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Oct
22
Yesterday before I left for work I took a quick peek at my email and saw the following message from Eliza:
I think you should come to New Orleans on Feb. 28, 2010, and run the Rock & Roll Mardi Gras half-marathon. The race is flat, there are bands along the way, the weather should be decent, it’s in New Orleans, there’s plenty of time to train, and it’s my 35th birthday! Just an idea, if you’re feeling crazy!
I smiled, thinking that of course I couldn’t do that, but it was sure nice of her to think of me. Then I gathered my things, got in my car, and started my drive to the office with Visqueen’s Message to Garcia blaring in my ears.
About the time I was crossing the I-90 bridge, I pulled out my earbuds, because I wasn’t listening to the music any more. My brain was back in front of that email, worrying at it like a dog with a bone. In order to distract myself from the pointless exercise of dedicating a single molecule of effort towards considering such a crazy endeavor, I started thinking of my response.
Hey, thanks for the suggestion, but I can’t because . . .
Well, because I can’t. Duh.
At that point, I did something I’m not really used to doing: I started picking apart the reasons I couldn’t, in order to look for solutions.
I can’t run 13 miles. Okay, valid. Right now, I cannot run 13 miles in a row. I can run a 5K, but never once have I finished a 5K thinking, woo, if only there were another 12 miles to run! It’s more like, OH DEAR SWEET JESUS THANK GOD THAT’S OVER WHERE’S THE FUCKING BAGELS.
But I have until February 28, 2010, to train. That’s four months. I know from experience there’s a lot a person can accomplish in four months.
I don’t have time to train. Dude, when the hell am I going to find time to run all week long? I work outside the house, I have two demanding kids, it’s dark in the morning and it’s dark at night, I don’t have a treadmill. There’s no way I can run often enough to work up the endurance for a half-marathon. No way.
But wait. Let’s think about this. Most half-marathon training schedules involve four days of running. Three of those days are relatively short runs, with one day that includes progressively longer runs. I could do the long run day on a weekend when JB is home to watch the kids. The other three days, well, maybe I could run early in the morning before the kids are up. Or right after JB takes them to school, before I get ready for work. Or squeeze in a run during lunchtime at the office. Or try and finish my work day early and run before dinner.
We’re talking about 25-45 minutes of running, I think, for each of those three days a week. Can I find that time? Scratch that, can I make that time? I think I can.
I can’t run in the winter. It’s going to be dark. It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be raining.
This is true. But I can suck it up, can’t I? Get some winter gear and deal with the fact that warm August evenings only happen in, you know, August?
Yeah. I can do that.
I can’t afford to travel. We don’t have a lot of extra money right now. Plus, Christmas is coming up and that always sets us back. There’s no way I can swing plane tickets and hotel costs for this.
But I have always, always wanted to see New Orleans. JB and I have been talking about taking a trip together for months. His folks would be willing to stay with the boys. A flight costs about $250, and hotels aren’t nearly as expensive as I would have guessed.
In the grand scheme of things, will it mean more to me to save that money? Will I look back on this and regret having spent the cash to accomplish such a huge goal, while traveling to a part of the country I’ve always wanted to visit? Will I be sorry I looked at this opportunity and found my way to yes, instead of sticking with no?
I don’t think so.
I’m saying yes. I’m going to run a half-marathon in New Orleans on February 28, 2010. Oh my god.
Eliza, AB, Erin, and Dawn are going to run it too. Psuedostoops, Sarah Lena, and Regan are thinking about it.
Want to join us?
If not, is there something else you want to commit to that’s bound to kick your ever-loving ass, that sounds completely fucking impossible until you dig your way through to the YES that’s buried in it? Because I can tell you right now, it feels really good. Terrifying, daunting, and like adding another fifty plates to the ones already spinning . . . but really, sincerely goddamned good.
I’m going to do this thing. Training starts next week.
Comments
128 Responses to “Fifty more plates”
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Awesome! Sounds like a great motivator for you to keep on track, and you and JB get some couple time out of it! A win/win.
:-)
Linda you will Rock.
I did the Ronk’n Roll 1/2 in Seattle this June and If I can do it you can do it.
Besides you and JB deserve a weekend away TOGETHER. No hunting, no blogher, just together.
GO FOR IT. I got Dog if you need me to watch her.
I really love this post. I totally do that pick-apart-in-your-mind thing until I finally say ‘you know what? Screw it, I’m doin it!’
It’ll definitely provide you with one hell of a February blog post!
You are a badass.
Linda, you are just awesome.
I couldn’t *walk* that far, but you are awesome!
I’m so jealous you get to run your first one so soon! I have to wait until MAY to run mine. But as long as the wait is, it was kind of nice to know that I have so much time to prepare and to convince myself I can do this. Four months is perfect – the program I adapted was for 3 mo.
