Talk Me Into Anything....

I've been convinced that I am capable of running a marathon. I'm a former cross-country runner, so the sport isn't completely unfamiliar territory, but it has been quite a while since I did any running on a regular basis. Also, the thought of a marathon is quite overwhelming so the only way to really approach it is by breaking it down into smaller distances in a training schedule like Hal Higdon's example. The farthest I've ever run at one time is 7 miles, and that was when I was about 16 years old (almost 10 years ago!). But starting tomorrow, I am supposed to begin running. That's fine, since the weather is improving and I can think about the great shape I will be in this summer, and maybe have some form of a tan...

I think I have an acceptable pair of shoes, but something tells me that I'm going to have to start aquiring some "cooler" running gear. Can you imagine!? Getting into a sport as an adult was not something I expected to do... but like I told Kelly earlier, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." The best thing to do is to just embrace these unexpected turns. This one can only lead to more self-confidence, as well as improved physical fitness. I really can't see anything bad coming from it, so it's worth a shot.

The date looming in my mind is October 7, the date of the Chicago Marathon.

My sister Kelly and my cousin Luciana are going to run as well. Kelly is also training for a half-Ironman length triathlon in August, so she is way ahead of me as far as preparation, but I have the advantage of a very flexible schedule, since I'm not working outside the home. This summer I can get up early (before the heat hits) and do my running, maybe with Lucy along for the ride.

It's been a long time since I've really had a goal set to accomplish, and I think that this one is realistic. I never would have thought I'd run a marathon - and maybe that's exactly why I should. It will also be a fun experience to share with my sister and my cousin.