On May 7, I will turn the dreaded 3-0. My life will be over....ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but still. I decided that I needed to do something drastic to jump start my "eat better, lose weight, exercise more" plan that I have yet to succeed at. Last week I found myself looking on active.com, which lists practically all of the races (running, biking, etc) in the country. I'm not entirely sure how i got there, but I had fun looking at all the things I could do- provided I was a runner/biker/triathlete. As of now, I can't run a mile without walking for a little bit. But, one particular run caught my eye. It's the Colorado Marathon and it's being held on May 6 in Fort Collins, which is where I live. It got me thinking- what a better way to end my 20s than my successfully completing a marathon. The more I thought about it, okay, I think I thought about it for about an hour, the more I realized that I didn't really have a good reason not to. If I start training now and doing a little bit at a time, there's really no reason I can't do it. I won't win, in terms of coming in first place anyway, but crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles in any position will count as a win for me.
Some people think I'm crazy for doing it. Shouldn't I start with a 5k...a 10k...or even a half marathon before just jumping in and doing the full thing? The way I see it, I'll cover all those as part of my training for the full, so why not just start there. Plus, 26.2 miles is terrifying, which is exactly what I need to actually do it. I know that if I don't train properly, and eat better then there's no possible way I can finish. It's the size of this challenge that will keep me going.
I realize that not everyone is quite as daring (or crazy) as I am, but I'd love for you to join me in whatever capacity you'd like- running the race with me (or the half, 10k or 5k), being there to cheer me on (I will certainly need that), just praying for me throughout my training process, or taking on a challenge of your own.
Countdown to the race: 227 Days
So inspiring!! In honor of you i totally ran 7 miles today. Ok that is I lie, i walked around the park twice and started getting side cramps. But i will be your internet stalker/supporter/groupie!
ReplyDeletei will be figuring out the coolest signs you've ever seen. I too have 227 days..so watch out you other marathon sign holding people...watch out.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of you Amanda!!! You inspired me to (almost) sign up for the Sacramento marathon in December. It'll be my first 30's marathon. Actually, it'll be my first ever full marathon. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Adriana B.