Wow - I can't believe the day has finally arrived!! After much anticipation, today was the first group run with the Richmond Sports Backers Marathon Training Team! And I was there! We ran 6 miles (give or take). I never in my life imagined that I would run a marathon... or that I would even WANT to run a marathon. Did I just say I want to run a marathon? 26.2? Yes, it is true. And now it is official. I had my first official run with the team!
What I loved about today’s Run:
Being a part of the team – it feels SO good to be a part of this group, it’s overwhelming.
Making friends – my short term goal for today (besides the run) was to make at least one new friend – and I was more than successful.
PROUD of myself for getting out of bed and going to the run.
What I disliked about today’s Run:
The three glasses of wine I drank last night (what was I thinking?)
The lack of sleep due to excitement about today’s training
The heat/humidity and feeling a little tired
How did I get here anyway? Well, my first race was in November, 2007. I ran the 8K portion of the Richmond Marathon with my (future) ex-husband the morning after we both agreed to get a divorce and separate. I remember vividly picking up my race packet and being in awe of the marathon runners that were there. Never considered for a moment that I would ever run a marathon. Actually, I am quite sure that I swore to God and anyone who would listen that I would NEVER run a marathon. Those marathon runners were crazy. At that time in my life, I basically felt like crap about myself – both inside and out. But I was trying to get myself together and had gotten into running more and more over the last year. As that momentum was building, I was fortunate enough to work with a number of women who were into triathlon training and even did an Ironman competition or two. With people like that in your world, it’s easy to be inspired.
So I had done the 8K, Monument 10K, and finally the Carytown 10K. When I received the email announcement about the marathon training team my mind just took off with the idea as if it had a life of its own. In between the Monument and Carytown races, I had shaved about 30 seconds off my mile time injury free. (Compared to the day after the 8K when I could barely walk due to my left leg's iliotibial (IT) band throbbing every step - or nonstep - of the way.) Wow – maybe I can do a marathon afterall!! Talked to people about marathons and training and learned that your body adjusts pretty quickly to running long distance so it didn’t seem so far fetched for me to accomplish this lofty goal. I bought the book RUN YOUR FIRST MARATHON by Grete Waitz. I attended the intro meeting conducted by Don Garber outlining the training. It was a little before, definitely during and immediately after that meeting I knew this is WHAT I WANTED WITHOUT QUESTION. The marathon training team seemed to be everything I dreamed it would be!
Why am I running this marathon? I don’t consider myself someone who pushes herself hard to reach goals. I want to do the marathon to change that erred self-perception. I want to run the marathon because it is difficult and hard and would be a great accomplishment by anyone’s standards. I want to run the marathon because I need a strong focus to force me to run and be healthy when I would rather eat and drink and sleep. The marathon will undoubtedly boost my self-esteem. I want to train with the Marathon team because I want to meet new people and expand my social network of friends. I want to run the marathon because this (marathon training) is a great accompaniment to go with what is shaping up to be a great year of personal transformation and flowering. And, of course, the irony of my last name being RUNNER is not lost on me!! See you on the road!! Keep tuning in, I'll be writing more along my journey.
