-
Older Entries
- Best birthday weekend ever
- On such a winter’s day
- Off to the deep end
- That’s what kids do
- We now paws (HAAA) for dog identification
- What’s been happening around here
- Skin deep
- 3 workout DVDs that will kick your butt
- His own man
- Friendships and firepower
- Resolved
- Update on Vioguard
- Yearly recap: 2011
- Hook, line, and sinker
- Heartbeat
-
Find me elsewhere
Read my column via Facebook
Daily piffle:
Photos
Mar
4
During the last couple miles of the race on Sunday I had two thoughts foremost in my mind: one, that it would all be over soon and I just had to hang in there for, like, twenty more minutes; and two, that I was never ever EVER going to try and do a full marathon because there is pushing yourself and then there is plain old masochism and holy fuck I think I know which side of street 26.2 miles lives on.
I said as much to the friendly Minneapolis couple I was seated next to on my flight home. They told me I should come do the Twin Cities race in October because the leaves are so pretty, and I said I’d love to, but only if there was a half. “I mean, twenty-six miles,” I said, and twirled my finger next to my temple. They agreed, and we had a hearty chuckle over the batfuck insanity of running for five straight hours. Who DOES that?
. . . you can probably guess where this is going, right?
Yeah.
I really don’t know either, but I’ve got eight weeks to figure it out.
Comments
96 Responses to “Next”
Leave a Reply
-
Stuff I Like:
Eureka Enviro Floor Steamer.
Why did I not buy this YEARS ago? WHY? OH MY GOD MY LIFE IS FOREVER CHANGED.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Clear Skin Cream.
Maaaajor difference in my skin since I started using this. I alternate with Pond's so my face doesn't get too dried out.
Magic Bullet.
I use this almost every single day to make a smoothie. Really a surprisingly awesome little kitchen tool.
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm.
Amazing lip balm that gives natural color and somehow makes your lips look more full.
Voluspa Candle.
Discovered via Jennie. These candles smell wonderful (at least the Goji/Orange scent does), and I love the pretty tin.
NARS Flamenco Lipstick.
Whoorl was right, this is the perfect red lipstick.
I think reading your post last night is the reason I had a dream that I’d entered a race that was 21 miles long. HA! ME! Who can only run for five minutes on the treadmill and only on a good day! Also, this race was half running and then half cycling. Like a biathlon but not. Also it included a stop at a cafe for lunch. I think we should actually create this race for real and make a million. You in?
I’m not sure what to say other than ask WHY?
Mazel tov! I am so proud of you and so inspired by you. You will do great and I can’t wait to hear all about it and see a picture of your face at the finish line.
Welp. I’ll say good luck! Love your passion, determination, and shooting for the stars.
Maybe someday I’ll share my ‘marathon’ (as in one and only) experience with you :) I will say I’m glad I did it. There just won’t be another one.
Ha!!
It sure is addictive (so I’ve heard…I’m training for my first marathon right now).
GOOD LUCK!
Excellent! Way to carpe the diem, Linda.
Girl, you are hard core. HAVE A BLAST.
I think you will kick that marathon’s ass.
Good luck!
You’re awesome! Way to grab life by the balls…or something.
Jillian: uh, no thanks. But I appreciate the oh-so-timely and generous offer. : )
I can’t help but notice there is a half marathon option… but you decided to go for the full. Way to push yourself!
You are part of my motivation for training for my first 5k. Cute, right? But you gotta start somewhere.
Holy crap! You just keep going for it don’t you? I think that’s awesome!
The year that my dad was going to turn 50, he decided to sign up, train and run the Chicago marathon. I’m not sure he loved it with a capital “L,” but it seems that his sense of accomplishment and endurance was worth the running for 6 hours.
No.Fucking.Way
Somehow I saw this coming. You will kick marathon butt, no worries.
The only marathon I’ll be partaking in is of the TV variety. Maybe BSG or Stargate.
Do they have lying like a lump in front of a computer screen marathons?
HAHA! Awesome! Marathons are like tattoos, apparently: you can’t stop at just one.
Even though I think you are a bit suicidal, at least you are attempting this feat while you are still in full training mode etc. Good luck!
You go girl!
Congratulations, Linda. You amaze me. Once you’ve run a marathon, you know, I am pretty sure there is some sort of induction ceremony into the ranks of the Indisputably Hardcore. I think you get a sash (OF BULLETS).
Because of you and one other friend, I have drastically adjusted my beliefs about my own capabilities. I doubt I have thanked you enough for that.