KICK. ASS. You are awesome. Please let JB know that this decision entitles you to purchase any and all running- and exercise-related clothing, gadgets, and doohickeys. It’s in the Constitution!
Also, please, get new shoes frequently. You do not want to train really hard and end up with shin splints two weeks before the race. They say to replace them every 3-4 months, but I vote for doing it sooner than that given the mileage you’ll be racking up.
Woohoo!
I’m doing my first half next month. You can do this. Four months? No problem.
It helped me a TON to get all my runs onto the calendar. I’ve had to tweak my schedule now and again if something comes up, but in general it’s worked really well to have everything laid out.
I want to run a half marathon next fall, during The Blathering meet-up in Chicago on World Race Day. Scratch that. I’m COMMITTING to running a half marathon next fall.
I almost talked myself out of this one, claiming I didn’t have time to train. But you’re right – you can run a half marathon on short weekday runs and the long weekend run. I can’t even tell you how excited I am – it’ll be my first big (long) race in a while and I MISS IT.
YAY! I’m excited for you! I used to think the same thing “no way can I run 13 miles…” but then I started training and come January I’ll be doing the same thing!
Can’t wait to hear how your training goes – make sure to carry tissue when you run in the cold or you’ll have a snot-cicle LOL :)
If I were not going to be a month away from giving birth, I would totally join y’all!
You can SO do this. The long runs for half training are not *that* bad, so you can totally get them done on the weekends, and squeeze in the others during the week whenever you can.
It’s going to be awesome.
uh.ya. NO. I don’t run….. for more than 20 seconds. Now, if we were biking. I’d be there. Have a great Time. And I agree with the shoe suggestion. They say every 300 miles you should get a new pair.
Awesome! I don’t think I can do the February deadline, but what a great motivator. I need to get out and run more.
Thanks for laying out the whole thought process there, great post.
Also, just FYI, driving while wearing headphones in WA state is a $124 ticket. eek!
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/archives/154875.asp
Love this post – it’s a great goal. Back in my decidedly more fit college days I trained with friends for a March marathon. We trained in lots of ice and snow, it can be done!
I was the cheerleader when my friend ran the New Orleans marathon, and it was awesome. This is going to be so great.
Linda, you can do it! I just finished my first half-marathon (was always a 10K-er before that) and it was great! My longest run during my training was only 8.5 miles (my training plan got totally derailed by my undergoing surgery 4 weeks (and unable to run for 2 weeks after that) before the event). So, if I could do it, you definitely can do it!
YES! DO IT! I just did the VA Beach Rock n Run 1/2 marathon and it was exhilarating! I was never a runner until this year but I did it! AND like Amy, my training got derailed through out the summer due to injury, my longest run prior to the race was 7 miles. You can toootally do this!
I’ve looked into it, talked to my husband who thinks I’m nuts, and cleared the necessary day off with my boss: I’m in.
I am so, so proud of you. I’m actually in tears.
I DM’d you because I was embarrassed you’d be all, “I don’t want *her* to come,” but like I wrote: It’s on like Donkey Kong. I’m so in.
Oh I wished this worked into my training schedule! As of now, I already have a half marathon scheduled for April 10 to prepare for the San Diego Marathon on June 6. Plus February is our busy season. Hmm…
Gah, I have always wanted to see New Orleans!
I’ve always wanted to do the alzheimer’s walk (not nearly as impressive as running) in Seattle in Sept but I’ve never given myself the push to actually do it. I know this is WAY farther away than your commitment to run in Feb, but here, right now I am committing myself to doing it next summer.
Someone note this. I will need evidence to keep me in line when the reality of it all rolls around this spring.
Good luck on your newest adventure! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
So cool! I also ran the Seattle Rock & Roll half and never in a million years thought I could do it, but it’s SO fun with the bands and the adrenalin takes you through half the race, I swear.
Totally get the training part in the winter though — especially here in Seattle. A great training program that I used for the R&R in June was this one (http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm)the Novice training schedule (previous long runs included several “I think I’m going to die” 5Ks. I think that it really starts around 12 weeks out, so you’re practically there already.
Good luck!! Wish I could join cause you guys sound like an awesome group, but our travel budget is getting wiped so that I can go watch the hubby run the NY Marathon next weekend.
Oh come on, Meredith, why let something as ridiculous as a GIANT BABY UP IN YOUR SHIT get in the way of running a marathon?
I kid!
Linda!!! This is awesome. And I think the whole reflexive, saying-no thing is something I do too often — not just with challenges, but with stuff like traveling, or visiting, or being out with friends or just DOING something other than lying about on my fat ass.
I might not be super goal-oriented right now, but there are so many lessons I can learn, man. Saying yes is one of them.
(I’m not running a half-marathon, though. Not now, anyway.)
Also, pookahs, I kind of thought Linda meant that she was just, you know, playing music. You can listen to your iPod in the car without headphones pretty easily nowadays.
The link got hosed on my comment:
http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm
Good Luck! You can totally do this, you know.
