to run or not to run?

If you know me at all, you know that I'm an aspiring runner.

(I use the phrase "aspiring" because I'm hoping to become stronger and faster over time... there is always room for improvement...)

This weekend I'll run my 3rd half-marathon. The race is in Athens, GA and I'll be running with the hubs for his first half. Although I'm really excited for the weekend (we're making it a mini-vacay), I'm really nervous about the race.

If you know me at all, you probably know I'm competitive... and I'm mostly competitive with myself.

My first 2 half-marathons were in Chattanooga. I'm so thankful to have a loyal running friend to make me run when I don't want to but also to push me. After my first half, I knew I wanted to run another but improve my time. Will was honestly worried what I would do if I didn't improve my time with the second race... He knew I'd not only be disappointed but I'd feel like a failure. Thankfully, I had a strong 2nd half-marathon and improved by a little over 2 minutes! (In running world seconds are hard to cut...let alone minutes... not bragging, just informing.)

The race this weekend is all about the hubs. I'm so proud of all the progress he has made in the past few months... even when we were running in the dead heat of summer. He may never run another half again, but he will know he can. If nothing else, we've dug the "runner" out of him. (Personal philosophy: There is a "runner" in us all...maybe another post, another day...)

I'm mostly nervous about Sunday morning because this season of training hasn't been easy. I'm not sure if it is running in the heat (the other half is in the winter) or if it is my lack of cross training...more than likely it is a combo of both. Either way, it means more pain. My joints, my muscles, my mind. I'm worried it'll be a terrible race day and I'll drag Will down (we've vowed to stick together...). I know he doesn't care but I do (see competitive comment above).

So here is to the next few days of balled nerves and knotted stomachs. I hope these feelings don't effect the weekend in Athens...but I'm sure I'll be worried until I cross the finish line...

Which brings me to my next overwhelming thoughts: do I run the Scenic City Half-marathon again in February? The hubs says no...my body says no...but my competitive spirit says yes... who win will out?