Tonight I did two. Miles that is (ok it was actually more like 2.28 but whatever). It was both less and more challenging than I expected. This is me formally, officially, publicly (ack the horror!) stating that before September 10, 2012 I will complete a marathon. Yes, I know lots of good reasons not to do it (oh my poor knees) and yet this is something that’s kinda on my bucket list. I really really want to do this for a lot of reasons that are hard to explain. It’s important to me. And you know what? That’s a good enough reason. 🙂
So tonight I went to the gym for the first time in…. I’m not willing to think about how long. But I did it. I don’t think I will be hitting ‘badass’ any time soon, but hopefully I will no longer feel too out of shape to do the things I want to do. 🙂
(This has virtually nothing to do with weight loss, though I expect some of that to happen. I just don’t have a good exercise icon…)
go you!
Thanks 🙂
That’s awesome. I’d say that sounds like a totally reasonable timeframe (20 months- not bad at all), and a marathon’s a great wy to not be wimpy! 🙂
I’m trying for reasonable 🙂
Coincidentally, I am currently reading “Marathoning for Mortals” by John “The Penguin” Bingham and Coach Jenny Hadfield. It has programs for walking and/or running half-marathons and marathons.
They basically say someone “starting from scratch” right now could prepare for a marathon in a year and a half: one year building a foundation, and six months doing specific training. I just did a 5-mile race (mostly walking with some running) about two weeks ago, and am working my way up to a half-marathon. After that … we’ll see.
Congratulations! That’s awesome! Thanks for the book recommendation. So far I’ve just been on ye olde internet. 🙂
Anyone who does a Marathon is officially Bad Ass.
I’m very seriously considering training for a Half this year. I’ve never run more than about 8 miles, but 13 isn’t SO much more.
I think it’s awesome that you are doing this.
Well… I did just say ‘complete’ not ‘run’. 😀 But ok, I’ll concede that a Marathon is pretty Bad Ass.
Really? You’ve never run more than 8 miles? See, I know very little about runners and running culture. My brother is the only runner I’ve talked to about it much and he has always been into super long distances.
I actually ran 5 miles once upon a time. I did it 60 minutes flat and thought I was the coolest thing ever. It’s going to be pretty amazing to pass that up. 😀
And I did say “does” not run. 26 miles is badass.
I’ve hiked 19 (HalfDome), so that’s a little closer, but that took All. Fucking. Day.
I am definitely not a long distance runner. Then there’s my friend who’s gotten into Ultra running, because Marathons aren’t enough. So she (and a bunch of
other loonies) are running all 31 miles of the Wildwood Trail on New Year’s Day. For fun. She did the Portland Marathon in October in 3:44. CRAZY.
But we’ll see. Maybe I’ll change my tune yet, but right now skydiving and running marathons are both things I have no interest in. 😀
a guy in my hapkido class is a “ultra-runner,” sometimes going a hundred miles, or more, over a weekend. he runs so much his toenails turn black and fall off from the pounding. a full marathon is his idea of a “short run.”
i suspect it’s an illness that makes you do such things.
though…
i used to run – lots, back in my early 20s. i could go for several hours at a time. actually seriously considered full triathlons. but, then, i trading that addiction for one of strong drink and weed.
one needs some sort of hobby, afterall…
I am impressed.
I wish lj had the little ‘like’ thing so you could acknowledge comments more easily. 🙂
Goals with deadlines: Yeah!
It’s amazing how having a goal and, especially, a deadline is a great motivator. When I agreed to climb Denali, I took my training seriously. It could be the difference between life and death. As it was, I didn’t make it up. But I didn’t die on that big chunk of ice so goal accomplished!
I don’t run any more. I walk. But I applaud you 🙂
Re: Goals with deadlines: Yeah!
Well once I get into decent shape walking will be sufficient to maintain for a long time. You’ve always been in good shape. 🙂
Hooray for you!
Y’know you should *roller skate* the marathon.
But only the down-hill parts.
For the uphill parts
have your love-slave
pull you along in a plaid recliner chair
while you shout
“Faster, Lazy-Boy. Faster!”
Um…
Maybe that’s not really sticking with the
intent of what you’re doing.
But maybe for your 2nd marathon.
Maybe?
Go you.
I keep thinking I should do a marathon as well.
I’ve heard really good things about the couch-to-fiveK program, especially if you alter/repeat a couple of weeks – check out‘s posts under “c25k”. Me, I’m trying to get back up to walking a 5k. I keep not making my appointment for PT for my knees, plus getting sick and losing what momentum I can build up when I’m well.
I was just about to say go look at the couch to 5 k program. It was going great for me till this knee injury (which has nothing to do with the program).