Cleveland Half Marathon? Challenge Accepted!

My sister, Randi, and her husband, Shaun, are people that once they commit to something, they are committed. That is something I admire about them. However, when they said they were going to tackle a half marathon, I thought they were crazy.

You see, if you are new to my blog, I am on the opposite of athletic. In fact, if you see me running, you better run, too, because something is chasing me. (I stole that from Facebook.) But Randi and Shaun accepted the challenge to run the Rite Aid Cleveland Half Marathon on Sunday, May 15, 2016. They trained for 5 months for it.

I decided that it would be interesting to pick their brains to see what possessed them to do it and if they had any advice for would-be half marathon runners.

1. What made you decide to run a half marathon?

“I did it as a forced exercise, get back in shape, motivation.” Randi

“My wife thought I was getting too fat, and we needed something to work towards. A goal.” Shaun

2. Did you ever feel like quitting, either during your preparation for the race, or during the race itself?

“Missed a couple days due to being sick. Towards the end of training wanted to stop waking up so early to run.” Shaun

“No. I don’t like fear to beat me so I always keep going.” Randi

3. What was the hardest thing about doing this?

“During the training, it was finding the time to fit in the practice runs. Today during the race, it was the unseasonably cold weather.” Randi

“Getting started. Starting at 286 lbs and not running was hard to overcome.” Shaun

4. How do you feel now that it is over?

“A huge flood of emotions. Seeing the finish line today made me well up.” Shaun

“I’m happy that I did it and glad that I finished in a good time, but kind of feel like it really isn’t that big of a deal.” Randi

5. What advice do you have for others thinking about doing this?

“Follow a training program and look for advice online to help.” Randi

“Seeing people of all shapes and sizes at the race says anyone can do it. You are only racing yourself. Buy good shoes.” Shaun

6. When do you think you will run a full marathon?

“Who knows? Want to run the Akron series doing another half marathon.” Shaun

“Uh, I don’t think ever. It took me years to make the leap out of doing only 5Ks. But, I don’t like fear to beat me, so maybe someday? My new favorite quote from a Zig Zigler article, “Great victories wait on the other side of your fear.” Randi

I am not surprised that Randi and Shaun were able to run the half marathon. I won’t be surprised when they decide to run a marathon, either. These are just two people who are always continuing to break new ground and try new things. Something to admire, if not consider it just a little crazy.