First Times (Part 1)

There’s a first time for everything. First times are thrilling, exciting, and sometimes, intimidating.

I’ve had my share of first times over the last several months:

first half marathon

first time in a studio

first time recording

first time writing a song

The thing about a first time is that you don’t have your own personal reference. You can gather information and imagine what it will be like, but until you experience it, you can’t know for yourself exactly how it will feel or how you will respond.

Last October I started training for my first half marathon. I read and researched about how to train. I asked my running friends for advice. I ran miles and miles. I drove the course. I did everything I knew to do to prepare for the February race day.

Still…nothing prepared me for the nervousness I felt in the start line. And even though I’d been told by many people how exhilarating it would be, I was unprepared for the emotions that overwhelmed me when I crossed the finish line.

I’ve started training for the 2013 race. This time will be different for the simple fact that it’s not my first time to run a half. I know now what to expect. That first-time experience is over. While I’m sure it will be exhilarating and exciting again, it won’t compare to the preciousness of realizing for the first time that I am capable of doing what I set my mind to.

I said all that to say…

Tomorrow brings another first-time experience for me. New place, new experience, new people. I’ve researched as much as possible. I’ve prepared the best I know how. But…

I am nervous. And excited. And intimidated. And thrilled.

Come back tomorrow to find out what I’ll be doing…