run a full marathon

I ran my first full marathon!!!!!!

Well, I ran 21 miles the other day. The marathon is coming up in a few weeks and I will be ready.

I signed up for the Marine Corp Marathon, put a downpayment on a condo to rent in DC, and got airline tickets for the marathon. No turning back now. I am also going with a bunch of friends from the running group…..got to go.

In my training, I am up to 6 miles and I did that in 1 hr 3 min….. before I started my training, I was not able to do a 10 k without walking. If I stick to the schedule I’ll be able to run a marathon in Oct.

Well, today was the first day of the marathon club called Get Fit-Atlanta. I was kind of nervous because I know I was out of shape. They said that it was for beginners to advance runners. I use to run and was preparing for a marathon in 2004, but I had some set backs and never ran the marathon. I have not done as much running since I got pregnant and had my little girl. I have more weight on me and am not in as good of shape, but this is going to change.

I went on on Sat. and I was timed doing a 3 mile run. It was horrible, but at least I was not the last one in. My time was 34 minutes…..yikes I use to have a lot better times. I told them just to put me in the lowest group. I was actually on the cusp of being in the lowest group and second to lowest group.

I met 3 girls at the club that had a similar pace to mine and were trying to get in shape. They said that I could run with them. That would make it more fun. Also, if I do not want to get out of bed, it gives me extra incentive knowing people are  expecting me there.

So, they told me if I stick to the training, I will be ready for a marathon in Oct. Alot of the members are going to the Chicago marathon…..that would would be expensive because hotels there are ungodly priced. Also, I’ve done Chicago several times….so it would not be that exciting of a trip.

I was thinking about doing the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, D.C. We could stay with one of my husband’s sisters or brothers. Also, there is a lot to see. It is supposed to be a flat run and it goes pass cool National monuments.

I thought about doing the Atlanta marathon on Thanksgiving. It would be cheaper, but it is a very hilly course. Don’t think it would be the best one for a first marathon. So, I’m thinking I could do the half in ATL.

I also was looking to Jan. for the Rock N Roll marathon in Arizona. We have friends out there and it is beautiful. I could also get some hiking in. I figure if I get in that good of shape…. I need to keep it up. So, if I am always preparing for a race, I won’t slack.

So, today I am going to run. :o)

I joined a marathon club. They have a training schedule. If…. no when, I follow the training regiment I will be ready for the Chicago Marathon in Oct. It will be easier for me to go out and run because it will be harder to put it off….I have to go now because people are expecting me to be there.