Thursday, May 27, 2010

Half-Marathon

In about four months I will be running my first half-marathon in Portland, ME.  In middle school and high school I ran cross-country and indoor track.  I enjoyed being part of the team, but I never really LOVED running; however, it was a great outlet for me.  When I needed time to think, I would run; when I needed time to get frustration out, I would run; and when I just needed to be alone, I would run.  There is something about putting the headphones in and running.  

So, why a half-marathon?  I am a very goal-oriented person and I needed something to work towards to lose the rest of my "baby weight" and I also wanted to get back into running again.  With so much going on, I needed to start making time for myself and get back into shape.  One day I mentioned to a fellow teacher (who happens to be a runner) that I was thinking about running a half-marathon.  After a few conversations, we decided that we would do it together along with his wife, another colleague and my husband.  It all worked out perfectly; not only am I going to get back into shape and run a half-marathon, I have people around me that I trust to hold me accountable and push me to meet my goal!  

With only four months to go, I am a little nervous about completing the half-marathon.  For the past couple of months, I have not had a lot of time to run.  I am looking forward to this summer when I don't have as many commitments to start a training program.  We just purchased a jogging stroller, which will be perfect this summer when I am home with Delaney. At this point, I am just looking to RUN the whole 13 miles, without a time in mind.  Maybe as the race gets closer, I will be able to set a mile average and a total time for the race.  Ahhh, what did I get myself into??  :o)

2 comments:

  1. I think that if you look at the half marathon like an educator and take baby steps that you will be able to do it. Take one day at a time and try to run a bit further than you did the day before. Once school is out you will have time to focus on YOU and begin a routine of training.

    It is funny that you also ran cross country and track in high school but did not love running. I also did not love running but enjoyed the perks that come with a team sport and having a goal. Many women go back to running after they have their first child. It is good that you have a support system in place with people that you can depend on to help you train for the marathon. Good luck!!

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  2. I was an avid runner all through high school and college. Never big on races of any sort, I ran for the same reasons you listed. I recently bought a bike because too much running has damaged my knees! I have set a goal for myself to ride from Utica, NY to Boston... we'll see how that pans out...

    Setting goals and having other people there to push you is one of the best ways to get involved and stay involved; it's a safety net! Good luck! I look forward to hearing about your training!

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