Aint No Athlete

I'm pretty happy to announce that I'm officially back on the running train. And very appropriately, I'm just chugging along (as in slowly but surely) with hopes of running in the Malibu Marathon in November. I've been working back into the routine since about May, and boy has it been an uphill battle! I don't think I'll EVER take a winter off from exercise again, injured or NOT! I WILL join a gym and swim, bike, or whatever.

But the good news is that I'm feeling pretty O.K., and I'm right where I would expect to be at this point in the game. My goals are different this time around. I'd really love to just get back under the five hour mark (I was going for under 4:30 before, but got injured fairly badly and had to settle for 5:24). The fact is, this marathon thing is what I need to stay in the"shape" that I want. But it's a lot more than that.

I can't help but note that a nice four mile run is just the ticket to get me thinking straight. You fellow runners out there probably know what I'm talking about. All of the sudden, the things that seemed foggy become clear. I beat myself up physically running, and recognize quite poignantly the faults in my life that I need to rectify. God speaks to me, and I come home refreshed and energized.

Shucks, it "don't" even matter that I "Aint no Athlete."

Left to right:

my brother

a famous guy

me

I dont' think the famous one would like this picture too much, do you? But I'm still SO happy I have it, and frankly, I think the famous guy still...like...TOTALLY rocks. I was a crazy tongue-tied fan.

I also have a pic of RYAN HALL at the Chi-Town expo, but I didn't want to wait in line for like... three hours to get a picture WITH him, so I just shot the pic over the crowd. It was ridiculous. These runners are like rock-stars to me. Seriously. I'm just in AWE of these guys! If only.... Maybe when I get to heaven I can run, but still improve...to have the discipline and the muscle mass potential to reach my goals.

Wait...I'll probably be too busy worshiping GOD to worship my awesome running skills or some amazing runner dude.

;o)

It's TIME

Time to get off of my rear.
Time to get the kids in gear.
Time to say good-bye to fat.
Time to run and all of that.

Somehow I convinced a handful of my students to run a half with me in the spring. I'm fairly excited about it, so it's time to get back out there. They'll all feel great about themselves beating the old lady, and they'll keep me motivated... I'm sure.

My #1 priority, next to building miles, is to incorporate cross-training into my schedule. I've been very remiss in that aspect of preparing for a race. I have poor muscle mass, and I know that rectifying that problem would help me with injury prevention (and improve my speed).

I ran today...and still have pain, but I'll cross my fingers that it goes away. We'll see.

13.1...sounds like FUN!

Steve, the girls and Fisherstine after the race... Is it just me, or does he seem TOO happy after running 26.2???

The Jury is In.

Verdict- 5:24:16
Sentence- Sign up for another marathon.

Parole- Granted upon the completion of a sub 4:30 marathon.
Community Service- Train injury-free and run in a COOL marathon.

CASE CLOSED!!!!

Of course, there is a story to tell here. But not tonight!

In 9 hours, I'll be at the starting line. Ready or not.

My goals have changed, but I'm resigned to my addiction to marathons. If tomorrow isn't all I hoped it would be, I'll keep looking to the future. I don't think my goals rest in the outcome of this one race.

Ahh...the philosophy of running. If we don't get in the race, we just never know how far or how fast we can go.

Chicago...I'll meet you in the morning.

Insane Nerves

And I SHOULD be feeling this way.

But right now I don't like it.

Aaahh...the inevitable pre-race illness. Bring on the Tums.