Eating my words

In my last post recapping the Ing Miami Marathon, I made this statement:

Some of you asked my reasons behind it....

• Emotional toll, I pour 100% of myself into these things.
• Physical toll on my body
• Im usually "good" for 3-4 months, then I get sidelined with an injury for a month. 
• My right leg hates me.  We need to become BFFs fast!
• I get consumed by the marathon. 
• The last 3 have not gone as well as expected. I might not be cut out for this distance.
• All I talk about is running, marathon, marathon marathon. OMG STFU already!! :)
• Want to focus on getting speedier at shorter distances (Half Marathons and less)
• Need to remain healthy for a period longer than 4 months. 
• My right leg really  hates me (Shin, Hip, Calf)
• Give my body and mind a rest from the training
• And mainly, Just run for fun. For the enjoyment, not because I have an 18 miler on the schedule.

So this morning while I was still groggy, I received a phone call from WW who is overseas for a business trip. He told me he registered for the Chicago marathon. I was shocked, surprised and speechless. Just a week ago I had asked him if he wanted to run it this year (like I have done the past few years). He was a very absolute NO on the matter, so I didn't bring it up again.(He travels a lot, so training wouldn't be the 1st thing on his mind- especially after a 10 hour flight) . This morning's phone call made me so happy and proud. I even asked him 5 times if he was serious or joking around with me!


So I did what any rational person would do.





Apparently registration is filling fast. After a week they were 2/3 full- on a crazy pace to sell out in record time!

So even though I'm eating my words of the "No marathon" 2012, This is an experience I absolutely cannot miss out on.

• I get to "Pay it forward" Much like how Tribu got me through Miami, in the heat and with an injury, I will be WW's Cheerleader, to help him cross the finish of his first marathon! 
• We will "bond" over running.
• WW has been with me through all of the Ups and Downs that running/ training has brought me over the last few years- while I transitioned from recreational runner to "I am hungry for a PR runner." 
• By far, my WW has been my biggest supporter-cheerleader, even standing out in the cold rain to cheer me on. I will be the biggest cheerleader for him. Im so excited for his journey!

 I still want my BQ, but that might have to wait until next year. Perhaps if i'm still going strong and healthy by June, I'll re-consider my "NO MARATHONS" and attempt a BQ in September. 

Afterall, I really hate absolutes...  ;)

Great News Today!!!

Cant say exactly what for fear of it not being a surprise, but a big thank you to Beth @ SUAR and Salonpas. I am so surprised and excited for the opportunity that they have given me.

Original plan- Build more speed with shorter races, then work up to the Chicago Marathon and qualify for Boston.

Shamrock shuffle 8K
Soldier Field 10 mile
Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon
Rock n Roll San Jose (4th year in a row)
Chicago Marathon.

New plan: More LSD runs, with 1 day a week of speed work in addition to the races mentioned above. I just need to readjust my goals for the next couple of months. Another goal is to lose some lbs. These next 2 months will be the perfect time to exercise portion control and better, healthier food- along with increased exercise.

The weather is starting to get better so there will be some outdoor runs in the near future.

4 miles on the "dreadmill" is on the menu for today.

Happy V-Day! This is the best V-Day ever!!!!!!

now only 59 more days to keep a secret. ;)


Cheers!