NEVER Say Never!

Whelp, the time has come for me to take the running “plunge”. The next step in my running journey has been arranged. No backing out now! I am officially registered for a MARATHON!! The old me that said “never” is clearly going to eat those words.

This has not been an impulsive decision; I’ve actually been planning & hoping for some time now. Back in December, I entered the New York City Marathon lottery. Last month, I found out that I did not make that random draw. I was devastated, simply put. I really wanted my first marathon to end in Central Park. But, since NYC is not in the cards for me {yet} & I really feel like an autumn 2014 marathon is ideal, I must chose another.

So… after much research, I entered the Chicago Marathon lottery a couple of weeks ago. This past Monday, I received the email I had been hoping for: APPROVED. However, thinking logistically & realistically over this past week, the Chicago Marathon would be quite a haul. We’d have to plan flights. Plan a hotel. Plan for childcare. Etc. After weighing the pros & cons, I have chosen to not accept the Chicago Marathon entry, but instead, run in my home state of Virginia. I will be running the Richmond Marathon!!!!

I have not come to this decision lightly. My sweet hubby is on-board with the running, complaining, & all that goes into marathon training. Love that man! After having an amazing session today with THE local A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) guru, I feel that my knee pain is temporary & can/will be “fixed”. I’m ready to see what my body is capable of! I need to do this as a runner, to experience the pain & the joy. I need to do this as a coach, to experience the pain & the joy.

As of now, I will create my training plan with a start date of June 30^th. It’ll be a 20-week plan, with hopes of keeping up my base between now & then. I hope to run the race in under 4 hours, but really, this is unchartered territory & I am keeping an open mind. All of this is subject to change of course; so we shall see! For now, I am SUPER excited & glad the anticipation is over! Have I mentioned I hate surprises?!

What was YOUR first marathon?

ANY advice for a marathon-virgin?