2011 Project #2

I have recently been motivated and inspired by several friends I have here- to start running again. Maybe it's something about the winter and being stuck inside so much. Or the idea of New Year's Resolutions or something. Although, generally speaking, I don't make NYR. They really don't suit my personality type very well. I am a major "feeling" type. I also don't like to be nailed down to something very far in advance. I like to have loose structure in my life. I like to have plans...that can be changed according to the way I feel in the moment. I'm sort of impulsive, sporadic, spontaneous. (and that was what you call a tangent)

Back to running. So, recently I was challenged to start training for a half marathon. I sort of laughed off the idea, but decided that I do want to start running again. Yesterday I laced up my sneakers and headed out. I did surprisingly better than what I thought I would do, since the last time I ran was back in April. I was at least where I was then, if not slightly better. Since January this year I have lost about 25 pounds. I think that has helped A LOT! I know, kind of shameful that I had that much to lose and at least that much more to go. Meh, whatever. It hasn't held me back and I will just keep going forward.

Yesterday's run boosted my confidence and after several minutes of thought I decided, what the heck, I'll sign up for the 1/2 marathon. And I did. I paid my non-refundable $65 dollars, so I definitely can't back out. Having a goal like this motivates me and helps me to want to get out there. I know I have to follow the training schedule if I want to make sure I don't die.

I'm excited to run and to learn how to run/train/prepare properly. I don't care much about times or competing, I'm doing it for me! I think we are a lot stronger than we think we are. It's fun to challenge myself in this way. Thank you to all my runner friends for your support and inspiration!