While others woke up early to wait in line for discounted flat screens and wireless headphones, I woke up to take advantage of a $20 race discount for a local marathon before the designated promo code sold out. Yay fitness! I was more than happy to wake up at 6am on a day off to spend ONLY $70 on a marathon after spending $185 for my last two events. Yay fitness and frugality!
But now, a week later, the reality of what I've just committed to has set in. It's not even "winter" yet and we've already had an acrtic blast, monsoon like rain, and a week of sub freezing temperatures. I know that there is no such thing as "bad weather" just unprepared runners...but, for goodness, I'm going to be training for a marathon in the middle of winter. That was silly of me! But, the deed is done and a goal is set. This time I WILL qualify for the Boston Marathon. I'm not sure why that's a goal a runner should have, but it is and it's the one that I have. Actually, I've had this goal before. After I ran my very first marathon at the Seattle Marathon in November 2012 I immediately set my sights on the BQ goal. That meant I had to shave 22 minutes of my time. Which, I figured I could do. I mean, Seattle was my first and all I wanted to do was finish and it's a course backloaded with hills. I swear to you that mile 22-24 was nothing short of scaling Mt. Rainer. After some research and convincing from others, I signed up for the Portland Marathon in October 2013. HUGE MISTAKE!! Summer is not a time to run it's a time to play beach volleyball. So that's what I did instead of training. Of course I ran during the summer but I didn't train. By the time the early October marathon approached, I was in shape jut enough to avoid an injury. Needless to say, I suffered through the last 10 miles and dragged myself across the finish line. I was a mess metabolically and mentally. But, I was incredibly motivated to train the right way for the next marathon and not-take my fitness for granted. So, in a fit of pride and shame, I signed up for my 3rd marathon. What's better than running a marathon in Huntington Beach in February? Finishing a marathon then later watching the Seahawks win the Superbowl while staying at the Disneyland Hotel. I may have missed the BQ by 1 minute and 45 seconds, but I had a great day spending time with my friends watching the Seahawks CRUSH the Broncos! Plus, I time qualified for the Chicago Marathon, an opportunity I couldn't pass up. So, once again I was signed up for another October marathon. This time, I trained during the summer. In a series of unfortunate events (one being my volleyball partner dislocating her shoulder TWICE), I only played in three beach volleyball tournaments which left time and energy to put in miles. Of course, I wanted to attempt a BQ, but I mostly wanted to enjoy the experience of the Chicago Marathon. Which I did. Running through Chicago with 45,000 runners and 1.2 million spectators was an indescribable experience. From start to finish the streets were lined with people cheering on runners and runners soaking in every moment. It was incredible! I mean, I had sad thoughts when I realized I only had 10 more miles to run. I didn't want the experience to end. But it did and I loved every step. I ran a 3:43 and that was with a bathroom break, extra time to high five kids, and fist pump enthusiastic sign holders. I felt strong and energized at the end, but didn't BQ. Which brings me to this moment, awake at 6am to register for a local marathon. This marathon is not about spectating or traveling, it's about putting my head down and running...running strong and consistent. This marathon takes place in the small town where I teach at the local high school so there is no need so sight see. Granted, I'll take the time to soak in the views of Mt. St. Helens and the fields of blooming of tulips, but the purpose is to BQ. And, if that's the goal, then I have to train through another winter. I may have long runs in sub-freezing temperatures and weekly runs in sideways rain, but I'm it'll be worth it when I finish the marathon feeling spent but strong with a sub-3:40 time.
But now, a week later, the reality of what I've just committed to has set in. It's not even "winter" yet and we've already had an acrtic blast, monsoon like rain, and a week of sub freezing temperatures. I know that there is no such thing as "bad weather" just unprepared runners...but, for goodness, I'm going to be training for a marathon in the middle of winter. That was silly of me! But, the deed is done and a goal is set. This time I WILL qualify for the Boston Marathon. I'm not sure why that's a goal a runner should have, but it is and it's the one that I have. Actually, I've had this goal before. After I ran my very first marathon at the Seattle Marathon in November 2012 I immediately set my sights on the BQ goal. That meant I had to shave 22 minutes of my time. Which, I figured I could do. I mean, Seattle was my first and all I wanted to do was finish and it's a course backloaded with hills. I swear to you that mile 22-24 was nothing short of scaling Mt. Rainer. After some research and convincing from others, I signed up for the Portland Marathon in October 2013. HUGE MISTAKE!! Summer is not a time to run it's a time to play beach volleyball. So that's what I did instead of training. Of course I ran during the summer but I didn't train. By the time the early October marathon approached, I was in shape jut enough to avoid an injury. Needless to say, I suffered through the last 10 miles and dragged myself across the finish line. I was a mess metabolically and mentally. But, I was incredibly motivated to train the right way for the next marathon and not-take my fitness for granted. So, in a fit of pride and shame, I signed up for my 3rd marathon. What's better than running a marathon in Huntington Beach in February? Finishing a marathon then later watching the Seahawks win the Superbowl while staying at the Disneyland Hotel. I may have missed the BQ by 1 minute and 45 seconds, but I had a great day spending time with my friends watching the Seahawks CRUSH the Broncos! Plus, I time qualified for the Chicago Marathon, an opportunity I couldn't pass up. So, once again I was signed up for another October marathon. This time, I trained during the summer. In a series of unfortunate events (one being my volleyball partner dislocating her shoulder TWICE), I only played in three beach volleyball tournaments which left time and energy to put in miles. Of course, I wanted to attempt a BQ, but I mostly wanted to enjoy the experience of the Chicago Marathon. Which I did. Running through Chicago with 45,000 runners and 1.2 million spectators was an indescribable experience. From start to finish the streets were lined with people cheering on runners and runners soaking in every moment. It was incredible! I mean, I had sad thoughts when I realized I only had 10 more miles to run. I didn't want the experience to end. But it did and I loved every step. I ran a 3:43 and that was with a bathroom break, extra time to high five kids, and fist pump enthusiastic sign holders. I felt strong and energized at the end, but didn't BQ. Which brings me to this moment, awake at 6am to register for a local marathon. This marathon is not about spectating or traveling, it's about putting my head down and running...running strong and consistent. This marathon takes place in the small town where I teach at the local high school so there is no need so sight see. Granted, I'll take the time to soak in the views of Mt. St. Helens and the fields of blooming of tulips, but the purpose is to BQ. And, if that's the goal, then I have to train through another winter. I may have long runs in sub-freezing temperatures and weekly runs in sideways rain, but I'm it'll be worth it when I finish the marathon feeling spent but strong with a sub-3:40 time.