Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The First Post

I haven't been sure how to start this, I feel like I need to get every detail in, but the only thing that does is make me not start! So, I'll go for a quick summary.
I'm 32, have never been a "runner", however I have always been active and worked out. I've done several 5k's over the past 2 years (always around 30min).
I've always adimired runners. I've always adimired people that can do things that most people can't or won't. I've always looked at a marathon and thought NEVER....until this year.
I'll spare you the details (for now), but I went through a situation with a friend of mine right around my 32nd birthday, and it wore me out....completely. It was stressful, painful, scarey, and exhausting. The thing is, it wasn't "about me", I was merely helping this person out when they were in a very bad place in their life. Eventually it took a toll on me and left me questioning everything about myself, somehow it rocked my confidence and left me low, to pick up the pieces on my own.
Sometimes to find yourself or "get yourself back" you need to push outside of your comfort zone. Show yourself how strong you are and exactly what you can do, prove that you are not broken. Well, at least this is the way my brain works. So, that is exactly what I did.

In May I signed up with Team in Training to do the Marine Corps Marathon on October 26 in Washington, DC. I've got a lot of training ahead of me, and a lot of miles to run, but I'm feeling good about it all.
Right now my "long runs" are working their way up week by week, mile by mile. This past Sunday was 5 miles, I did that in 52 minutes. Just to be clear on this, I rarely run the WHOLE time, I throw in some short walk breaks along the way and I'm sure that will continue all the way up through my training.

I hope that you'll check back for updates on this journey! Feel free to leave words of encouragement along the way!

4 comments:

Jess said...

Congrats to you for registering for your first marathon! That's so exciting!

When I trained for my first one (Baltimore) I mixed a lot of walking in with my running and two years later, I still do (just a little bit less)

It's awesome that you're challenging yourself with the Marine Corp. Marathon. That's definitely a race I'd like to run at some point.

Good luck with training and thanks for stopping by my blog!

Aron said...

congrats on signing up and training for your first marathon!!

i am also doing the same for the sf marathon. i have less than 2 months to go so i am in the BIG month right now. looking forward to reading about how it all goes... good luck!!!

Sunshine said...

I just came across your "about me" and find it engaging and delightful. Very best wishes for a rewarding quest.
Happy running.

Midwest said...

Good for you! You are going to be amazed at what you can do.

Words of Wisdom

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing will disturb your peace of mind.
See the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
Think only of the best, work only for the best and expect only the best.
Forget about the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
Spend so much time on the improvement of yourself that there is no time to criticize others.
Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you."
~ Chistian Dior

"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do."
- Dr. Spock

"Fall in love or fall in hate. Get inspired or be depressed. Ace the test or flunk the class. Make babies or make art. Speak the truth or lie and cheat. Dance on tables or sit in the corner. Life is divine chaos. Embrace it. Forgive yourslef. Breathe. And enjoy the ride. "
- Solbeam