SeaWheeze Half Marathon: Round Two!

A few days ago I received this in my email inbox:

After crushing last year’s goal of running my first half marathon, I was hesitant to run again because I hate running in the heat. But, if you know anything about me – I love a physical challenge! Last year it was hot, really hot, towards the end (and that was only a little after 9am!) so this year I’ve learned a few lessons that I know will help me this year.

2013 SeaWheeze tips:

Tip #1: Be prepared for heat. Wear very little clothing – trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Tip #2: Carry water on you. I didn’t train with water last year and I regretted it immensely when I hit the 15km mark. This year I’m buying a water belt!

Tip #3: Don’t change ANYTHING on race day. Make sure that you are 100% comfortable with all clothing, footwear and assescories you have on you. The only thing I wish I would have done differently here was fine tuning my play list a little better. I have a tendency to let my mind wander if I’m not feeling the music.

Tip #4: HILL TRAIN! If you take anything from this post, make sure you run the Burrard Street bridge and up West 4th to the lululemon store and back over the bridge. This was tough last year in the sun, I’m definitely going to do some practice runs over the race course – especially this league.

Tip #5: Have fun! I have many more friends running the race this year so I’m looking forward to doing some training runs with them. Go to the pre-race expo, get there early and do the group warm up, enjoy the after race brunch and go back to the yoga and concert to end the day!

It’s true that this is technically a race – but when it comes down to it, training for any kind of competition, test, presentation, performance – it’s all about enjoying the path to the race.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, but don’t cheat yourself either. Train hard, race hard!

2013 SeaWheeze goals:

1. Finish in under 2 hours. Last year (my first ever half marathon!) I was aiming for 1:50-2:00… and I crossed the finish line at 2:08.

2. Don’t stop. I let myself get overwhelmed towards the end of the last race and ran/walked the last 3 km – that will not be the case this time!

  There’s no backing down now!

Are you running the 2013 SeaWheeze? What are your goals for the race?

Work hard, stay humble.

Do you ever feel like great things are possible? Like, you – you are possible of something really great?

Yes?

I thought so.

If not, you better change your frame of mind because everyone is possible of great incredible things.

The other day I was riding the bus home and even though millions of people take the bus everyday, people barely look at one another. They get on the bus, look down at their phones, have their headphones in, brush past others to get to seats fast than the other.. and hardly take a moment to even look at the people they are riding the bus with.

Today, a little old lady got on the bus in front of me and made her way to the back of the bus. Not the front – but the back. I’m assuming she either likes the view (it’s higher up) from the back, or maybe she leaves the front seats free for those who aren’t as able – either way she sat right across from me.

At one point I looked up and she was looking at me, so I smiled. I think a took her off guard because she probably hasn’t had anyone look at her, let alone give her a smile on the bus in a long time – if ever.

You never know what someone is going through. They could have just lost their job, had someone close to them pass away, being bullied at work, feeling worthless and depressed… you never know who might just be looking for a little hope.

Kindness can come in the most simple of ways and can literally change a person’s day.

I just read this poem today and I had to share it: Crabby Old Man

Lesson of the day: Small acts of kindness can make the world of a difference for someone else. You have no idea what someone else is facing, dealing with, thinking or has just been through. Be kind, work hard, be humble, and most importantly, be present.