A few clicks of the mouse, a payment of $112 and I have actually paid to torture myself for the next two months. Running a marathon has always been on my “list” of things to accomplish in life before the age of 35 and since that day passed several days ago, I apparently have left myself with no choice but to enter the Big Sur Marathon at the end of April. That would leave me approximately 8 weeks to train and be able to actually cross the finish line.
This would be a piece of cake for me if it was 1991 when I was 108 lbs and could run a mile under 5 minutes. Or 1994 when I could run lots of 6 minute miles, or even 4 years ago when I could run ten miles in a 76 minutes, but sadly it is none of those years and somehow I haven’t run any kind of race in at least five years. It may be because I have been pregnant in 2006, 07 and 08 and the only place I actually ever ran to during that time was the freezer for some extra ice cream. I would love to say that I am motivated by an intense desire to cross an accomplishment off of my list of things to do in life, but I have a sneaky suspicion that I am driven more by the fact that I don’t want to be the “plump mom” in my sister’s wedding pictures this August. (Although I have been lobbying to be placed between the two bridesmaids that will be pregnant)!
I am also driven to cross the finish line at Big Sur because a player I coached at West Point, Adrienne Payne will be running Big Sur as well. Quite simply Adrienne is one of the toughest individuals I have ever come across, she suffered through numerous shoulder injuries as a player yet still found a way to inspire and lead her team. I would hate to miss out on an opportunity to run in the same race as her. (Although I am hoping that she won’t fall asleep waiting for me at the finish line). So tomorrow morning I begin the great experiment of attempting to get myself in shape to run BIG SUR in two months.
FOR NOW I know why moms run marathons, it is so they can be guaranteed peace and quiet for at least three and half hours.
Knowing you, you will get it done. On the other hand, I can’t quite understand the thrill of a marathon, just seems to long to be running, besides there are too few hoops and basketballs in a marathon.
Good luck though, can’t wait to hear your stories about this one.