my thoughts on marathoning

Back when I was pregnant with Win, or soon after I had him, I thought it would be a good idea to do a marathon. It would give me something to work for and help me regain my waistline. I had completed a marathon before and actually enjoyed it so I thought training would be kind of fun.

In real life it has been hard. After completing my Saturday long runs, I constantly ask myself (and Kent) why I'm doing this. Last time I ran a marathon, I had some vengeance brewing in my soul. I was going through a break up and had recently almost died (not literally) on mile 15 in the Great Wall Marathon so I had something to prove to myself.

This time, I have my reasons, but they aren't as clearly defined. Yes, I want to be back at my pre-pregnancy weight and shape, but is it worth these (see below) and some other aches and pains?

(My second toenail(s) turns purple and falls off when I run a lot.
Weird and sort of gross.)

Deep inside I am excited. I even looked up how fast I have to do the marathon in order to qualify for Boston. If you're curious, it is 3 hrs 35 min for women ages 18-34. That's fast and my training speed isn't even close to that, but I might as well shoot for something. My running schedule has been sort of on and off, but I have done what I can do with a baby in tow. I have also had a really supportive husband who doesn't understand my love of running yet gets that I like it and will help me accomplish my goal.

Once again, I am excited for the race coming up in a couple of weeks and gradually gearing up mentally. Like the experts say, much of the race turns into a mental battle and I am slowly but surely finding my fire and reasons for competing. Just to "lose weight" isn't going to carry me through 26.2 miles.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. And, I also think I don't need to do this again after baby #2. Maybe a half marathon or sprint triathlon would suffice? We shall see.

up and up

Some one is 7 months old today and is acting like a big boy...

He seems too young to be pulling himself up on things, but I caught this kid in action last night. He isn't the most stable on his feet, but I'm sure he'll get the hang of it before we know it. Time to get serious about baby proofing.