Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Running Away: Part One

Today marks Day 1 of my half-marathon training. Yes, you read that correctly. Half-marathon training. Me, the girl who hasn't run more than a couple miles since track in 8th grade, is doing a half-marathon. I mean, I've worked out since 8th grade. I once boxed so long I almost fainted. And once I even hiked 11 miles (5.5 of which I wouldn't have hiked had I had another way of getting back to my car, but whatevs). But running 13.1 miles? Yeah freaking right.

Top Three Reasons Why I Shouldn't Do This:

1. My knees are weak. I once dislocated my knee cap three times. That was fun.

2. I'll have to train in the winter, a time when I walk around the house wrapped in an electric blanket and 3 layers of clothing. If they made footie pajamas for adults, I'd have several sets. But for this marathon, I'll be running outside sans electric blanket. Brrr....

3. It's going to hurt. And I might get sick running for 2 hours. And I might come in dead last and no one will be there to cheer me on and I'll look like a loser and then I'll have to get carted away in an ambulance because my heart implodes. Okay, that's really like 1 real reason and 5 irrational fears. Yikes.


Top Three Reasons Why I Should Do This:

1. Running encourages good brain chemistry. I need my serotonin.

2. Running clears my head and strengthens my heart. Since I need both of those organs in top shape, this is a good thing indeed.

3. Accomplishing this goal after the stuff I've gone through this year with one of my good friends will feel AWESOME. Like "hey, look I've climbed to the top of a mountain" awesome or even "I've defeated my worst fears and came out smiling" awesome.

So, I'm going to do it. I started my training today and ran for 15 minutes without stopping. I just have to do that 10 times over and I'll be set. It didn't suck as bad as I thought it would, and I actually feel pretty good right now.

We'll see where I am in a few months when my coach amps up the workouts... Bring it on!

6 comments:

Kristi said...

I'll be there to cheer you on! Sometimes I have an itch to try the whole running thing, especially since I see a lot of friends getting into it and getting into good shape.

Unknown said...

Thanks! I'm gonna need it!

Rebecca Holan said...

Proud of you, Baby! And a iittle jealous of your gumption. Isn't that a great word?

Anonymous said...

I have no itch to try the running thing. In high school I was required to run (run!!!!!..me...) around the track. It made me puke. I decided anything that makes a body puke is not good for it. I have no desire to go plodding around at 15 miles per hour with boobies plopping up and down to get some seretonin..someone hand me the bottle (of vitamins and minerals I mean). I'm glad you are trying it. :) It's a you thing. You try new things. You experiment with life. You are joyful and brave. I'm glad you are my friend. I'll wrap up in your electric blanket and wait for you at home. Call me when you are done and we will go dancing. Love you.

Lindsay @ Lindsay Loves said...

This might be placing temptation before the weak, but you do know that they do, in face, make footie pajamas for adults, right?

http://www.squidoo.com/FootedPajamas

Lindsay @ Lindsay Loves said...

"In fact" is what I meant. Not "in face." Although maybe I meant "in your face"?