FYI, there is a book called Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon, it’s pretty practical and written for the average person, not runner, you might wanna check it out.
GOOD FOR YOU! And off topic, I saw that someone offered to watch Dog, which makes me remember your post about Cat. I might have missed the update, but cat never came back? Boo, sad. :(
Wow! I’m so impressed, Linda. Like Lawyerish, I’m about to give birth (3 weeks away!) and I hope to get into my running again afterwards. I haven’t run regularly in quite a while and the weather down here in Bend (read: snow, ice, cold, dark) may make it difficult but my husband was sweet and got me Yak Trax last year so maybe it’s doable?! Wish me luck on that. I really need to do something because since I have gestational diabetes, I’m more at risk for regular diabetes. Plus, my husband and I are 39 & 40, respectively so we need to remain “young” for our little ones. It’s not their fault we didn’t meet until later in life. That will be our motivation: our kids. Oh, and the fear I’ll have to stick myself with a needle the rest of my life! :o)
Don’t you love that feeling you get when you make a decision, even if you have to work toward it, and you just know, in you gut, that it is the RIGHT decision for you? Might not be the easiest but it is RIGHT.
I enjoy and I seem to be missing that as I reflexively say ‘no’ to things I’d like to do. So thanks for giving me the inspiration to look at these offers and find ways to say ‘Yes’. Lets face it, it’s the special moments in life that we’ll look back on, not the humdrum that (in my case anyway) ties us down.
I wish your blog had “edit” on comments. Don’t know why this bothers me, but I’m 39, hubby is 40. Let’s not make me any older than I already am.
OK. I’m done.
I’m running one in a month. Let’s see how I feel after the first half-marathon before I commit to a second one.
But it is tempting. Very, very tempting.
I am so, so excited for you! My most recent 1/2 marathon was the San Jose rock ‘n’ roll one a few weeks ago. The bands were fun, and the race had the best starting line set-up I’ve ever seen (free bagels, bananas, water, salt packets, & enough bathrooms).
Before my first 1/2 marathon, in July, I used this training plan from Runners World http://tinyurl.com/67cvnh and loved it. Just 3 days a week, and I did the speed work on the treadmill at the gym (easier for me that way) and the long run on the weekend. It worked too – I finished the race at almost exactly my goal time.
That’s awesome! Try one of those vacation rental sites, maybe you could get a cool apartment for the week for the same price as a hotel.
You inspired me and my sister with your Triathlon experience and now I am signed up for a local tri. It feels so good to have a plan. Thanks for the inspiration!! You are awesome and motivational!!
Yeah!
If it helps, my best friend has done a half marathon each year for the past two years, and she has THREE boys – twins and a singleton – but she’s seriously committed and I know you will be too!
Best of luck woman! You can do it!
Oh, I am so, so thinking of doing this. I have done a half and two full marathons, but those were 7 years ago. I live in a neighborhood which has HILLS! MOUNTAINS! and they scare the bejesus out of me. But, I was reading one of your posts last week about setting goals for yourself and I suck hind tit when it comes to goal setting, so maybe this is the kick in the ass I need.
And, for what it’s worth, running in shitty weather ALWAYS makes me feel like, “Fuck yeah, put my ass in a Nike ad!” I loved coming home wet, and muddy because I was “that girl” who I used to see running in crappy weather and I would think “that girl” was hard core, and she was now, me.
What a good decision! Can’t wait to hear about the training.
Yeah!!! I ran the Mardi Gras Half in 2008 – I had only started running a year before that and I managed to run (very slowly) the whole way. 4 months is plenty of time to train since you’re already in shape. I was 36 weeks pg last Mardi Gras so I didn’t run it, but I’m training for it this year. So happy you’ll be running it too! I know some great guesthouses for rent in the uptown area if you want to see what its like to be in New Orleans and not just the French Quarter.
ooh, maybe i’ll do it too. i’ve done it several times. i’m doing a new half marathon here next weekend.
and i can’t believe i had to read your post to hear my friend regan is coming to town.
yeesh! she’s in trouble now.
Wow. I mean….WOW! You are ridiculously motivating. My husband ran his first 5k a few weeks back and will be tackling his first half marathon next weekend. I totally support him, of course, but I also think he is INSANE.
As for me? Well….I doubt I could run around the block without passing out so I’ve been toying with the idea of running the same 5k he did. That gives me a flippin’ YEAR to prepare but, trust me, I will need that.
I can totally see someone in New Orleans saying no to a half marathon in Seattle in February, but a half marathon in sunny New Orleans with bands playing along the way and Louisiana food at the end? HELL YEAH.
Glad you found your way to yes on this one because it will be a memory maker for you and JB.
Plus this
http://mardigras.marathonhotelguide.com/
I am… thinking about it. Gotta get back from the honeymoon first, and then you know, learn how to run, but it’s definitely tempting. I used to do 13 miles in my sleep training for the 3-Day… is half-marathoning any different? You know, besides the running part?
