Today I successfully completed week 2 of marathon training. I was sick last week so I just lazed about and focused on getting better. I definitely felt the lack of training as I got back into it this week. My times were MUCH slower than I'd like, but life happens. Only up from here!
When I tell people I'm running a marathon in the fall (and a half in the spring), they usually respond in a few different ways. They either think I'm crazy, worry about the physical strain on my body and how it will affect me in the future (my momma), are impressed, or don't care whatsoever (what I call the 0.0 people or the "I only run when there's something chasing me" people).
So here are the top 5 reasons why I am running a marathon:
1. Health.
Heart disease runs in both sides of my family so I'm trying to head it off early. I was obese (according to the BMI chart) from 2011-2012 and overweight in 2013 to present. I'm hopeful that with training plus eating a specific diet used to fuel the large amount of mileage I will be taking on will result in a normal, healthy weight by the time October 12th rolls around. I can feel the extra weight and I'm looking forward to getting it off my body, releasing the pressure on my knees, and looking more graceful when I run.
2. If not now, when?
I'm in my mid-20s and I am never going to be able to recover as fast and improve as fast with training as I age. Runner's World had a great article about running at every decade of life. The 20s are your physical peak. I think I'm going to be a powerhouse in my 30s as soon as I have more experience and time under my belt. I'm not getting any younger so this feels like the right time to achieve something amazing.
3. Another check on the bucket list!
A marathon was always on my bucket list. I was amazed as a child that my dad would run 26.2 miles. That was such a long distance! And it still is. Life is too short to sit back and list things you'd like to do. Get out there and complete that list! Just because I'm young doesn't mean I need to wait until I'm 30, 40, 50+ to start checking off some life goals. We're not guaranteed tomorrow so live for today!
4. To be extraordinary.
Personally, I've always wanted to do something amazing and extraordinary with my life. My career is not what I expected (but honestly I love it and I don't like when other people don't respect it). I didn't have a traditional wedding. Nothing I've accomplished thus far has been really noteworthy (except for studying abroad in Italy for a month in college). Running a marathon would be something I will look back on at the end of my life and be happy I had the courage to do. No regrets.
5. Like father, like daughter.
When I was younger I was the biggest mommy's girl there was. I remember crying when my dad took me out to have bonding time because I wanted my mommy. As I grew older, more stubborn, and started developing my own view of the world, we clashed big time (especially when I was in college). My father was raised in a very strict, traditional Catholic family. I followed this traditional outlook for the majority of my life as well until college. While I do believe in being a good person and treating everyone with respect, I don't agree with some major aspects of the church. That is my decision and my father is amazing and very respectful of my choices in this area (although I know he wishes I was that cute little 6 year old church girl again). As I began running, my dad was really excited. When he saw I was sticking with it, he was even happier. Running Berwick with him really meant a lot to me, and I think it did for him as well. He was nervous about my decision to run a marathon, but he's very supportive of it. He's going to try and come out of retirement to run the full marathon with me. I really hope he'll be able to, but I'm just as nervous for him running that long of a distance! There is a definite difference between what a 25 year old body can take and what a 50+ body can handle. But he's just as stubborn as I am when he sets his mind to something. After spending the start of my life as a mommy's girl, I'm just as much of a daddy's girl now. I can't wait to finish the race and make him proud. I may cry at the finish line. I probably will cry the night before. I can't wait!
So there it is! I still have a lot of smaller reasons (like more running shoes and gear!), but those are the major ones. Have a happy Friday and a fabulous weekend. I'm going to try and convince the hubby to get some delicious sashimi tonight. Nomz!
LOVE this!!! <3
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