Wait a minute. Since the only thing stopping you from coming for the Twin Cities race (which goes right through my neighborhood, by the way) was the LENGTH, I assume this means I can expect you for dinner in October? Right? RIGHT??
The Twin City Marathon runs right by my house. It is a beautiful route and if you come, I’ll be in the crowd cheering you on (while relaxing on a beach chair). :)
Dude. Eight weeks? OMG. My body is miserable doing the half marathon training I am doing right now. I am planning to wait at least four-five months before attempting the full marathon thang. You must be made of STEEL, lady! Seriously. That kicks ass.
Congrats! You’ll do great!
October is gorgeous here! (Assuming we don’t get a blizzard…frankly anything is possibly here as far as the weather goes!)
Ha! You are awesome. I don’t where you’re going to find time to train for a marathon, but I’m sure you’ll manage. Good luck!
Well, OBviously you’re going to do a marathon next. Hell, you’re already halfway there, so the other 13.1 is just more of the same.
You’re going to love/hate it — it’s the best/worst thing I think a person can do, but in a really, really good, mind-blowingly satisfying way.
Jeebus, you’re a rockstar!
Naw, it won’t be 5 hours of running. You’ll do it in 4, no problem. :)
p.s. This new goal doesn’t surprise me in the least.
I trained for a marathon once. The arthritis in my hips eventually forced me to quit. But for me, the big motivation was to see old friends from law school, one of whom was living in San Diego and one in D.C. I viewed it as a mini-law school reuinion and was very, very happy to train for it with tht goal in mind, and was very sad when it didn’t come to pass.
WOW well I will say that I am very proud of you. I can not run to save my life but I can skate all day long. The local skating/Walking/Biking trail near me had a run/walk/skate 5k one year and I loved it. But you could not pay me enough money to train for a marathon.
I do wish you luck and hope that you accomplish this. Come by and check out our blog sometetime. We think It is fun.
Karen
Awesome! After watching the finishers of the MGM last weekend, though, I was damn glad I’d only done the half. And I’ve done two full marathons.
Good luck!
Yo go girl!! You can do anything :)
Hey Linda,
You totally can do it but as someone who has done both a full and a half marathon, the training is somewhat different. I know you are already registered and you seem fit enough to do it, don’t overtrain or your running days will be short-lived. My recommendation is to aim for another half this spring and then do a full in the fall. That way you will have a better base of fitness going into the high mileage training and less chance of injury from overuse. Just my 2 cents.
Shut the F up. Congrats!
You are so awesome.
That is so cool! You will do a great job, and the best thing is that you have already been training, so you can just keep on going. :-) In 8 weeks, you will definitely be able to add 7 more miles to your long run. I have run 2 marathons (NYC and Grandma’s), and both times my longest training run was 20 miles. They say that you can make the last 6.2 on adrenaline, and they are right. Even though, for a back-of-the-pack runner like me, that means another HOUR of running! It is such an awesome accomplishment. I am so excited for you!!
Similar to other commenters, you have really inspired me. In fact, I am going to train for the KC 1/2 marathon this fall.
That’s f-ing amazing!
Amazing! Simply Amazing! You will do great! Congratulations on signing yourself up for another great adventure.
It makes a good amount of sense to sign up for a full at this point. I did the same a handful of years ago–finished my first half in January and thought, well, I’m halfway there already. And I signed up for a full in early June and just kept training.
Good for you.
WOW. You are possibly completely insane, but also hella inspiring.
GO YOU!
(And if you make it and want more, I concur that Minneapolis is BEAUTIFUL in October for that run – I lived there for 17 years.)
From one who has been there: take care of your knees and the rest will take care of itself. You already have the cardio capacity and strength, not to mention the mental fortitude/stubbornness–you’ll do great.
I will say that I am not terribly surprised but, um, yeah…batshit crazy. You will do great, I am sure, but, I still think it’s almost as insane a climbing Mt. Everest (just watched “Into Thin Air” and anyone who does that is nuts…).
Good luck. I will cheer you on (sitting on the couch with a huge latte…).
This post made me think of this book and you:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Talk-About-When-Running/dp/0307269191
Haruki Murakami is one of my all time favorite authors and even though I’m not a runner by any means, I did read ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running’ and thoroughly enjoyed it! Maybe it’ll feed you in some way for your next marathon?
Gah! You’re crazy. And awesome. Crazy awesome.
OK, now I’m doing it. Checking out races near me. You have inspired me. I’m starting small though. 5K. No harm in that, right? We’ll see where it goes from there. Sky’s the limit. Thanks for the inspiration. Seriously. :-)
Woo-hoo – warned you that would happen.
Great news – you go girl! Just be careful with the training – 8 weeks to prep is short.
