The Finish Line

Let's talk for a moment about setting and achieving goals. Sunday, I did something I never thought I'd do.

I ran the Semi Marathon de Paris. 

 (Or, in other words,... :)

I ran the Paris Half Marathon. 

And we're off!

Now, it isn't that I never thought I'd get to run a race in Paris. It's that I never thought I'd run a half marathon (and I still don't think I'll ever run a full one).

Picking up numbers, the day before

 I have to admit that I was less dedicated during practice than I should have been, and the weather in Flers often hindered us from getting a good workout, too. But from the start of the race up to 15k, I ran almost without stopping! And I ran off and on after that as well, up to the end! Maybe not fast, maybe not gracefully, but it doesn't matter. I managed to do around ten miles without dying. And that was my goal: get through it.

Sign marking the start and finish locations

The weird thing is, only two days after running the half, I have almost no pain left at all. And I'm already inspired to sign up for a few 5ks or 10ks, to keep it up! 

On the Metro, heading back to Marjorie's apartment just after the race

The lesson I've learned from all of this is, "Never say never". And always challenge yourself, even when you think it's impossible. You'll never know what you're capable of... unless you try.

A million thanks are owed to Marjorie for letting Jenette and I stay at her place the night before the race.