I’m officially running a marathon.
There. I said it.
Now, cue the mixed emotions:
- Scarier words have never been uttered
- I’m so excited I can’t stand it
Me running a marathon is a long time in the making and it was destined to happen sooner or later. I thought I would run one last year, but then this pretty big thing got in the way. I’ve been putting it off…but then I got this urging feeling – if I ever want to run one, and qualify for Boston, I need to do it now. I’m afraid, post kids, I won’t be able to commit to running a marathon in a BQ time. Maybe I will? Maybe I won’t? But, now I don’t have to worry about that because I’m running one pre-kids!
Criteria: Spring Marathon, within (reasonable) driving distance of DC, Boston Qualifier
Spring is kind of tricky, especially after the 2010 winter, which was super scary and snowy (read: snowmageddon, as it was referred to in DC). This year, I hope the snow holds off long enough for me to train properly. I also had spring on my mind because a) my best friend is getting married in late 2011 and b) there’s a small chance I might be pregnant. Note: I am in no way promising that I’ll be pregnant in late 2011 – but for those of you who don’t know, BJ is 40 (yes, that’s 13 years older than me) and I don’t want him to be an old dad (haha)
So, I toyed with Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Charlottesville. But, decided on a little local gem: Potomac River Run Marathon.
- It’s small: 300 people,
- It’s an out and back – twice (this could be a really good thing…or a really bad thing),
- It’s local,
- It’s a Boston Qualifier, and
- It’s super flat and fast; it’s the “Easiest Marathon in America”
I hope you will join me on my journey as I train for my 1st marathon and hopefully, BQ. I’m training with an amazing runner and friend who has qualified for Boston 3 times (her fastest marathon is 3:08 = she’s a badass) and have the support of my hubs and friends. I’d love any advice, tips, training, workouts, or encouragement (I know I’ll need it).
Cheers to 26.2!
Congrats on officially registering for your 1st! I have yet to throw in the towel and "officially" register for my 1st, but am planning on it in June! Good luck with training!
How exciting!! That marathon sounds like a really good choice! Good luck with your training, can't wait to hear how it goes! 🙂
Congrats!! That is a huge decision to commit to 26.2!! WAY TO GO!!! I'm excited to follow your journey!
I am doing my 2nd and it is a smaller race too (my first was Portland).
I had no idea you hadn't run a marathon yet!
Training will suck, you will swear you're never running one again (even Boston if you BQ), then you'll be eager to run another one a day or two later.
I couldn't do a small marathon, but then again, I'm super slow, and I prefer to have company along the way — you're fast, so you're used to running without a crowd around!
Yes! I am so excited for you!!!
I am running my first on Superbowl Sunday. Can't wait to see you do it!
Congrats! No advice here, but good luck!
So exciting! All of it! Girl you've totally got this and I wouldn't doubt one bit if you BQ'd like no one's business with a training partner like that! Good luck! Can't wait to follow along on the journey!!!
Congrats! That is so exciting!! The small, flat, and fast marathons are always the best. The big ones are fun – but it's stressfull when you are trying to dodge 1221654115 people at the start 😉
Very exciting news! I can't believe I haven't run "the easiest marathon in America" I totally agree with Chloe. I'm excited to follow your speedy journey.
woooot! you will for sure BQ! 🙂
Congratulations! I can't wait to hear how your training goes and all about your BQ. And I may have to consider "the easiest marathon in America" in 2012 since it would be local for me too. 🙂
good luck on it all! future kiddo and training – wow! have fun!
congrats on your decision and good luck w/ your training. I know we are all different, but -as a mom- I just wanted to chime in and say you can MOST definitely train for a marathon post kid(s)… 🙂 but I hear what you are saying about just 'gettin' it done' now!!!! Good times ahead… in many areas it seems!