I've done it again . . . I've signed up for another half marathon (and I haven't even done the first one!). What am I thinking????
Can I blame peer pressure? Nope, this one was all me! Well, I'm still going to blame "C" a little because a few months ago she loaned me the Women's Running magazine (if you're not a subscriber you're totally missing out - it's a fantastic magazine!!!!!) that featured this racing series (there's one in Nashville, one in Tempe, and one in St.Petersburg).
"C" and I (maybe we can still talk "L" into it, though she was pretty solidly in the HECK NO! column) are going to do the Women's Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, November 21st. This is most definitely the furthest away race I will have ever done - but no worries, "C" is a professional race traveler (I'm guessing she would completely disagree with that statement). She's been to Indy, I think twice, and even did the Walt Disney Half this past March. Since that's way more than I've done - she gets to wear the professional's hat.
I've already bought our plane tickets - got a pretty good deal on them (yeah!) - though I did buy the insurance . . . just in case. I already registered for the race which was $102 with fees (yikes! - good thing they have a cool palm tree medal and cookie cafe waiting for me at the finish line!). "C" is going to look into hotels for us.
I will say I'm a teeny tiny bit bummed because I'm fairly certain that I'll be missing the very awesome Fox Island 5K in FW - that's a really nice event!!! It's a trail run, and it's so beautiful and well organized. If you've never done that one, it's a definite must do! It comes just 2 weeks after the W.O.O.F. race at the Ouabache State Park (Wells County, IN) which is another amazing trail race (a 5.3 mile loop, a 15.9 mile relay, or a 15.9 individual race) which also should be on your "must run" list - this year the WOOF is on Saturday, November 6th. More on the WOOF later.
The Women's Half Marathon is the same day as "L"'s birthday. Hey readers - don't you think she should do the race? Leave a comment and tell her how much you think it's an awesome idea (she reads this blog daily). I think if enough people tell her it's a good idea, she might change her mind and join us (I really hope so, it would be sooooo much fun!)
Confession -
I was suppose to do a 3 mile easy run this evening on my own. Everyone knows I'm not very good at running on my own. Well, I waited around work hoping the motivation to run would sweep over me . . . instead, I got sidetracked signing up for the race and then finding cheap airfare and now . . it's storming. I'm not sure that either are a good excuse, but training isn't going to happen for me today (sorry to disappoint you "C").
heck yeah, "L" should do the race. Besides the fun event, what a great destination to celebrate your birthday. Northern IN or Sunny warm Florida? Hmmm, I vote you go to FL!
ReplyDelete"L" - do it! You'll regret not going.
ReplyDelete-Sarah
"L" I don't know you, but I've read every post about your training - what are you waiting for - jump in, both feet - you have spent a long time training, might as well reap the rewards. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteHow old will you be? Just kidding - racing is for everyone even if you are going to be 100. You're not going to be 100 are you?
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding? Seriously - whatz there to think 'bout?! A womens race - how fun! Go for it, whatcha got 2 lose?
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone especxially samatha - L should do it.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading this blog for awhile now and have wanted to post a comment for some time. First, congrats folks on your training. I wish I could do what you have set out to do. Second, I was wondering how you decided to jump into something as adventurous as a half-marathon? I'm about 30 pounds overweight and I could never imagine myself running or walking so far. You're amazing. And third, "L" why is it you are reluctant to do the Florida race? Money? I get that. I don't have much, but this is for your health - mental and physical. Hanging out with your training partners for a weekend plus doing something amazingly healthy for your body - it doesn't get better than that! Time? I work a lot myself and would have a hard time getting off for a long weekend, but then I would have to seriously think about the mental and physical health benefits I would be gaining - I'm worth it I think. Only wanted to do one race? So do 2 and see if you can improve. My vote is for L to do the race, enjoy herself, and then be a guest blogger and tell us how thankful she was she went. DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!!!!
ReplyDelete-Mary K.
Do it! I am so jealous, by the way! I saw the booth for this race in Chicago but it's not feasible this year. You are going to have a great time, and St. Pete is so, so, so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAnd to answer your question ... I say just try to have a cutback week in the training. Do 3 long runs (ex. 8, 9, 10), and then cut back a week to, 6 or 7, then do another 10. It helps with physical - and mental - fatigue.
Thanks Kimberly for the advice and for encouraging our training partner "L". I've never been to St. Pete, but I'm getting really excited - just hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew. I hope I can tap into your knowledge as I move forward with training for my first and then second (2 months later) half marathon. You've just been through it and your advice is priceless.
ReplyDeleteDO IT! YOU SO HAVE TO DO IT!!!!!!!!!! You'll regret not going. You will no way regret going! The 3 of you together celebrating your birthday by crossing a finish line - sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any more about L's decision to do or not to do the Women's Half Marathon - what did she decide? I totally vote she goes for it.
ReplyDelete