far I had to go. My training had focused more on time, not distance. So this completely threw me off. Never did I consider thinking of it the other way around; how far I had already come.

On Saturday, as I passed each mile marker, it only meant one thing: progress. I was pushing through one mile at a time. I started off easy; I was absolutely loving the weather. My training, the runners around me, and music beats keeping me on pace. I knew the course ahead, I knew I would get tired, and I knew the end would be hard.

As I head into April, I can only think how fast my internship is all going, and all the mile markers I’ve already passed. I know what lies ahead: resume edits, cover letter writing, and nit-picking, job and apartment searching, and hopefully interviewing. I know I’ll get burned out, tired, and frustrated. However, I also know that I’m well-prepared, and I’ve worked hard to get here.

When I reached the half-marathon’s home stretch, the last mile, I felt completely drained and completely elated. The clock displayed a time two minutes faster than last year’s time, meaning I successfully reached my goal! I may have barely been able to walk after the finish line, but I was proud of myself.

With looming deadlines and end points filling the next three months, anxiety and stress are no strangers. But the finish line is slowly coming into sight, and it’s a comforting view!

Posted by Mary Ellen Nunes at 04/07/2009 11:09:46 AM