Well, I've decided I'm going to do it.......wait for it......I'm going to sign up for my first HALF MARATHON! I'm stoked, scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. The one I'm planning to run is in Mankato in October, so I have LOTS of time to train and mentally prepare myself. Which also means I have LOTS of time to psych myself out, get nervous , attempt to give up, become unmotivated, talk myself out of it and get injured. Oh, the possibilities...(Okay, enough with the negative self-talk!) I can do it, I know I can! (Phew, that's more like it.)
So my first step will be to find a good half marathon training program. I know there are lots of them out there but based on the many reviews I have read on websites, etc. the best one to go with is Hal Higdon's. He is a long time marathoner, coach, trainer and motivator. I'm sure some of you have heard of him and others probably dislike him or his training but my thought is...I've gotta start somewhere. If any of you have a program you swear by, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I'm going into this as a newbie and could use really use your advice.
One previous thought I had was to complete a sprint triathlon (a shortened triathlon) and I haven't ruled it out yet but I'm thinking it'll be easier to train adequately for a run than it will be to swim and bike. Since I'm still hoping to find a part-time job this summer, I should be able to work a running schedule into my routine in addition to playing chauffeur for the children and their many activities. So here is my verbal "commitment" that I fully intend to do a half marathon, ahem...that's 13.1 miles, by the end of the year. Whew...that's so unbelievably crazy to hear coming out of my mouth. I'm nervous already!
Running is not a favorite past time of mine. If you asked my best friend in high school if I would ever become a runner, she probably would've laughed in your face. She was a cross country runner and ran everywhere, all summer long. I, on the other hand, hated running and went out for golf so I could avoid track. It wasn't until 2 years ago that I decided to become a runner and that was only because of the Amy Jensen Memorial Run (Team Amy). Her devotion to running, God, and her mission to live an incredible life despite cancer's harm to her body, forced me to believe in myself. If you ever have a chance to go online to Crossroads Church in Estherville, IA, take the time to watch Amy's message, you will be amazed at her strength and devotion.
One of my all time favorite running quotes...because it's so true!
When I'm having one of those days, I need to remember that I should go for a run because I'll never regret the run but I will regret the cookie, extra piece of pizza or that banana split I just finished :P ...Oh well, it was really good... ;)
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