She's an April Fool

It’s a well-established fact by now that I’m a bit on the “foolish” side…and it IS April…so there we have it.  Training for Marathon #2 began yesterday – you can call me the April Fool, but I am completely serious about my commitment.

I’ve struggled the past two months.  Don’t get me wrong – the stress fracture gave me the excuse to sit on my backside for “complete” marathon recovery.  But, I was released to start, gently, two weeks ago, and found no motivation to do so.  I was getting very comfortable with my free-afternoons lifestyle, and yet my mental state was going on a quick spiral downward.  I am so committed not to become one of those “regained it all” statistics, and yet my weight was creeping ever-so-slowly upward.  I need a plan!

A little over a week ago, I got a message from Uberthons – a local race organizer.  They are doing a brand-new, local event – the Oregon Marathon – in a beautiful, scenic rails-to-trails area.  Close to home, fairly affordable, and some place I can easily go scout ahead of time. Dare I even ask my better half?  Duh!  Six months to train – exactly the motivation I need to get moving…and close enough to my last event to remember the things I did right, the things I did wrong – and far enough out to have forgotten the labor pains!

I posted a message on Facebook, and got an old friend to commit to do it with me (it will be her first!), and – low and behold – the mister said it wouldn’t cause a divorce J  I’m in, with the first-day registration discount and all!

I spent last week getting my affairs in order, planning my training, figuring out logistics, being thankful I’ll be training in summer, rather than winter, etc.  And, yesterday I set out on my first post-marathon/pre-marathon run! (I was VERY surprised how strong I still am!)

You’ll remember, I’m not “really” a runner yet.  Oh, if you run, you’re a runner.  But, truly, I’m not “there” in my head yet.  I WANT to run, but mostly walk.  So, I’m starting back at “square one.”

I’m spending the next nine weeks doing the “Couch to 5K” training plan, with the intent that I WILL be able to RUN the whole 5K at the end…and in approximately 30 minutes.  (My current 5K best is more than 40 minutes.) 

The reason for concentrating on this is because my “non-runners marathon plan” encourages you to start at that point – the ability to run for 30 minutes.  That was my BIG downfall last time – I jumped the gun and started before I was ready.  I did the mileage required (for the most part), but I didn’t do the groundwork they suggested before starting, which I believe may have led to my injury.  So, this time I will follow the plan!

I’m also working on strength training in this early phase.  As the mileages get longer later in the season, it becomes difficult to fit it in, along with the hours spent running.  (I do still have a family that needs attention!)  So, I’ll get a good “base” going now.

So, there you have it – I’m officially back in action – and living my fit dreams!  Stay tuned!