I'm running my very first half-marathon. Or I'm attempting to run or something. Basically, I will be moving my body somehow for 13 miles. And with such prolonged exertion of energy comes the need to build my body up for the miles that lie ahead. And that is why the great athletic geniuses have come up with my favorite part of training: Taper week and Carb-loading.

While I'm sure there are many more nuances and scientific terms that are necessary in understanding these terms, I know that both concepts are applied to preparing our bodies for an absolutely inhumane workout (seriously, why do we do this to ourselves?). When specifically referring to carb-loading, though, it is to build up enough stored energy as not to hit a wall halfway through the race. But if you're me, that also means that it's literally Christmas for 2-3 straight days. And with my excitement of carbohydrates in mind, here have been my favorite parts of carb-loading thus far.

1. PASTA

Did we not see this one coming? Virtually every person that has even attempted to run talks about the inordinate amounts of pasta eaten prior to a big race. I got so excited about it that I created a pinterest board last night to store up some ideas. Little did I know that my board creation sent out a notification to my followers, and now everyone knows my pasta-obsessive secrets. It's fine.

2. Eating all the time

And being absolutely unashamed. "Yes, Martha, I know I just ate 20 minutes ago but I'm carb-loading, what do you want from me?!"

3. Eating (almost) anything I want

Okay, sure, I might not have as much freedom in this area as I may have allowed myself. But the things I have been limiting all season are totally game right now. I'm taking FULL advantage.

4. Being able to use fancy athletic terminology that I've never used in my life

"Oh yes, I'm tapering this week." "The goal of carb-loading is to build up glycogen." It makes me sound so sophisticated and athletic. I never got the opportunity to know these types of things in high school band practice. Let me live my dreams of being cool and athletic for a minute, okay?

5. Spaghetti

Please see Number 1.