Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Day 2, Week One of My Foolish Dreams

It was rainy out.....but it didn't matter.
I had water swamping over the top of my shoes....but it didn't matter.
It was terribly windy out....but it didn't matter.
It was uphill A-L-L-T-H-E-W-A-Y-H-O-M-E!.....but it didn't matter.
I didn't feel like going.....but it didn't matter.
It was about as much fun as jabbing a pencil in my eye....but it didn't matter.

I did it anyway.....and that's what matters!

Day 2, 2 miles, walking, 34 minutes total. Don't laugh. At least I'm doing it.

Monday, January 28, 2008

The Battle Has Been Joined

I started pre-training about 2 hours ago. After stepping on the treadmill for the first time in months, I have to constantly fight thoughts of a marathon being a moronic idea. So, while my fitness goal for 2008 is the marathon, I have to 'eat the elephant' one bite at a time.

This is what week one of pre-training is supposed to look like: Moderate walking pace (17-20 min/mile), 3 days per week, 30 minutes per day. No big deal. Today it started with the freezing rain just before I was going to go out. David had to go into work, Jeff had to go to a friend's house to practice some music, and of course, Jim is out of town for the week. All this to say that Carrie didn't have anyone to watch her. Being determined not to delay the dreaded 'getting started' phase of this whole thing, I dragged my sorry carcass to the Y. Carrie played basketball with the kids while I worked out.

Since treadmill workouts are so much easier than the road variety, I walked a couple of 15-minute miles instead of the 17-20. I did run (using that term loosely) for 3 minutes of the 30. Bully for me.

At least I did it. Carrie is all cranked up about going again tomorrow night, too. I'm glad. That way I have to follow through. Mom can't say, 'Hey, let's go to the Y!' and then bag out on it.

Day 1, Week 1. Still feeling pathetic, but that should change. My job was to get started. I did.....and I'm glad!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Now I'm Just Scared

I'm now realizing that it's only about 2 weeks until February 1st, at which time I will have to put my money where my mouth is and start pre-training. I look outside and see the piles of slushy snow. I imagine dragging new running shoes through that. I imagine being chilled and not being able to warm back up. Aren't I just Miss Negative 2008?

I've got to say, my biggest fear isn't being able to run the 26.2 miles. It's just getting started. Noone who's done the training program in the book (see sidebar) has been unable to finish no matter what their previous running history was. I believe that and I know it can be done. I just am dreading taking those first few steps. I'm scared of seeing how much work it really is going to be. I'm nervous that I will entertain thoughts of this being a stupid idea. I'm petrified of...............myself.

I suppose that now is the time I should be preparing mentally to get the job done. No looking back. No excuses. Like he says in the book.....arm yourself with "it doesn't matter".

It's slushy out.......but it doesn't matter.
I have a headache.........but it doesn't matter.
I don't feel like running.........but it doesn't matter.

I guess launching my running 'career' during the sloppiest months of the year ensures that it can only get better and more comfortable to run, right? RIGHT?

I'll be back....

Karen

Friday, January 4, 2008

What's Your Excuse?

Please go read this to inspire you toward your exercise goals!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Still Here?

Yes, I'm in the land of the living. As planned, I'll be back and in pre-training by Feb. 1st. Please be sure to check in then and let me know if you'll be a newbie marathoner in 2008, and which race.

Karen