I made the mistake...

...of looking at a typical training plan for the marathon and found that I needed to make 8 miles my long run today. So that is what I did. To make sure I did not try and cut corners, I have my family take me 8 miles down the bike path and drop me off. An hour and a half later I found myself back at home. :-) I had to walk a couple of times to catch my breath a bit and get a drink but I felt pretty good about today. My longest training run last year was 9 miles for the 1/2 marathon - I am happy with running this distance so early in the year.

found a new way to pass the time

So it is REALLY hard for a non-runner like me to get into running...to the point where I can come up with a million excuses as to why I should not do it today. After pushing myself to get out the other day, I found myself going through all the excuses in my head while I began the workout followed closely with reasons the excuses were not valid. Next thing I knew, I had already gone 3 miles of my 4.5 mile goal. I used the next 1.5 miles to come up with more reasons as to why I should cut my workout short and argue my way out of those as well.

Some people use music or chatter with running partners to pass the time...I actually used "debating with myself". I doubt I can use the technique again, but it sure was handy this last run! :-)

still ramping up

Well its only week two so no real progress as of yet. I comfortably ran 6.6 miles in 70 minutes today which is a good "run". Over the past week, I did learn NOT to eat Mexican for lunch before I jump on the treadmill - no matter how much time has passed. It was killing me although it may have taken my mind off the running! :-)

As many of you know, running on a treadmill does not equate to running on the road although I do believe it helps build your cardio. I do keep the treadmill at 1.5 degrees in an effort to to better simulate the road.

I have also decided this week that all of my short days will be at least 5 miles. I cannot afford to run less than that as I prepare.

and so it begins

I started the long road to the Flying Pig yesterday. I weighed in at 199 lbs so I have a lot to lose over the next few months. It has truly been an unfortunate trend...192 in 2008, 195 in 2009 and now pushing 200 lbs. On a better note, I did run/walk for 6 miles on the treadmill and even though it is not the same as road miles, I feel like it is a good start. 70 minutes on a treadmill is killing me but 18 degrees outside is worse in my book!

Sue is going to try training with Fleet Feet this year to stay motivated. It will allow me to compare/contrast the option for next year. It is hard for me to get on a regular schedule for something like this. I find that I stick my workouts into my schedule at time permits.

What's making it harder this year is my new goal - to run the full marathon. Although most training plans get you running up to 20 miles in a day as preparation - I hope to get up to 16-18 miles by mid-April. The race is the first weekend in May.