I’d like to preface my post with the motivation behind writing this particular blog. You see, I completed a personal goal. A marathon, to be exact. And because this accomplishment was unlike any other I had achieved in my life, I wanted to document the experience and share it with all of you. So, in keeping with the theme, this post will be the first of five – a marathon of my marathon, if you will. That said, I hope you enjoy reading about my journey and all its ups and downs. But remember to pace yourself here – this is not a sprint, this is a marathon.
Sometimes I get crazy ideas in my head.
Usually, I’m able to battle against the truly absurd and latch onto reality. So I found myself in a quandary several months ago, when insanity ultimately claimed victory over my rational being.
“Run a marathon,” the little devil on my shoulder kept telling me. “You want to run a marathon.”
Let me explain for those of you who are blessed enough to have the gift of athletic ability.
I have none.
I was taken out of soccer in elementary school because I didn’t understand the positions. Instead of running, I skipped and preferred to pick flowers in the field over chasing the ball. Forget team sports and any activity that requires hand-eye coordination. Mom placed me in figure skating and gymnastics. No luck there either. My knees were too weak for success in the Ice Capades, and an unfortunate experience with the high beam and a wall left me unconscious on the mats in the gym.
Needless to say, completing a 26.2-mile jaunt didn’t sound to my friends and family like something that I would do. So I think it took everyone by surprise when I attended an informational meeting for Team in Training (TNT) to prepare for my planned participation in a full marathon in just six months. I clearly remember some of the comments:
- Running is bad for your body.
- There’s a reason that Greek guy died when he got to Athens.
- I just don’t think you can do it – not in six months.
Word to the wise – if you want me to do something, just tell me I can’t. I’ll prove you wrong.
