First Marathon : No Turning Back

One of my 2010 New Year’s Resolutions was to run in my first marathon. I posted that on this blog and I also told everyone in my life who would listen because I wanted to build in a sense of accountability for keeping to that goal. I must report that my friends and family have been a huge support for me while training. I receive plenty of feedback inquiring as to how it is going and also positive encouragement. I also get the occasional, “you must be crazy!” but let’s be honest… that’s a bit true.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

Earlier this year, sometime in the Spring I think, I settled on the Pensacola Marathon to be the fulfillment of this goal. The race is late in the year so I had plenty of time to prepare. Of course up till now I suppose I could have backed out at any time and decided to wait until 2011. Not anymore! This weekend I finally registered for the event. At $55 I’m not likely to back out of it unless I’m injured. Not only that, but at this stage in my training I’m not willing to back down regardless… I’ve come way too far for that.

Ups And Downs

Speaking of training, how is that coming? I believe it is going well. This past Saturday I ran the farthest that I’ve ever run, 16 miles. It took quite a toll on me, but I’m seeing improvements in my long runs every time I get out there. I go a little farther, I feel a little better and I recover quicker. I’ve had a few weeks where the training seemed to be terrible; like I was taking 2 or 3 steps backwards. That was frustrating, but once I let it go and just did what I could I realized that it’s all part of it.

Eyes Fixed On The Goal

So, the date of the marathon is November 14, 2010. That means I have just under 8 weeks before the event. I’m using a marathon training guide for beginners from Hal Hidgon. The longest distance I’ll run before the marathon is 20 miles (looking forward to that) and then I’ll taper down until the big day. I want to say thanks to all of you who have encouraged me and spurred me on to achieving my goal. I’ll leave you with one last thing:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3