So this is the first post of my new blog. I plan to use this as a diary/training log/general stream of consciousness forum to share my stories with anyone who is interested. I'll do my best to make the stories interesting and even include photos, maps, etc.
One year ago, I started training for the Chicago Marathon, my first marathon, and crossed the finish line 18 weeks later. I was a member of the Chicago Children's Memorial Hospital charity team. Being part of a charity team was a great motivator and helped to keep me honest when it came to following my training plan. There was no way I would bail out of this goal....especially after I convinced so many friends & family to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. In the end, I completed the race, crossed the finish line and got my medal. After finishing the race, I really didn't think I would ever want to go through that experience again. I did it once....and that was enough....at least for a few days anyway. Inevitably, I began to think about my race and began plotting out the changes I would make to my training plan and the days leading up to the race should I ever run another marathon.
Well, you guessed it.....next week begins my 18 week training plan for the Marine Corp Marathon. Albeit, I am a bit nervous to begin the training because this time I know what to expect....the early morning wake-ups, the messed up stomach after a 20-miler, the blisters between my toes, the overall fatigue.....with all that to look forward to, who wouldn't want to train for a marathon! But with a bit of experience under my belt....and hopefully a healthy body and attitude, the next 4+ months will be great!
So in an effort to maintain a solid base on which to build my mileage, I am running 12 miles tomorrow morning. Running through Biltmore Forest is beautiful with the foliage, rolling hills and frequent wildlife spottings....and it helps that you're in the shade for most of the run! I would include a map of the course, but it's so confusing to follow that I got lost the first 2 times I ran in that area.....now I've dumbed it down to a list of right & left turns. I'll be running with my friend Andrea....we trained together last year for Chicago. She will be returning to Chicago again this year....I will be lining up at the start of the MCM a few weeks following. I was tempted to run Chicago again this year as the race actually falls on my birthday; however, I don't know how many marathons this body can handle, so I'm going to try and experience as many different courses as I can....while I can. And who can complain about having marines handing you drinks at the aid stations, cheering you on along the course and placing that finisher medal over your head!?!
So I'll sign off on that happy mental picture!
