Why Not Shoot For The Moon?
Over on the list of challenges thrown down by readers - I've got a half-marathon listed. Right now, that sounds laughable, because I'm not a running type of girl. I'm soft and squishy. I'm like a stuffed animal, not a taut, muscled road-warrior. Heck, with my current hair cut, I can't even get all the layers back into a ponytail.
Well, get ready for this: my sister offered to help motivate and train with me for an upcoming half-marathon. And I said yes.
Let's allow that to sink in for a minute. The first thing I did was order some pink running shoes from Zappos. Carmen just got some super-cute running shoes, and she's doing 5Ks, and she has 6 kids, so if Carmen can run, surely I can run. Right? If only for the pink shoes?
Here is my public declaration. I am going to train for and run a half-marathon that will take place on October 7th. My 34th birthday is on October 6th. I already ran, flapping and squealing to Grace, who offered sane training tips and guidance as I give this a go. Based on her recommendations, I'll be following her man Hal Higdon's Novice 5K training program, and if I survive that, I'll continue on with Hal's Novice Half-Marathon program. Day One, Week One is tomorrow.
The course my sister chose for us is insane - both in beauty and hills. I might die in the attempt. I will be lucky to finish in the six hour time frame. I have visions of my bleaching bones on the side of the trail, clad in pink sneakers, empty eye sockets leering at the other participants. Or, you know, I could actually complete the training, and complete the run, and have something to brag about as I start my mid-thirties.
The fun starts in the morning. I've got a run-walk planned, and, more importantly, I've got some cute new outfits to wear. I fear they'll never make a real athlete out of me, but I'm doing this.
Oh my God. I'm doing this.
Comments
Hooray! You GO girl!
My running shoes are pink, too! It was not my first choice, but now I love them because they make me feel like Blossom from the PowerPuff girls.
And! I was soft and squishy when I started running. I was slightly less soft and sqishy when I ran my half marathon. I'm STILL soft and squishy, and I have very short legs, which make me feel like the little engine that could, chug-chug-chugging along whispering, I THINK I can, I THINK I can... I will never consider myself a "runner," but I DID IT and YOU CAN TOO!
I'm so glad your sister is in with you, because that makes a world of difference.
Yay!
Posted by: EverydaySuperGoddess | June 4, 2006 7:11 PM
Go Jenny GO!! Good for you. Love the shoes, too. I'll be rooting for you.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 4, 2006 7:32 PM
Well done. In a former life I used to run a lot. You'll be surprised how quickly you make progress. And if anything is going to melt pounds away, its running.
Posted by: Sher | June 5, 2006 12:19 AM
Why *not* shoot for the moon?
Posted by: steph | June 5, 2006 6:00 AM
Good for you! I don't run. "The Girls" make that completely impossible. But good for you! Pink shoes . . that's some good motivation!
Posted by: Mel | June 5, 2006 12:51 PM
That's a great idea!!! I'm hoping to run a half-marathon early next year. I look forward to reading about your training.
Posted by: g | June 5, 2006 2:05 PM