Would you have me if I said yes?
Yay! I’ve been thinking about doing this 1/2 too. I lived in NOLA for years and my husband still has family there, so it’s completely worth the trip for us. And you just blasted through all of my rationalizations for not going thru with the training, so count me in too :)
It’s seems sort of crazy, but I’ve been looking for something to train for, and it sounds fun, so I’m totally in. I think my husband and I will bring the kid, though. Is that a really bad idea? We haven’t left her yet.
you have inspired me – and I love NOLA! I also wouldn’t feel that guilty if I went on an eating binge after the race (yummm… gumbo, po boys, etc). Can you post your training schedule? I can’t start training for a few weeks as I had a c section on 10/5, but I’d love to have something to train for (and to do with my maternity leave time)!
Yay!!!! I did the AK (auckland down here in little old New Zealand) half marathon last Novemeber – I trained but not nearly as much as what I should have. On the day (IT.ALMOST.KILLED.ME.DEAD) but I ended up running the entire bloody thing in 2 hours 10 minutes – it is possible and by god it is a buzz, best thing I did last year by a long shot.
Not doing it again next month, still recovering after last years ……….. But good luck for your training, you’ll kick arse x
So I’m just one person who stumbled upon your blog about a year ago, and I live across the country from you and we’ll never meet, but reading your stories has motivated me to join both a weight loss competition and a beginner to 5K running program this week. So maybe, in a little way, knowing that you’re an inspiration to me and so many others who read your words daily might be enough to help push you through to your goal!
Good luck to you, good luck to me, and good luck to all of the other women out there setting goals and REACHING them!
Oh my goodness. Here I was feeling all proud of myself for toughing out 90 minutes on the yoga mat after an earlier workout class in the evening, and you’re kicking all goal-setting ASS by talking yourself into being your best. : ) Good for you!
I won’t wish you luck, since you don’t need it — after all, you have something much, much better: faith in yourself and awesome willpower.
Go kick (umm, more) ass!
Right on! :) Good for you!
I’m in. As a PacNW transplant, I’ve run 2 in Vancouver, 1 in Seattle, 1 in Whidbey. It’s only right to run one back in my homeland.
(Four months is plenty of time to get goin!)
Sundry – You can totally do this and not just finish but FEEL GOOD and enjoy your accomplishment. Three days of running a week (2 short, 1 long) and you’re golden. I have a “busy women’s half marathon training guide” that I can scan and send you – I’ve used it and it works! Good luck and hooray 13.1!
Kick ass! Good luck to you.
{Chuckling…} Somehow I *knew* you were gonna end up at this point. With all that you have challenged yourself with, this is the next big challenge. And you’re gonna do GREAT.
Because of you, I got my arse in gear and did my 1st half marathon this summer – the Inaugural Rock ‘n Roll Seattle marathon – and then I did my 2nd one a few weeks ago, up here in my town. I’m not a runner and didn’t train to run the whole thing, but managed to run part of it, more the 2nd time. And boy, now I *want* to run a whole one. There’s nothing quite like it. And crossing that finish line? PRICELESS.
Wanna join me for the Seattle RnR the end of June 2010??
Hmmm….I think flying back from Japan might cost more than I’d like to spend. And I’d be all jet-lagged and groggy and trip over my feet (how’s that for an excuse?) But really- I’d entertain the idea not for the race but for the chance! to! meet! sundry! :)
You are AWESOME! I love how you came back to the idea and thought seriously about the reasons for “no”, then figured out how to make them “yes”. What’s the worst that could happen? You’d be really tired. You’d have to be rescued by the sag wagon or whatever it’s called. And you’d have a really great story to tell about it. Life is for living, and you are right in there living it!
Yay! New Orleans is SO awesome, I love it there. Congratulations!
I’ve been following your blog for several months now (and like a dork, read almost all of your archives!) and you’ve inspired me.
I? Am not a runner. Never have been. I’m a swimmer, we’re different and, okay, a bit snobby about not being runners. Well, some of us, anyway.
But I’m going to do it! There’s a 5-mile race in Anchorage (150 miles from where I live in southcentral Alaska) next June and I’m going to do it!
I’ve never run that far in my life! I haven’t run a mile since middle school! In the ’80s! Also, I’m seriously out of shape and I have asthma and I have to quit smoking to do this. I’m also scared to death.
But I’m doing it anyway. Eeek!