It’s one thing you’ll never regret – I’m training for my second and the nike frees help a lot
I’m so not surprised to hear that.
If you do the Minneapolis one, I’ll totally come and cheer you on.
Girl, you are a fucking rock star. Have you signed up anyone to do it with you?
You can do it! My husband – SO not a runner – did a half back in Oct. and is now training for the Chicago marathon. You know you’ve got 26 in you. :)
Well woman….you certainly do know how to dive right in. Full blown IronWoman Triathalon next on the list??
Awesome. You can totally do this. I’m not surprised at all. I went from not being able to run 2 miles to finishing a marathon 6 months later (Chicago, 1999… when I was at approx mile 14, we heard from the crowd that the winner finished). It IS the most awesome best/worst thing. It is also possible to only do one. :)
Go, lady, go. What’s to stop you? Absolutely fucking nothing.
I am SO EXCITED for you! I just completed my first marathon last September and it was the most physically gratifying experience I’ve ever had in my life. Trumped childbirth even. This is just awesome. Can’t wait to hear about your training. Yay, and just WOW!
In. awe. No other words!
You’re officially my hero. Or you will be when you make it over the finish line alive.
Good luck!
I have no doubts you will completely rock that marathon. In awe of your determination to push yourself to do things you probably don’t think you’re quite ready for, but WTH, you’re going to do it. Thanks attitude is inspiring. I am on day 4 of no cancer sticks myself….hey, you gotta start somewhere.
You are going to do fantastic – you are such an inspiration!
Sweet!
Just so you know, and I’m sure others have told you this, but you’re going to get addicted. I know, I know, it MAKES NO SENSE. But it happens. I just signed up for my seventh for this fall (Twin Cities) and I’m not even a GOOD runner. You’re going to love it!
I mean, who didn’t see that coming?
Is this your way of asking for help? Intervention!
I have a work friend/mentor who has run in several marathons over the course of the past several decades, just completing one in Chicago last year. While she has accomplished much in life, if you ask her of what she is most proud, it is of seeing every one of them through to each excrutiating end. Good for you.
Woah . . . AWESOME! Congrats and good luck!
Oh, so addictive, aren’t they?!
I’m going to be doing my second half-marathon this fall. Tomorrow is the fifth anniversary of my first marathon! I’ve never been brave enough to try two in one year, though … I’ve been doing one about every second year. I better step it up!
Damn girl – why not, right? Go for it! Soon as I have this baby I’m starting to train for a 5k. You’re a great inspiration!
You go Girl! How did JB’s fight go?
Woo hoo! I knew you would do it. There is something insatiable about finishing a race and thinking – wow that sucked a$$ bigtime but wait, I think I can do MORE!
I sort of did it backwards though – the first race I ever trained for was a full marathon, but during training for the full, I did my first official half marathon since it happened to be the same day I was supposed to do a 14 mile long run. And after the full was complete I vowed to never do it again, and then went for halfs. And now I’m training for 5k’s and 10k’s. Next up, 100 yard dash. Haha! No matter what the distance, those races are addicting, I feel ya!!!
Congrats on your half and good luck as you go for the full! You will do great.
You have been so inspirational to me as I quit smoking and started running. Thank you so much!
Oh my – you are just inspirational and kick-ass. Congratulations on the half completion and I’m looking forward to hearing all about your training for this full.
Congrats! I would say crazy, but I’ve known lots of people who get addicted after a half. I plan on sticking with 10ks and half marathons, if I can complete my half this summer. Great luck with your training.
I’m so glad you’re going crazy! :D
Ahhhh I KNEW it! You won’t regret this. My first marathon was a fucking disaster and even so, I’m still damn glad I did it. Total life-changer. Enjoy : )
You never cease to amaze me. And good for just jumping in with two (sore) feet and going for it. Because had you waited and hummed and ha-ahed…you might never be able to say I’m actually running an effing marathon!
YAY!! I’m so excited for you!
I’ll just second what everyone else is saying: they are addictive and good for you! I did a full marathon first and around mile 18 I thought, “No WAY am I ever doing this again.” While I was right about the distance, I did do a half (I LOVE that distance) a year later.
You’ve got the bug now!
Awesome! I ran my first marathon in January, and then turned around and ran another one last month too. Be careful. They’re addicting. Of course, around mile 20 of each of them I was cursing myself… : )
Now I’m twirling my finger next to my temple. :)
Granted I’m doing my 3rd half in June but still wont make the time you just did!
Eugene is beautiful and with family in that neck of the woods maybe your boys (3) can be at the finish line waiting.
