Just to let you know- this blog is no longer active. I'll be keeping up my 101 in 1001 list until its completion, but will not be writing new posts. You can read the post below if you want the long version. Thanks for the journey to all my friends in the blogosphere!

Monday, January 18, 2010

My Next Half Marathon

So, after months of piddling around without a plan...looking at races, but not registering...thinking about training, but not running, but yesterday, I finally decided to make a commitment!

I registered for the inaugural Wrightsville Beach Half Marathon on March 21st and I'm very excited about a busy 9 weeks of training ahead!

It wasn't until after I already paid my non-refundable fee that I actually calculated and realized there are only 9 weeks until race day. That fact startled me for just a minute, but I immediately knew it was possible.

Before my first cross-country season in high school, 3 miles seemed like an impossible distance. Then I did it. I still got a little nervous about those 5Ks, until my first triathlon. Suddenly, 3 miles was not that big a deal. Those triathlons kinda stressed me out though, until my first 1/2 marathon. Then they were old hat.

Until last October though, 13.1 was my biggest feat. Training for each 1/2 marathon felt like a test of my limits and I went into each race fearful that I would not finish.

Now, even though I've only ran twice this month, even though I haven't done more than 5 miles in months, I can look that upcoming 1/2 marathon in the eye with no fear. I am a marathoner, gosh darnit, and I can handle anything less than 26.2 with confidence.*

(*Pending, of course, unforeseen illness or injury. I don't want to forget to knock on wood.)

So, if you're intimidated by that first mile, or race, or distance...just run it. If I can work my way up, so can you. Who knows? Maybe a few years and marathons down the road, maybe I can approach even 26.2 with a steady hand. We'll see. : )

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