That’s kick-ass! One of my best pals ran the Seattle R&R 1/2 marathon in June. I cheered her along at a few checkpoints and met her at Qwest when she finished. She’d never run more than a 5k prior to last June, but she followed the Hal Higdon novice plan (as linked above) and ran no more than 10 miles as her longest run before race day. She was scared shitless before the race and was totally positive she’d piss/crap/vomit/fall down along the route. She didn’t (thank god, I would have been forced to claim her!). She’s now “hooked” on running half-marathons and is even going to R&R Vegas this Dec. I’m so proud of her. The R&R atmosphere on race day was fantastic, even from a spectator’s perspective. I know you’ll “rock it”. Quite frankly, my ass is too big to consider NOLA in Feb, but I’m creeping along towards R&R Seattle next June. By then, you’ll probably run the whole damn thing! Way to go!
Hell yeah, lady. You can do it.
Last year I ran a half and full marathon so I know I can do it. I’ve just got to find those cheap flights you were talking about….
If you do this, I might finally be motivated to get on my elliptical gathering dust in the living room. I hope. Baby Steps. I know you can do it, and I am looking forward to reading about your progress. I bet it will be a phenomenal experience.
You can DO IT!!!! Just prepare carefully and methodically! I just ran the Amsterdam Half Marathon last weekend. Here are my tips:
1. follow a training program – I really like Hal Higdon’s half marathon training program.
2. Crosstrain! If you run every single day you will hurt yourself. Really focus on putting other cardio and strength into your routine: yoga, swimming, burpees, biking, 30Day Shred. I ended up running about three times a week – two short runs and one long one on the weekends, but overall I have been working out 6 days a week. And let me just say – I am not especially athletic! I just got into the swing of this!
3. Concentrate ESPECIALLY on strenghtening your HIPS and your knees around your IT Band – these get sore from lots of running, and in a race you do more dodging side to side than you’d think, so make sure your hips and knees are STRONG.
Good luck! It will be so much fun and you will feel so ACCOMPLISHED!!!
I am proud of you already.
I will print out this amazing piece of self-motivation again and again- and it will be posted on every.wall.around.me.
You rock.
Fantastic! I’m so glad you’re going for it, it’ll be awesome. You’ve motivated me to start running again too!
Just to make you feel a bit better, the 5K is just over 3 miles, so you only have to do an extra 10 miles (not 12). And 13miles is just a bit more that 12 miles, and 12 mile is almost 20K – SO you can already run 1/4 of this race. Piece of piss really.
J. speaks the truth about hips! That’s probably what was most painful for me when I trained three years ago … I think they just weren’t ready for those longer runs. Stretching the bejeezus out of them helped — not much feels better than a really good hip stretch during race training — but yeah. Hips. ANYWAY — I am really thrilled about this, clearly.
Dude, you’re the coolest. Seriously, you’re my adult hero. Go you!
Now should I start running so I can convince you to come to Philadelphia?
Good luck girl! Because of you I ran my first 5k in September. Because of you I get off my ass each day and work out…or at least think about it (had a one month lapse, but back at it). LOL Because of you I am thinking of running the 10 mile part of the Twin Cities Marathon in 2010. And because of you, I AM GOING TO DO IT! Thank you for being so inspiring!
If you have not looked into a training program yet Hal Higdon has great training programs for running races – that is what I have been doing for 5ks and they are perfect!
I am already committed (TERRIFIED) to running the Mini Marathon in Indy May 8th. Excited but scared and it is even further away.
I work full time and have two kiddos. Prior to June, I thought there was no way I could train for anything much less workout (which I was all WAIL poor me I am so fat and I have no time to workout… totally lying to myself of course!) but we have totally made it work.
When it was summer it was easier running outside, etc… but I took to running at the Y in the evenings after the kids are in bed. I usually leave by 8pm and if I do not lift weights I am usually home by 9:00p. If I lift weights, it is a bit later. Anyway, it works out.
You can do this – good luck!
I need to do this. I ran two races this year (5k qualifier and the country’s most popular 10k–the Bolder Boulder) They were my first attempt at running and it was awesome. I was supposed to run a half with my running partner last Sunday–he did and I didn’t due to various shitty reasons. I’m mad at myself for giving up and think that running 13 miles two days after I turn 31 has a nice symmetry to it. N’Awlins, look out!
I *so* wish I could join you guys, but I can’t afford to fly to New Orleans, no way, no how. I did recently join my local running club, and committed to running the Baystate Marathon with them (held in my town, so no plane tickets necessary) next October.
You’ll do great, though, and I will be cheering for everyone from my house on February 28th.
So glad you are going to do it! New Orleans is a great place to visit. You’ll give us all inspiration…especially me in my third trimester sitting on my fat ass by then. You go girl!!!
No seriously, a friend and I were discussing this exact race yesterday at lunch. I ran it a few years ago and it was amazing! Since then, I have also had two kids (3.5 yrs and 14 mo) and haven’t run much since. I’m so in. If we were a football team, I’d totally huddle with you, slap your rear for encouragement and yell BREAK! It’s so on…
I might have lied about the race being TOTALLY flat. There might be a (minor) overpass or two. But it’s MOSTLY flat. And I think people come to it to set PRs and such. So — just felt the need to say this. Pumped!
