Hello! I’m not really that new to running, but I am new to distance.  When raising kids and managing a full time job and graduate school, I relied low mileage running to keep my head clear and my over 40 bod sort of  in shape. A couple of miles a couple of times a week. In 2011, two friends (established distance runners) convinced me to join training for a 10 mile race … in February… in MAINE.  I protected myself for a while, but finally succumbed to peer pressure and completed the race.

And then I stopped running completely.

And then, the same two women convinced me to do a half marathon in September of 2012.  So, I bought new shoes, followed them in long, arduous training runs, and completed the distance!

And then I stopped running completely.

And then they convinced me to run a marathon.  I’m not sure exactly how this happened.  I have been against marathons. Who needs the pressure? Who has the time? But, somehow these impressive friends found just the right moment and before I knew it, my race confirmation email was landing in my inbox.

Why a blog? I’m terrified of the distance.  So, I decided to share the burden of training with all of you – whether you are thinking about running, already running, or an elite marathoner already, I hope you can appreciate the journey.

RACE:  Philadelphia Marathon, PA, USA  November 17, 2013

GOAL:  finish the marathon without a boost from an ambulance or extended stay in the medi-tent at the finish line.  (At first, I thought my goal was to finish without walking. I have clearly downgraded my goal a bit, but if the training goes well, I may go back to aiming for a no-walk marathon.)