“I’m Decided. I’m Going to Do Something Really Stupid.”
Well, not stupid so much as exciting if not a little bit intimidating. Even though I’ve trained for one before, I’ve never actually gone through the experience of running a half-marathon. I made a New Year’s resolution to find a marathon outside of Michigan and train for it. I gave myself some parameters and searched and scoured the Internet and racing bulletin boards until I could scour no more. And now, thanks to a chance e-mail and the advice from a friend who is also a runner (thanks, Lo!), I’ve decided on a race:
The half-marathon of The Nike 26.2 in San Francisco, California on October 23, 2005.
Yes, yes, I know I said I was going to limit my search area to the east coast and midwest. And yes, yes, I told myself to take on a course that was flat and fast, not hilly and possibly exhausting. But after consulting my friend, who got back into running after years of neglect and just moved back into running and to San Francisco said:
"Nike had their big 26.2 women only marathon here last fall and while I heard
that the course was difficult as far as marathons go I think that the course
planners realize that SF is a very hilly city and plan accordingly. I mean a
lot of people who aren’t from here run them and and even the people who live
here and run hardcore don’t appreciate an especially hilly marathon course.
Soooo what I’m saying is that I think you’ll do fine. You’ve had so many years
running experience and I know your work ethic and willpower, I really think
you’ll do great.
"AND OF COURSE you can stay with me!"
(Note: I wasn’t asking to stay with her; when I asked her the question, I jokingly said I wasn’t trying to wrangle free lodging, but given we haven’t seen each other in nearly five years, it’d be great to catch up a bit!)
As soon as registration opens, I’m signing up. Then I’ll keep an eye out for travel deals a couple of months before the big event. Then I’ll fly to San Francisco, try to get a good night’s sleep on Saturday the 22nd, and then stretch nervously at the starting line. I can do it! I know I can. My runs seem to be getting better and faster now that the weather is slowly improving. Eep. Eep. Eep.
I’m scared, but at least I finally have a plan.