I think that is great, i took up running about 7 weeks ago; we have our first 5K on November 7th. I am at 3 miles now so i needed a new goal so i am signing up for our Turkey Trot 10K on thanksgiving morning which also means i can eat whatever the hell i want thanksgiving day! My ultimate goal will be a 1/2 marathon…if i can set that goal, honey you can totally do it! you are very inspirational, i just told my husband the other day i wanted to do a triathlon because of you, you are so motivating for me! you can totally do this!
You rock. Seriously.
Seriously so inspiring! Thanks, I needed that today.
Totally awesome. Half Marathons are my favorite distance to run, for all the reasons you mentioned: it’s challenging, yet the training doesn’t require massive rearrangements to your lifestyle.
Got get ‘em, Linda. This is awesome. (And of course, now I’m wondering if I can join you …)
ME TOO! ME TOO! My friends and I have already made plans to do this as a birthday celebration for one of them who is turning 33. You will love New Orleans. It’s only a two-hour drive from where I live. I started training this week for a Jan 10 half-marathon, and I’m using the Hal Higdon 12-week plan for novices. GOOD LUCK!!
I am running the San Antonio R&R half in November. I didn’t know how I was going to run 13 miles until I joined our local Galloway training program. I do 2 short runs during the week, and a long run Saturday mornings. We’re doing 14 miles tomorrow at 5:30 a.m., to “tear down the wall.” I would have never imagined I could do it, but 4-5 months of training with a group has made all the difference in the world. 13 miles will be a piece of cake!
I never thought I could run 13.1 miles either, but on November 8th, I am doing my first half marathon.
The training? I added a mile each weekend, so I am up to 12 miles for my long run this weekend. During the week, I do 3-4 miles 2-3 times a week. And it works. You will be amazed.
Good luck!
if the course is the same as it was two years ago, it will be completely flat. the overpasses eliza mentions are on the old course. i’ll only do it if it’s the new course, though, because it’s much nicer.
You can totally do this!!! I’m running my 3rd half marathon next weekend. I’m a 38yr old single Mom who still weighs about 15lbs more than I’d like. I run 4 days in a good week, 3 days in a more typical one. No problem!!!! And the money thing…my first was in Bermuda, have.never.regretted.it. EVER.
good luck! Use priceline for hotels, they are all decent and you get great deals. Have fun.
You’ve inspired me! I’m going to do it too. I’m seven weeks postpartum and I need to get rid of this baby fat. I was already thinking about getting back into running, so your post was a great motivator. I have family in south LA so I can leave the kids with them and run with my husband. Thanks for the kick in the butt! Maybe I’ll see you there!
You = badass.
And it’s funny how thinking “I can’t” is the default for a lot of us. Well, I applaud you for questioning the default.
You can absolutely do this! If you want, email me and I’ll send the training plan I used for my first half marathon. It’s a realistic (and fulfilling) goal filled with curse words. I’ve done 3 half-marathons now and can’t wait for my next. Let’s see…a Feb. trip someplace warm…I may just join you guys.
Half way through this post I was thinking, I hope she makes this a call out to all of us kinda thinking of embracing running and you did! I live only an hour away and I could do this, right? New Orleans is beautiful. I hope you love it.
That’s awesome. I love the behind-the-scenes view of how you motivate yourself, very useful for folks like me still looking to get out of “I can’t”!
I ran my first step ever in February so that people would stop asking me if I was pregnant again and I’d have to stop saying “NO, IT’S FREAKING LEFTOVERS FROM LAST TIME.” I now run 3-5 miles 3x week. I’m thinking I need a goal, though, and a half marathon cuts it, I think… I’d like to hear about your training schedule, since you seem to struggle with running like I do!
I just did the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco last Sunday. It is totally doable! I’m turning 40 next month, have 2 small boys (5 and 2) and an understanding, helpful hubby. You are in much better shape than I am so if I can do it, you can! Four months is a lot of time. I started my training in August so that was less than 4 months. I did it through Team In Training but you can look on Runner’s World website and find a training plan there. Good luck!
you ROCK. I love your description of the “yes buried in the no” — totally awesome.
Mine is in building a website business to do from home while I learn to be a mother starting in March. Wow.
Thank you!
Jonniker-
Sundry wrote “I pulled out my earbuds” which is what I was referring to. But maybe I am dense and they are metaphorical ear buds. :)
I trying to find issue or nit pick, just giving a heads up. I would personally HATE to get a huge ticket for rocking out to music. I know someone who has been ticketed for wearing their ipod earbuds while driving on I-90 (same stretch of road Sundry mentions) Thats all…
wait, you drive with headphones in? Isn’t that bigtime against the law? And dangerous?
Like bridge traffic isn’t bad enough… oh Sundry, I do love you, but not okay!
Dude,
I’m in. I’m doin’ it. I’ve pissed out of training for two half-marathons, and I’m out of excuses.