Way to go Linda!
This is awesome. You are inspiring me.
Running a marathon has been on my life-list for more than a decade, but I haven’t done a damn thing to start making it happen.
I’m terrified. But I’m not getting any younger either.
Good luck and happy training.
Awesome! And your thoughts during the end of the half are the same I used to think when I was doing triathlons back in the day… I’d be slogging through the run (usually a 10K after doing some 40-mile-ish bike leg) and thinking “this is the last time I’m doing one of these damn things.” Then 10 minutes after the finish, I’d be thinking, “I wonder when the next one is.”
So is Aqufit Kristin going to do it with you? I seem to remember seeing a Tweet saying “I’ll do it if you will.”
Watch out for overuse injuries though. Three months go by very quickly.
I correct myself. It isn’t three months. You have less than two months to train for an additional 13.1 miles. I take fish oil and glucosamine supplements regularly. They really help support my joints, prevent inflammation and help in my recovery from long runs.
Linda, you inspire me and stuff.
8 weeks is short. Be careful and don’t hurt yourself. And I do think you’re a rock star. :)
I read that comment someone posted on you BIM post half marathon post? The one that read, “Post-event depression is what makes us do crazy things like immediately sign up for another one”? NOW I know why you signed up for a full marathon. It’s like going on vacation: planning is often more fun that the trip itself.
Before I thought you were just a little crazy…you know, in that lovable way. Now I think you’re certifiable. ;-) Seriously though? You’re a badass — go kick that marathon’s tushie!
Oh! I got all excited thinking you were coming to Minneapolis. Durrr. Good luck, can’t wait to read about it!
You? Are bugfuck crazy. Good luck! I’m pulling for you!
Really glad you are doing it!
My dad did the Marine Corps one here in DC back while I was in high school. Some things you just gotta do. Good for you! If anyone can do it in 8 weeks, its you.
(although secretly, Readers, I think she just wants an excuse to eat an entire apple pie)
:)
Woo coming to my hometown! Enjoy!!!
Listen… I WOULD call you crazy, but after shaking my ass at the dance marathon for 39 hours I lost that privilege. *fist pump* from one crazy to another!
Linda, I don’t know if you want to address this, maybe it’s a topic for a Bodies in Motivation post, but, how do you find the time & energy to do everything you do? (1) sucktacular commute, (2) full time job, (3) double toddler wrangling, (4) ambitious running / training regimen, and (5) working toward your college degree.
As far as your readers know, you manage all these commitments without ever losing your temper.
I have a 1/2 hour each way commute, a full-time job, a mellow dog, a husband who’s willing to cook for himself, people who clean my house for me, and an “if-I-feel-like-it” exercise regimen.
And that’s it.
And that’s TOO MUCH for me! I find myself getting way overstressed and losing my temper. My excuse it, my job is really more than full time, and sometimes its demands are unreal, but still, I have way, way, way less on my plate than you do.
Sometimes I’ll have a day here or there where I’ll sit down at the end of the day and think, “Holy cow, I got a lot done today!”
But if I try to SCHEDULE my days, in ADVANCE, so that I am supposed to be productive/exercising/handling some sort of responsibility every moment of the day?
I am SURE to lose it at some point. It is 100% guaranteed taht on a day like that, someone will wander along who will WASTE MY TIME when I feel as though I really have not a moment to spare.
And then I decide I need to “scale back” — although the only thing I can really cut out is exercise.
So — how do you do it? How do you, voluntarily, and apparently cheerfully, schedule your days down to the nanosecond without getting overstressed?
Hi Linda!
Congrats on your half and YOU GO GIRL on that full!!! I don’t know if you know, but the Rock “n” Roll marathons are a series of races. If you complete more than one of their races in a calendar year, they have different “Bonus” medals that you automatically earn. There are lots of different combinations of races and medals. Just a thought if you are considering any more races for this year! :)
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/heavy-medals/combinations
Linda, very exciting! Your first full marathon! Keep doing what you’ve been doing with the training! I predict 4:30 :)
Ammmaaazing. :) Can’t wait to hear your journey through this one!
…well, I might be running the Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in San Antonio, TX this year…just got back in contact with BF from college (today)…and if she doesn’t make the lottery for NYC, we are running in SA!!!! OMG, I am almost excited!! Good vibes in your marathon…you rock!
Please, please, PLEASE come to Minneapolis! I cannot imagine running 26.2 miles…but you can also run the half here, I think, and it is considered the prettiest marathon in the U.S.
Plus, I’d be happy to show you around town if you wanted.
p.s. I’ll even hold up a sign and cheer for you.