Apparently I do. Or, at least that’s my plan for parts of it. Ever since last year’s “Oh, I should run a 5k before I turn 30” stroke of genius, I have really begun to like running. Love it, in fact. I have even started calling myself a runner. I have a subscription to a running magazine. Who am I?
I was perfectly content with sticking with 5ks and 10ks as challenges, but then I discovered a little nugget: The Disney Princess Half Marathon. It encompasses many things I love: Disney, theme parks, castles, princesses, running, and goal setting. It’s a half marathon run through and between Epcot and the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (that’s the one in Florida, for those of you who mix it up like I used to), and you get to RUN THROUGH THE CASTLE! YES! Now, clearly this is going to be a challenge. A half MARATHON? Good Lord, what is going through my head? I just mastered the 3.1 mile run, so why not add on another 10? Sounds like a solid plan! Oh my gosh.
Now, I have a few secret weapons in my back pocket, the first being B’s Aunt M. Aunt M has run this race before, and she was supposed to this year before she ended up injuring her ankle. I texted her after hearing about the race, and she got back to me immediately, writing nothing but encouragement and “Yes! Doooo iiiittttt!” (She, of course, is much too classy to use so many extended letters, but that’s what it sounded like in my head, so I took liberties to translate it for all of you.) Unknowingly, I was then signing on for doing it (I was still in the decision process), and promptly received a “Let the training begin!” package in the mail, filled with a princess crown sparkly tattoo and a running magazine. Aunt M then excitedly told everyone we knew that we were going to run the race together – including my parents, who didn’t have a clue that I was even thinking about running a half. Have I mentioned how adorable Aunt M is with her excitement? Love her! Her encouragement has really helped with my confidence about being able to training and get through it. If she thinks I can, why can’t I think I can?
I also am the most ridiculously stubborn person I know, aside from my immediate family members (hey, I have to get it from somewhere… and this is all genetic). When I set a goal in my head, I have to do it. No ifs, ands, or buts. This has actually caused a few issues (more posting on that later), but I jumped onto the training wagon with fervor. I have had to take some downtime for the past two weeks, and it has killed me. I have dreamed about running. I have daydreamed about running. I have tried it when I possibly shouldn’t have. (Hint – I have a doctor’s appointment set up for the coming week… you do the math.) I am going to do this. I must. I set the goal, and it WILL happen. I’m scheduled to do my first 10k on the Best Coast during the summer, so I am stepping up my distance in races as the half gets closer.
So as I go along on my training regiment, I’ll share my experiences with you. First up, what it is like to deal with Runner’s Knee. I’ll tell you what, it’s not fun. It downright sucks. Just ask B. No, he doesn’t have it, but he has a noisy wife who has it, and he has suffered plenty through all of my caterwauling.
Do you like to run? Any tips for a new one?
A Wife of Material 