Running is still a miraculous thing to me, even though I’m not quite beginner status any longer.  I went for a run Sunday just before I came home to New York, and the motions came naturally to me; I don’t focus on counting my breath as much, and my “take it easy” pace is what was once my “out of breath” pace.  But I still think to myself in surprise, ‘It wasn’t very long ago that this was difficult – what I thought was impossible – for me!’”  I am in awe of the possibility of running.

And that brings us to reason number 1 why I plan to run 2 half-marathons in 2013:

1. Running makes me believe that anything is possible.
2. I like where I am with my 5K, so this is the next rung on my ladder!
3. It’s an excuse to travel (the half-marathons on my list are LA and Seattle).
4. It’s an experience to share with my best friend, Heather.
5. Running keeps me healthy!
6. Running keeps me looking good in my cocktail dresses, (and jeans, and let’s admit it – I’m hoping for my best bikini body ever this year.)  Take a peek at my motivations here and here.
7. Running motivates other healthy behavior in my life: better sleep patterns, smarter eating choices, self-confidence…
8. It’s good for me emotionally.  I liken running to emptying an emotional reservoir.
9. It also gives me uninterrupted time to think.  I’m not online, I’m not looking at my phone, I’m not reading or writing.  I get to spend some time with me and my own thoughts.  What’s bothering me? What am I excited about?
10. It makes good memories! (See photos – Looking back it’s so fun to see all the different types of runs, causes, and seasons!)
11. The gear is pretty!
12. I run outside, which is time to spend enjoying the world and praising God for his creation.  I notice things like the light at different times of day, the seasons changing, cloud patterns, birds.
13. It’s mentally challenging; Running is more a mental exercise than anything else.  It’s a moment-by-moment battle within your own head of I-can-do-it/I-can’t-do-it/Shut-up-yes-I-can.

Have you run a marathon or half-marathon?  What reward(s) did you gain from the experience?  What are some of your personal growth goals for 2013?

Oh, and since I promised you 13.1 reasons, here’s the .1: “Why not!?”

Click here to visit my secret health and fitness page, and click below to see pics of some of my past races!

My mom (left) with some of my aunts and uncles in Pittsburgh’s Great Race, early 80′s.

With Richie Lee and Team Karisma at the Race for the Cure in 2011. (Richie Lee gets the credit for my total body transformation. If you’re in Nashville – CALL HIM!)

With Heather in 2009, run/walking the Music City Half Marathon.

Ellie’s Run for Africa 5K on trails!

Thanksgiving morning 5 mile run!