b) Diet and exercise sensibly to loose weight and get in shape
c) Bury your sorrows in a pint of Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby
d) sign up for a marathon
Ok, I realize most of you probably would have picked B (although C does sound like a tempting winner). Alas, if you haven't found out by now, I'm not like most people. I picked D. That's right, I signed up to run in a marathon.
I realize how crazy it all seems well, because it is. But I am very goal driven and up until now, I haven't had a strong enough goal and motivation to push me to my end result. So as I was perusing the company intranet yesterday I saw a notification for early sign ups for the Chicago Marathon on October 11. I started to think about it and thought this could be just the piece of motivation I'm looking for.
I did some research. A lot of people suggest you run regularly for about a year before you try to train for a marathon. There was a lot of good and of course, conflicting advice. In the end, I ignored a lot of the advice (not that I am recommending you do the same), and decided to go for it.
I'm not looking to beat a certain time or even enjoy the run. My goals are to simply survive it and finish it in 6hrs and 30mins before they take down the water and first aid stations. I may not get anywhere close to that goal, but I'm going to do everything I can do try. Bill said he'd call it success and would be proud if I just finished 10K. That may be all I can do, but I'm still shooting for the entire 26.2 miles.
I've got eight months to loose weight, get in shape, and prepare for the race. I'm starting with the "couch to 5K" program where at the end of nine weeks I'll be able to run three miles without stopping. We'll see.
Everyone has to have a dream, right? Here's mine:
Chicago Marathon
October 11, 2009
Bridget finishes the race
15 comments:
After running a marathon myself and countless other races, I'm convinced there are few things you need to finish the training:
* Good, appropriate for your feet and running style shoes. #1 on the list.
* Good sports bras. Enough said.
* Determination and will. Running that far is more of an emotional challenge than a physical challenge.
I'm not sure if you were around in the blogworld when I announced this but I'm doing a half-marathon on my birthday weekend this year. Can't think of a better way to celebrate turning 35!
Oh crap, meant to say...
if anyone can do it, I know YOU can.
Don't let the naysayers talk you down. You will cross that finish line.
You're going to do great!
I am very proud of you!!!! That is an awesome goal. :)
That is a sweet goal, my dad runs that race every year and says it is great. I just started the couch to 5k this week after a long layoff due to a car accident last August when I was in great shape and actually did my first 10k just 4 weeks before the accident. It may help to sign up for smaller races along the way, like a 5k in april and 10k in the summer so you feel the motivation all the way through. I could totally use a motivational partner in the same boat. I know we live in totally different places, but you want to train together? We could shame each other for not going and cheer each other when we go. Just a thought. Good Luck either way.
Wow! That's a cool goal! You'll have to make a really good "mixed tape." :-)
That's awesome, and you can do it!
Good for you. I wish all the luck
I knew as I saw the marathon option on there that you were going to go for it. I think it's a great idea, and I hope you blog about the process.
Since I've never even considered running a marathon, I have no advice. Although, I would receommend adding Run Fatboy, Run to your Netflix list.
Also, is it possible to do this as a charity run? If you can, that might add some added mmotiation for you.
Bridget - somehow I totally missed that you're in Chicago. I know a couple REALLY good stores for getting the appropriate shoes for your feet (which are different from my feet which are different from...).
I'm doing C25K, too -- although I refuse to ever run a marathon. Find the podcast by Robert Ulreys. (google: c25k podcast) It's the only way I have made it through any of it. I got up to week 8 last late spring before life got in my way and am starting week 6 on Friday. You CAN do it!
I can't wait to hear how it goes (and fyi sparkpeople provides some REALLY great resources on everything and is totally free)
Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement!
Maria, I'd love to partner with you
Michelle, I'm actually in Atlanta. So why Chicago? Because I heard the Atlanta one is a real bear and the Chicago one just kind of presented itself.
I used the Rober Ulreys podcast yesterday. Week 1, workout 1 (get off the couch), totally kicked my butt. This is going to be a long, hard road. :-)
I think you will do great
Chris
Oh come check opit our mommy board
http://www.chatterscene.com
What a fantastic goal! I'm a semi-retired marathon coach and have run many of my marathons in Chicago. If you have any Chicago Marathon-specific questions or would like any other running advice, feel free to drop me a line. The Couch to 5k program is a great way to get the ball rolling. Best of luck!
Monika
windycityvegan.gmail.com
WOW! That is an amazing goal. Congratulations on deciding to do it. I'll be rooting for you. If nothing else, you'll get a lot of great blog posts out of it!
Get some shoes from a real running store. When I did this my life was complete. Well, my feet were happier as was the rest of my body.
If your boobs are big or even big-ish wear your regular bra under your sports bra...your boobs will thank you.
And, good luck. I did the Couck to 5k and cannot say enough good things about it. Although I never went any further. And yes I want to run a marathon before I die as well :)
Seriously rooting you on woman! I am also looking to shed some serious weight as well.
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