I really hate running, which is why you might be surprised when I tell you I signed up to run a half marathon. Last month, I told my husband we should sign up for a race. He jumped on the idea and before I knew it, we had signed up for the Disney Star Wars Half-Marathon in January. He’d even booked airfare, so we’re totally committed. Did I mention I hate running?

I didn’t want to sign up for a half marathon. Heck, I didn’t want to run at all. I still don’t want to run. But, I also know myself well enough that I knew I need to do something. And signing up for a half marathon seemed like the right choice.

Did I mention I hate running?

I suggested we sign up for the run because I need a goal. Without a goal, I have no reason to exercise. I know I need to exercise, but I also like to be able to measure my progress and work toward a finish line. Once we signed up for the half-marathon, I knew I had to stick to a schedule and put in the work to reach my goal. We’ve been following a training program that has an app for our phones and we’re working out 6 days a week (eek). We run fours days and cross train the other two. It’s a lot of work, but it also feels good to be moving closer and closer to achieving our goal.

Did I mention I hate running?

I’m running this half marathon because I’ll be 42 next month, it’s about time I take control of my body and health. I have pretty bad arthritis and being sedentary only makes things worse for me. The more I move, the better I feel. Plus, the more I exercise, the better my food choices are and the easier it is for me to maintain my weight. As soon as I stop exercises, my eating goes to pot and I put on weight. We’re on week five of our training program and I’ve already lost 8 pounds (thanks to exercise AND healthy eating). I feel healthier and my pants fit better, so it’s a double win for me.

Did I mention I hate running?

I’m training for this half marathon because it makes my marriage stronger. Yes, you read that right. Running makes my marriage stronger. Every, single time Mike and I embark on a fitness goal it proves to make us closer. Working out six times a week means we spend a lot of time together outside of parenting and normal life. When we’re running, we spend our warms up and cool downs talking and connecting, which is a precious gift given our full and busy lives.

Did I mention I hate running?

Mostly, I’m running because it helps me clear my head and makes me feel powerful. Every, single time I start a run, I’m certain I won’t be able to finish. But then I do. And I feel like a champion. It reminds me how strong and powerful I am.

Did I mention I hate running? Yep, I still do. But I really need it. And that’s reason enough to keep running.