Filed under: Austin, Heath + Beauty, lifestyle, personal, running | Tags: 2009 austin half marathon, 2009 austin marathon, austin half marathon, austin marathon, austin running, double trouble 15k, half marathon, half marathon training, running
Obama’s inaugural message of Hope this morning has seeped far beyond my social/political/economic concerns. Perhaps his election to the highest seat of power in our government allowed me to see clearly that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Whatever the motivation, I am both excited and terrified to announce that I am now officially registered for the Austin Half Marathon on February 15, 2009.
In the last month I have ramped up my usual running regimen in anticipation for the race. Even though I’ve been preparing both physically and mentally, filling out the registration form today felt monumental. This is the first time in 11 years of recreational running that I’ve actually trained for a specific running event. Since I moved to Texas over 4 years ago I’ve participated in a slew of shorter events, mainly 5k’s. My longest road race thus far has been a 10k (I’ve run two), my longest trail race was a 15k I ran in 2002, the Double Trouble 15k at French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania. But I’ve never run anything close to the 13.1 miles I am now committed to run in February.
I am terrified.
My training got started late (thanks to the holidays) and then was shelved for a week after New Years (thanks to a cold). But after solidly completing my first 8-miler this past weekend at a comfortable 9:00 mile pace, and after my pain & blisters had healed within 24 hours, and after seeing that the half was 96% sold out, I finally pulled the trigger on my first half marathon. Now I know I can do it. And now I’ve paid for it, I have to do it.
I am terrified!
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That is so exciting! I’m so envious of your running abilities – I was trying to just be able to finish a 5K without dying and then I end up pregnant and not able to run. Go figure!
You’re going to do great!
Comment by Elizabeth January 20, 2009 @ 7:10 pmI’ll be cheering you on from 1300 miles away! I admire your drive and determination….not sure where that came from.
Comment by Mom January 20, 2009 @ 8:15 pm