Friday, June 5, 2009

Just in case you wondered:

I DID IT! I have finished my first week of marathon training, which ended with my first long run this morning.

My schedule this last week was 3 miles on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with my long run falling on today. The short runs were pretty do-able and fun, actually. But last night, I got really, really nervous. So nervous that I started getting ready for bed at 9, was in bed by 9:45, and asleep by 11. (This is after a week of going to bed at midnight.) I know that seasoned marathoners would laugh at the (to them, paltry) six miles I had to complete this morning.

But me? I woke up and thought all kinds of crazy things like, "Why did I think this was a good idea?" "Maybe I will do this tomorrow instead." "What if I don't finish?" And "I immediately regret this decision." But I got dressed, surprising myself with each article of clothing I managed to don, eventually finding myself wearing my complete running garb. (Looking down in surprise, "Oh! Hello, there, clothed and out-of-bed-at-six girl. Who are you?") I did put my underwear on inside-out, but I didn't notice that until I was done anyway, so....I like to think it gave me an extra boost, somehow.

When I got outside, I realized with a jolt that I had already done 90% of the battle--I was out there, I was beginning, and I was committed to finish. That realization made me grin like a fool for almost the first full mile.

So now I'm back, intact, underwear still on inside-out (oh hush, I'm sure you were wondering), and my muscles are not quite stretched out yet. But I had to record this first little success. I can look forward to the marathon and become entirely overwhelmed at the thought of 26.2 miles, or I can take it one portion at a time, and be excited that today I successfully finished the first week of my 18 weeks of training. :) Whew. And now I'm going to go eat. I'm famished.

One last thing.

Dear Santa Clara,

Why have a gas station fully equipped with a bathroom when said gas station doesn't even open until 8? I'm just saying. You know. Someone might just HAPPEN to need a bathroom at 6:30 in the morning.

Just saying.

Sincerely,
Frantic

17 comments:

Christy said...

Yeah! What an accomplishment! I am so impressed. You're gonna do this and you're going to be so amazingly proud of yourself that you'll glow for weeks!! (Not to mention the great exercise & discipline you're getting) Great Job, Rae!!

Emnacnud said...

good job rae, keep up the good work. i plan to do a large run (maybe not a full but at least a half marathon) after the baby comes. it is part of my weight loss plan.

Heidi said...

Oh, that is happy news! :) Thanks for sharing that and congrats on the run - you're inspiring.

midRae said...

Rae, right now I am so excited for you. I have wanted to run a marathin since my 25 year old was 3 years old. I have never made it mostly because I was a smoker until 3 1/2 years ago. You have definately inspired me and I am sitting here wondering what is your training schedule and is it something I could do? If you don't mind would you share? Love you and keep up the awesome work. As I said you are an inspiration to many.

midRae said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Abby said...

YAY!!

(I love the letter to Santa Clara. HAHHAHA! Thank goodness you made it home in time...)

Kristy said...

You rock! It should get easier every week (theoretically), but whew! I would never WANT to do that. Maybe a triathalon with some variety, but don't think I could do the whole marathon thing.

Anonymous said...

YEAH!!! I swear the hardest part is getting up and out the door, that internal battle is the grueling part. What training schedule are you using?
Maybe you could ask the gas station for your own key...just for the potty breaks ;).

MariePhotographie said...

You crack me up. I smile every time I come here. Either that or I cry because I'm moved. Anyway, I'm so proud of you! Woohoo!

Kelly said...

Hehehehe. I love the lucky underwear! Maybe I'll try that... :)

Excellent job on the run, babe! 6 miles is ALWAYS something to be proud of! I hope you keep posting updates, they make me smile. :)

Qait said...

YAAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited for you and absolutely impressed.
Maybe even more so that you made it home without the bathroom break...because I know STORIES about you! >:D heh heh heh

Anna said...

Way to go Rae!

Kate said...

That is awesome, just remember to not look at the big picture but take it one day at a time. I am so excited for you.

Liz said...

Yeah, Rae!! Hey, what a way to start your day! Say, by the way, it will get easier! (What can I say--I got carried away) Do you think the inside-out underwear helped? I loved your letter to Santa Clara!
P.S. Katherine says she wants to get back together with Klevin, but personally, I think she's just attracted to the whole marathon thing.

Lara Neves said...

You are amazing. Even with your underwear on inside out or backwards or upside down. My hero. You.

Anonymous said...

I don't think I have really ever told you, but I am very proud of you for doing this. I think it takes amazing self control and motivation to get up in the morning and run, and then have to come home and take care of three kids! You are awesome and inspirational.

Andrea said...

Good for you. Would that I had your motivation.