I have officially registered for the Seattle Sea Fair Marathon on June 27, 2009. It will be my second marathon. My first was in Phoenix when Murphy was six months old. I don't do it for time. In fact I really have no care what the numbers read when I cross the finish line. It's the process. I have come to the realization that I do well when I have long-term goals for myself. I think that's why pregnancy is so good for me! Such a grand goal and a wonderful accomplishment. Unlike having a baby, a marathon is over the day it happens. I can see my hard work paying off every day I look at my kids. They are a marathon in their own right...a marathon that keeps on continuing day after day. Some days there are lots of hills. Other days the terrain is flat, even a little downward slope. Some days it's 90 degrees with 95% humidity. Other days is like a brisk Sunday jog.
I find extreme serenity within myself when I can run. I'm not a runner by any means. I was talking to a friend who ran the Boston marathon in 3:38 and called herself an average runner. I did the Phoenix Rock and Roll marathon in 5:07. I am way below average if that's the case! There is something about walking up the path the front door of my house after running. I remember training for the last marathon, having to run at 5am because of the Arizona heat. It was so dry that the seat turned to a salty film all over me. After 10 or 12 or even 2 miles I smelled horrible. My body hurt. My face was bright red, hair slicked back with crusty sweat. I would come in to a crying baby ready to nurse. The shower afterwards was the most amazing thing ever. Getting dressed and feeling too exhausted to put on make-up or do anything other than a soaking wet ponytail. I couldn't wait to feel the rush again after the next run. Sure there was monotony and a mental struggle to keep on running...just 8 more to go...then 4...and before I knew it I was walking up to the front door. Each run was an accomplishment. Sticking to the training schedule was often hard because training for a marathon takes time. It takes a commitment. But the post-run rush is what kept me going.
I'm ready for that rush again. I started running again a few days ago. I did three miles yesterday and felt great. My hips are sore today but I'm sure that's a) from the hills and b) from my body trying to get back to normal. Georgia rode her bike with me while I ran the other day as well. It was precious - great conversation followed by a "thanks for running with me while I ride!" Perfect one-on-one time with my girl.
The marathon is nine months away...ironic when equate being pregnant with a marathon. I have nine months to go from three to 26 miles. I'm looking forward to working up to the 20 mile runs...to have the ability and strength and desire to set out to run for a few hours. Right now I'll work up to four and five miles. As fast as time is flying these days I'll bet my Sundays will soon be taken up by long runs and even longer showers afterwards...with nursing a hungry little baby girl in between! Sorry for the B.O. Millie!
I did a half marathon in San Francisco after Georgia (actually while about a month pregnant with Murphy). Then a marathon after Murphy. Now another marathon after Millie. Maybe I'll have to change things up and do a triathlon after the next!
Any "below average" runner interested in joining me in Seattle in June let me konw!!
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