Couch to Marathon

Today, I ran my very first half marathon distance for a training run. This feat is something I originally thought to be absolutely impossible. Back in January, running on my treadmill in the basement for five minute stretches at a time…I tried to envision running 13 miles and couldn’t even wrap my brain around it. So today, as I started out, I made a deal with myself. If I made it back downtown in three hours or less, I would do the next impossible thing I can think of…the FULL marathon. I made it downtown in three hours and four minutes. BUT since I stopped at three aid stations, took advantage of yet another miracle construction site porta potta and slowed to a walk with a friend for a quick stretch (best running buddy ever…you know who you are) I’ll call it good enough and go for the full distance. After all, I started this thing to do something against the odds…something that would be a metaphor for the hard and sometimes seemingly insurmountable work that each kid at the Youth Homes has in front of them. So…now that I’ve shown myself I can do the half…I need something a bit scarier…a bit more of an insurmountable task of my own (even though at mile 8 today, I really wondered how the next 5 in front of me would go).

Now…I’m not unaware that this will be a stretch for me (to say the least). Having gone from never running a mile (that I could remember) to attempting a full marathon for my first ever race that I will actually run…is, in fact, a bit nuts. In order to feel like I can ensure I'll see the finish line, I'm inviting family and friends to consider running a mile with me. So if you are so inclined…please let me know and I’ll figure out the details of where and when you should meet me on the course. Of course, the last mile has always been for Hannah so that one is saved for her if she’s willing.

And for those of you that have donated to this effort…I can’t thank you enough. But consider this…I’m doubling down…so will you? And if you haven’t yet had the chance to donate…please click on the firstgiving box o the right for an easy and secure online way to support the Youth Homes.  To sweeten the deal…remember if you donate $10 or more you will be entered into the drawing for the painting “It Takes a Village.” (image is in the right column of the blog)

P.S. I am officially terrified.