Marathon Conditioning

I've already trained for a half marathon.

Back in September and October, I trained to run the Stomp the Grapes Half Marathon.  I did not end up actually entering the race. (Ultimately because I discovered it would cost only slightly more to run a full marathon, so I decided to save money.) However, I followed the training through as best I could.  So, I can honestly say I have successfully run 10 miles nonstop.  This is complete fact.  And I couldn't stop smiling at the end of it.  (Granted, the next week, when the long run called for 12 miles, I hit a wall halfway through.  But I chalk this up to having not eaten enough, and not wearing the exactly proper attire.)

I am much more prepared because of the half training.

I've since invested in more cold weather running gear.  And a gym membership.  Since, after all, I do live in Ohio: the land not of seasonal climates, only day-to-day weather fluctuations.  With the gym, I'll have absolutely no excuses when the weather is iffy.  And, with the gym, I'll be able to do things I couldn't before, such as seeing how long I can maintain a given pace when all my other variables are controlled. And I can include strength training (which, since I started my whole weight loss journey, has been sorely lacking).

I've been in conditioning for a week.

Which means I've been stricter on my calorie intake, and exercise routine.  I'd chunked on around 10 pounds over December and January. (Christmas cookies, you're really tasty.) But, I'm happy to report I've already lost 2 - 3 pounds from this past week.  I've got about two more weeks of conditioning.    Then, mid-February, the REAL training begins.

Fact 5: Most people who train for marathons do not lose significant amounts of weight.

My goal is to be in the category of trainees who do lose weight.  While I've already been told by a couple people that I don't need to lose any more weight (bless their hearts; it does often feel good to hear that), the fact is I'm still about 50 pounds from my goal weight (and, by traditional BMI standards, still rank in the 'obese' category).  If I train properly, and God is with me in this goal, I could be within 15 pounds of my goal weight by race day.

I am stoked beyond all getout about this.

After thinking I'd lost all desire to run the full near the end of 2011 (it was not a happy few days; I was at the core of brokenness), I've come back from those days. It was not without a lot of prayer from friends. (Thank you!!)  The marathon I am running begins at 6 a.m. on June 17th, 2012, in Stadium Park.  It will be Canton's inaugural marathon - and it will also be my inaugural marathon.  There are so many people excited about this event - and I am thrilled that so many of my own friends and acquaintances are as well.

I will do this. "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training." (1 Corinthians 9:25)

I'm not saying it will be easy.  It will take a lot of time.  There will be early mornings, and late evenings.  Lots of oatmeal breakfasts (and I do not typically gravitate to oatmeal), and research/experimentation with Gu gel.  Water, and rarely soda. Tears from bad training days, and frantic research on new potential injuries (though, Lord willing, these days will be few).  And you'd better believe there will be prayer.  I've known, even since running my first full mile without stopping, that I'd need His help on this. Daily.

Finally - there will be daydreams.

Daydreams about just enjoying the race, and trying not to focus on how many miles are still in front of me. Maybe running with other friends as they complete their relay legs. Cheers from the sidelines. But mostly, I'm thinking about crossing that finish line.  And I'm trying to see my face when it happens.  Right now, I can't.  But I do know what I'll be feeling.

I am STOKED!