Illinois Half Marathon: Not as Bad as You Think

13.1 miles. That what I signed up for way back in December, and when I woke up Saturday at 5 am I was nothing less than freaking out. I never ran more than 10 miles while training and never more than 5 without stopping. But I did it, and without stopping too. 2 hours of non-stop running (though it ended up being more of a light jog) and I can now say I participated in the Illinois Half Marathon and take a well-deserved break from exercise until it doesn’t hurt to move.

Despite the nerves and the pain, running in the race this past weekend was one of the best experiences of my life. The support the town of Champaign-Urbana showed was unbelieveable, and I can honestly say was the reason I enjoyed the race so much. The course was lined with people cheering on the runners with funny signs (a few of my favorites were “worst parade ever” and “you thought they said Rum, didn’t you”), costumes, music, Gatorade and more high-fives than you will ever get. There was the infamous man in a gorilla suit out there as well as an Elvis impersonator, zombies handing out water, plenty of cowbells and some of the cutest dogs I’ve ever seen. And everyone is there for you.

13.1 miles seems like a lot, but I promise it is more doable than you think. Plenty of people stop to walk for a bit but there are so many encouraging you to keep going you will find the strength to do so. Plus it’s important to realize after about 5 miles, it’s easier to keep going than take a break; the minute you stop you realize how tired you are. And after all those miles are over, you get the chance to run through Memorial Stadium and finish on the 50-yard line; an experience all in itself.

Despite some disbelief, a half marathon is actually a lot of fun. Even if you don’t end up loving it, you will be rewarded with a real excuse to do nothing the rest of the day. I had an amazing experience with the heart-warming show of support from friends, family and complete strangers (not to mention perfect weather). Registration starts in July so sign up on your own or with some friends and get out there and run!

-Nicole Moore

April 28^th, 2013