SMALL KINE HIPPIE

On this gloomy Wednesday, I’m stoked to share some news: I just signed up for my very first half marathon! In a scarily short two weeks, I’ll be crossing the finish line at 13.1 miles for the first time.

I’m nervous, edgy & slightly terrified, but I figured this would be the perfect way to boost my confidence before I pop my full marathon cherry in mid-December. Cause, yeah, I’m running that one too.

To say I’m unprepared for running the Honolulu Marathon is an understatement. To say I’m unprepared for my upcoming half is likely. But you know what? I’m just gonna wing it. I truly love running, and while personal stuff and a recurring surfing injury have interfered with my training, I know I have the heart & mindset to conquer both.

Right now I’m up to a dismal seven miles. It pales in comparison to the length of the marathon, but it’s a source of pride and accomplishment for me. What I’ve learned through training is that this is my race, and my experience. Even when I’m running in a sea of people, I’ll be running for one person and one person only: myself.

I’m a big believer in finding the silver lining. In this case, I’m glad to have managed to shake off the pressure to perform that’s built up over a lifetime of playing competitive sports. The beautiful thing about running, after all, is that it’s so personal. No matter how long it takes or how difficult the course, crossing the finish line at both races will be worth it all.