Running a what?!?
Hey all,
So the cat is out of the bag. Anne Marie and I are running a MARATHON! Some of you are already aware of this, but the majority I think are not. We wanted to keep it kind of quiet until we were sure we could actually pull it off.
So here we are, into the eight week of Hal Higdon’s novice marathon training program, which is an 18 week program.
Those of you who are quick at calendar math will have placed the run around Thanksgiving. And you’d be right. We are running the Seattle Marathon. It’s Nov. 25, the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. The course is challenging, especially for a first marathon. But our training is trying to take account for the nasty hills around mile 20 :^(
Quick answers to questions you may be having (in no particular order)…
- Yes, we know it’s crazy. But has that ever stopped us before?
- Yes, it may very well be overkill. We have been trying to get into better shape for some time now, and having a program to follow and a goal to achieve has helped enormously. And if you’re gonna have a running goal, why not go all the way!
- Yes, it is very difficult physically. But to be honest, not as bad as I expected. I’m sure I’ll eat my hat on that last comment, but hear me out… It’s hard. It’s really f***ing hard, actually. Last Saturday we ran 12 miles! At one time!!! I usually get agitated when I have to drive that far. It’s tough on the knees and ankles and feet. But the muscles recover and the cardio system adapts, and you get up to run another day. Alas, I fear my joints will never forgive me.
- Yes, it is very difficult mentally. Doing this much running forces you to make life changes. When deciding what you can do on any given night, you have to consider what kind of run(s) you will be doing in the coming days. It’s a consideration in every trip you take, every meal you prepare, and every beverage you consume.
- Yes, I feel great about it. Not only is it the most physically challenging thing I have ever attempted, I am getting noticeably healthier. I feel better about myself, I am sleeping better, and I’m losing a bit of weight. I feel good (cue James Brown).
Anyway, that’s big news. I’ll try to update the blog fairly regularly with progress reports and reflections, for those of you who are interested and/or concerned. We are really excited about this, and hope you will be excited for us and support us in this endeavor.
Anybody out there have any comments or advice for us? Well wishes? General good karma? Comments are open (although I suppose it would help if anybody actually read this blog).
