26.2

Amazon delivered this funny little package on my desk today containing two books. Book number one, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer and number two, The Nonrunners Marathon Guide for Women. You may be wondering if this is some kind of shipping error. But no, they are two books I ordered to jump start a goal I've always dreamed of achieving.

I may be setting myself up for failure but I really hope not. I've read the introductory chapter of the first book and that's one of their first recommendations - make the commitment tell all your friends and family you're running a marathon. So all my little eyes and ears out there let this be the first time I'm coming out and saying this is something I'm going to do!!! Hold me to it, please.

Recommended 16 week training.

So this first book (and I'm pretty sure the second book as well) is all about starting from square one and is designed for someone who has never ran before or never enjoyed running or just never dreamt they'd be capable of running 26.2 miles. It's based off a class offered at U of N. Iowa that has seen all but one person who joined the program finish a marathon based on the training provided.

The introduction spoke at length around the mental preparation involved in training for a marathon and how it is as equally if not more important than the physical preparation. I'd have to say even without reading into too much detail yet that I can see how this is the case.

I am apparently ahead of the game in the pretraining. They require you to be able to run/jog 30 mins straight before beginning the 16 week program. I am doing at least 40 mins of uninterrupted cardio 3 to 4 times a week already so I think I can essentially start training exactly 16 weeks before the marathon.

Speaking of "the marathon," I guess most of you would assume I intend to run the Boston Marathon. It is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world and I would be honored to be a part of it. However, it's not just a matter of signing up. I need to fund raise in order to get a bib. I'm not sure how much money but I think it's upwards of $3.5k! More research to follow...

I do want to do a half marathon in February in LA, though! Go see my Libby and run 13.1 on Sunday, Feb 1st. I think it will make it fun. Check it out - it goes all along the coast and is said to be one of the most beautiful routes.

Oh man... I'm really putting myself out there. I have a feeling this blog might be talking an awful lot about running should I persevere (oh and don't worry, I intend to!). I think it's just something I need to do and that I am at the right time in my life. Wish me luck!!!

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