Also 2/28 is both my brother and mom’s birthdays. My brother passed away on his third birthday from complications related to Downs Sundrome and my mom is currently battling a terminal illness. I can’t think of a better way to show them the strength that both of their fights have given me as a person.
Oh, and the benefit of uninterrupted sleep, and perhaps even six, away from the pitter patter of two nocturnal toddlers is also pretty appealing :-).
Maybe we can scoop one another off teh pavement.
Thanks for kicking my ass into this disaster-in-the making.
Oh and that would be sex, not six . . . you know it’s needed when you’ve lost the ability to spell it.
GROAN. Listen, my crappy earbuds aren’t *nearly* as loud as my actual stereo, so consider me a good fucking Samaritan. I have never once allowed an ambulance to get up behind me while I blissfully rocked out.
PS: U R FOCUSING ON THE WRONG PART OF THIS ENTRY OMG
If you’re looking for inspiration to get you running (especially distance) I SOOO recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256347625&sr=1-1
It’s part non-fiction adventure narrative, part straight running information and it got me back on the road after a 4 year (read: 2 child) hiatus that I thought was going to be permanent. Read the comments on the amazon entry – it’s a great read!
Since I’m sorta ADD and wasn’t really keeping up with who’s in and who’s.. not.. can you make a big ole list and maybe we can get a block of rooms booked together?
Also, I second the whole HIPS thing. Post pregnancy, OHMYGOD, HIPS with the hurting and the popping and the making me OLD and nothing I can do makes them not hurt and/or pop. But I’m also Italian and that’s where we store our extra fat, so maybe it’s the pressure of being laden with fettucini.
The end and thanks.
You can do it and you’ll be amazed that you waited this long to try it. Halfs are the best – easy to train for with a great sense of accomplishment. Good luck!
I’m expecting my first baby Feb. 5th so no-go on half marathons. But I HAVE done a half marathon (in high school, BUT STILL). I would love to run and be healthy next year. Thanks for the inspiration!!
You are the one who broke through the “I can’t” for me. I can’t use my age as an excuse, because we’re almost exactly the same age. Can’t use the fact that I have not been terribly athletic in the past, because you weren’t either, and look at you now. Can’t use the excuse that I’m too busy, because… you get the picture. I’ve been fighting it for a long time, but this past week, the switch finally flipped, and in four days of working out I’ve worked up to 45 minutes on my garage-sale-find elliptical machine. I actually enjoy it, and I thank you from afar every day for being the motivating force that got me to the place where I feel that awesome “I worked out hard today” feeling.
Look at all these comments! Look at how many people are better off because of you! You are an inspiration to many, many people and I’m proud to “know” you.
I am not going to run a marathon in four months. But because of you, I am now exercising from time to time, I need to commit to regular exercise. Thanks for being so inspirational.
You know you can do the marathon. You have proven to yourself and everyone who reads your blog you can do anything. You rock, you don’t let yourself down, you can do it if you WANT to do it.
Driving with headphones? Still not cool.
Linda,
Reason # 46885958 why I think you ROCK!
Go get it Girl!
Great job! I KNOW you can do it. Just delurking for a minute to tell you that even though you may have to TRAIN in the cold and the dark, it is just as likely to be 80 in New Orleans on Feb. 28 as it is 30! I spent 25 years there, and go back frequently. That is where I go to get away from the cold!! In fact it is probably MORE likely to be warm and gorgeous…I would HATE to run anything there in August. The heat and humidity will kill you!
Here via TranceJen to say good for you. I have not (will never) run a marathon in New Orleans because it’snot my sport, but I have rowed two marathons in Natchitoches, LA – and I have to say there’s nothing like rewarding yourself afterward with some good Cajun shrimp. Or crawfish, if it’s the right season.
By the way, I echo what Roz said about temperature: our marathons are in November, and while one year I rowed it in long sleeves and tights, another year I needed only shorts and a tank.
Just sharing, but I ran my first Half Marathon beginning of this month – took 3 mos to train, and it was much easier than I expected. You’ve got it exactly right on the training – you’ll be surprised how fast your body adapts to the longer distances. My race time was faster than I ever expected, I had an amazing playlist on the ipod courtesy of some good friends, and the whole experience was cathartic and spiritual and amazing and a testament to what a person can accomplish once they decide to go for it. You will not regret this – what an amazing opportunity – my only advice – get good shoes!
You are mental. In a good way, sure, but mental nonetheless.
Three things:
1. February in New Orleans is so not February anywhere else, cold-wise. You’ll be fine!
2. And it’s Mardi Gras! Funnest, most paradiest, costumiest time ever!
3. If you do this I might weirdly come out with a big crazy sign like, “Hi Internet Lady! I’ve never met you but wow you’re in my city and gee shucks have a great run!” so don’t be weirded out if that happens ;-)
If I weren’t having a baby somewhere around January 20th I would totally be there. I love how you picked apart your excuses. When I started running, a friend told me her mantra – there is no excuse good enough. Good luck! You’ve got quite a cheering squad. Keep us up to date on how things are going.
