Last Sunday morning, I ran my first half marathon. Not because I trained for it, or have always wanted to run 13.1--in fact, my bib was designated for the "D" corral of the relay race. In a way, it was sort of on "accident." I ran my first half marathon because I got to my 6-mile exchange point, handed off my ankle chip and decided I had more gas left in the tank. An extra 75 minutes later, I finished my first real race.

I say all of this not for the congratulations--although I am very proud of myself-- but for the message that we are much stronger than we think we are. We can accomplish any goal that we set our minds to. And after surprising yourself once, the conceptual domino effect of what's to come is really very exciting.

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was ELECTRIC. My first time out there. In years past, I was working weekends and covering the race live from in studio. With almost 25,000 runners, the route is spectacular, the neighborhood locals are in their front yards rooting you on with (sometimes spiked) hydration. I now see what the hype is all about!

Because I'm hearing from a lot of people who say they doubt they could ever do it, here are my tips for you. It is much more doable than you think it is.

Pick a good route. For me, location matters. My run has to feel safe, picturesque, and it doesn't hurt that my finish line puts me at my favorite neighborhood Starbucks and juice shop :)
Start slow. When I began running again, I didn't want to be overwhelmed. So I told myself twice a week, I'd run 2-3 miles. If I needed to run/walk... That was okay.
Stick with it. It takes a couple weeks of routine for that "runner's high" to kick in. All of a sudden, you wake up one day looking forward to that afternoon run you're going to get in. That's when you know the addiction has kicked in!
Sign up for a 5k! Join that race atmosphere with other like-minded athletes. That feeling of camaraderie, getting a good workout in and being charitable (as most race proceeds usually go toward a good cause) is unparalleled.
Reward yourself! When you finally reach a goal you've set out to accomplish, treat yourself. For different people, that means different things. It might be a cheat meal, a vacation somewhere, throwing a dinner party for friends and family. For me, it is buying a new workout outfit. It gives me motivation to keep moving.

Would love to hear your running stories--you all keep me motivated! Here's to Monday and a fresh, new week.

xo,
MM

Post-race splurge! My best finds almost always come from Athleta.