We all have those moments when we get struck with a jolt of inspiration..

We decide we're going to change our lives around! So we dust off the crumbs of cheddar & sour cream ripples, finish off the last of the root beer, and lurch out of the @striderpunk shaped indent in the couch. While still inexplicably energized, we amble to the computer and google 'half marathon near me'.

Wading through the results we decide to sign up for one say.. two months down the road.

After that, feeling quite satisfied, we order a pizza as a reward and sink back into the couch to binge watch the latest netflix series.

We're gonna go out running.. first thing tomorrow morning..

src

Ok, so maybe that's just me, but I'm sure there are elements to the story that can resonant with you.

While most people prepare for a half-marathon for weeks using a training plan:

_{Monday: Maintenance day. Complete a run with strides in the middle of the run.
Tuesday: Running workout.
Wednesday: Run or cross-train.
Thursday: Easy cross-train or day off.
Friday: Maintenance day. Complete a run with strides in the middle of the run.
Saturday: Long run. This is the most important day of the week.
Sunday: Brisk walk is best, but any easy cross-training is fine.}

I took the route of not preparing at all:

_{Monday: Monday's suck, sleep in.
Tuesday: Raining out. sleep in.
Wednesday: Hump day? no way..
Thursday: I really should get up since the week is almost over, but..
Friday: Rest day.
Saturday: you're kiddin', right?
Sunday: Day of rest}

So, flash-forward two months to race day where I found myself faced with a decision to make.. pull a 'sickie' or..

eh, what's the worst that could happen?

src

5 Reasons Why NOT to do a Half Marathon

without training..

1. It's HALF of a Marathon!

_{[imagine running from your couch to the fridge and back again TWO THOUSAND times]} src

Yeah, they aren't lying on the sign up page when they include the 21 km (13.1 miles) distance! It's not a leisurely stroll in the park, and chances are that by the time you feel like your lungs are going to burst and your legs are going to burn off, you look down to see that there are still 20km left to run.
should have stayed in bed..

2. It's still dark out!

_{[Good Morning, Vietnam!]}

Organized runs are notorious for starting EARLY! Most runs start well before any sane person is ready to wake up. The longer the distance of the run, the earlier the start time. Meaning half marathons will probably start anywhere between 4am-6am (this one was 5am*). Considering that's the time the race STARTS, you'll have to factor your preparation time. I also suggest getting there at least an hour before, because parking at these events are mayhem.

So if you're not a morning person, you might want to second guess the commitment. However, if you are someone who enjoys beating the sun out of bed.. what's wrong with you??

3. Blisters & Chafing

_[ouch!] src

In the Physics World, there's this little thing known as friction. Basically, "Friction is the resistance to motion of one object moving relative to another." (Kinda like when your roommate tries to stop you from taking the last beer in the fridge)

When you are running at that distance, for that long, there are bound to be lots of moving parts rubbing against each other. Whether it's the heel of your shoe trying to perform a striptease with your ankle, or your boxer-shorts trying to light a fire on your thighs, you are going to come away with some not so pleasant abrasions.

You could try rubbing Vaseline on any susceptible parts pre-race, and avoid dumping water all over yourself at every refuel station as if you were trying to self-immolate. However, in spite of all preventative measures, you still may end up unlucky..
should have trained..

4. Your self-esteem is begging you not to

_{[Hey, that's cheating!!]}

Truth is, that while you have been sitting on your @$$ having a jolly good time playing the Fortnite, others who signed up for the race have actually been training for it!

You know, getting stronger, gradually preparing their bodies for the challenge of running 21km straight..

But your ego won't perceive that and it will be a shock to your pride when you see people much older or fatter than you leaving you in their dust.


_{[Run fatboy, run!]}

You brought this on your self..

5. One Day, Schmonday!

_{[See you next Tuesday!]} src
Don't know if anyone ever told you this, but running is f#*%ing painful. You're basically stretching all the muscles in your legs repeatedly until they tear. It hurts after, but then it heals stronger. This is the main reason that normal people build up to a marathon. They run 5k, until they can do 6k, and then 7, 8, 9, 10.. day by day over a long period of time.

You're not supposed to go from 0 to hero overnight!

Yeah, it's possible to run 21km without training, but be prepared to pay the consequences over the next few days. Expect not to be able to walk straight for at least 24-48 hours afterwards..

You've been warned..

That being said.. they do give you a medal for finishing, so.. I guess it's not all that bad..

Also, you get to put it on your tombstone and die with pride.

_{[He was one cool guy..]} src

What about you? What is the farthest you have ever run? Did you train for it? I'd love to hear your stories!

Until then...

_{note: all unsourced images were produced by the author}