Yay! I am headed to New Orleans on Wednesday to celebrate Halloween there. I love New Orleans very much so I am glad to see you said yes.
Good luck! I’ve run several half marathons and two full marathons. There’s nothing like the thrill of accomplishing a big goal that you’ve been training months for.
Although I read your blog often, I’ve never commented. I live in New Orleans and am excited about your decision to run the MG marathon. I’m doing it too and I’ve never even run a 5K. I’m training with the Team in Training group to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in memory of a good friend who died of cancer and who walked the marathon in 2003. I start my training this week as I’ve just recovered from sinus surgery. GOOD LUCK TO YOU! Maybe we’ll meet when you come to N.O.L.A.
Awesome! Congrats and good luck!
YOU CAN DO IT!
I know I’m late to the party commenting here but seriously, you can do it.
We have a huge marathon here in our fine city and I made it my 2008 New Year’s Resolution to run the half marathon portion. I started training in January. In Ohio. I ran in the snow and ice and slush and all before I learned why Under Armor is so fucking important (and why it’s so expensive – b/c it’s made from unicorn tears, it’s that good).
I will tell you that I was so goddamn proud of myself (I trained solo and ran it solo) that there were a few times during the race that I started to cry and had to remind myself to not do that, dummy, lest I hyperventilate and screw it all up and by god I’d come this far, I wasn’t screwing it up.
I had plans to run this year’s half but got knocked up then miscarried and knocked up again and it threw my training off. So? I’ve decided to set a loose goal to run it (just 5 mos. shy of giving birth at the end of this December). Did I mention that I haven’t run at all this pregnancy but instead took up swimming?
Yeah.
So, you go girl!
Oh yes, the is something I just started training for…the trivalley tri! Scasry as I haven’t swum in over 25 yrs, almost been that long for bike riding, and running? Uh, not with the size of the “girls”. WAY too uncomfortable! But, as I’ve sadi before, you looked like you had so much fun on your tri, that I decided, what the hell?!
Adult swim class? Check, started last week. Just me, who has swimming experience, and 2 other ladies with NONE. He doesn’t quite know what to do between us all, as I threw him with my “My goal? Triathalon training.” And frankly, it was a helklish big hurdle just walking out to the pool in a swim suit! ack! LOL And have a co-worker, who does open water swimming, who is willing to take me out to Lake Washington starting in March, as I want as much experience with that as possible by July.
Bicycle? Check. Got it last Thursday then attempted to ride to my swim lesson. Didn’t manage the steep hills, and my legs almost went on strike, but were on the move! But definitely need cold/wet weather gear for riding in.
Running? Actively working to that point. Got the Ennell running bra for big boobular women, but it’s too big! Sent it back for an exchanged smaller size. And buying good running shoes this week. So when all of the gear is here and working, out I go with my iPod.
Ass getting kicked? Check. But by gods, I will be in the best shape of my life, and 3 tris this summer/fall is a goal I intend to complete! Thanks again for the motivation! :)
i’ve probably told you this sometime in the last five or so years that i’ve been reading your blog, but i think you’re amazing.
Damn you – I just signed up for the NOLA half marathon. :) Seriously, thank you for being an inspiration to us – reading your posts has pushed me to do things I’d normally never consider…
Hooray! I’m new to running and finished my first 5K in September. I want to run a half-marathon next year (local, in Indianapolis) and have been debating which one to go for: a fall one so I can train in warmer months, or a spring one so I can funnel my energy into training right now? I’m still undecided, but I know I want to do it. Reading about your training will be a good motivator for me.
Good luck, Linda! And be sure to share any tips and resources you come across along the way.
You know, the possibility of doing something like this actually motivates me to start running, not because there’s any way in hell this is something I could do in 2010, but maybe in 2011? It would be something to work toward, anyway. And good for you, and yay for saying yes!
Linda,
Maybe it’s the big-ass storm hitting Denver right now and causing cabin fever, but I’m on board. I don’t blog, I rarely comment, but I’ve kept up with your blog and some of those others for several years now. I’m barely at 5K-ability right now, but holy cats. Registering today.
Ana
Dude . . . just noticed ur response to my entry and I’m not sure how to interpret or respond.
Was ur point that I’m a dumbass and ur a good samaritan (not that I’m saying that’s not the case).
[...] And then she posted this. [...]
soooooo, couple months into training. how are you feeling? i just finished my first half on december 13, and i can 100% say that YOU. CAN. DO. IT. the adrenaline, the people you meet, the booze afterward make the 4 months of training and pain all worth it. good luck in NO – i’ll be doing my 2nd half that day in texas! :)
Saw this ad today and thought about you guys running the NOLA half-marathon. http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/725094