I want to run a marathon, and so I'm going to. It's a little embarrassing even bringing it up to anyone. I keep thinking about what's going through their heads when I tell them. A marathon? She's huge! or Haven't you got enough on your plate already?
I've been longing--searching--for something for a long time. It didn't click until now. I think it is human nature to want to be more, to test your limits. And that is why I am going to train for and finish a marathon.
Why is this so significant? Because those who are even fit sometimes don't even fathom running a marathon. I am 238.4lbs, and at only 5'10", I am obese. Sure, I had a baby 13 weeks ago, but I am definitely in no shape. So that's why I'm starting slow.
There is a marathon class offered every few years at the University of Northern Iowa that is world-renowned. It is very hard to get into, so I bought the book based on the class. The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, by David A Whitsett.
Before beginning my official training program, I have to get to that level. I walked today for 12 minutes at a pretty good incline on my treadmill at 3.0mph. I really need to get different shoes--my toes go numb. I read that's probably because of the small box on my shoes. I'll have to go to The Runner's Flat in Cedar Falls for some shoes. They can video tape how I run and fit me for a good pair of shoes. I just have to get the courage to go in there first. Isn't she a little too fat to be training for a marathon? I added one of the owners on my Facebook. Maybe I'll send him a message on there in private and explain my situation. After all, he probably is fully aware of the marathon class and the book--since UNI is right in Cedar Falls.
The little bit of walking today has me worn out. I have a blister from my ill-fitting shoes. I should go to bed now because there's a huge winter storm going on, so I'll have to leave much earlier for work in the morning. I must get more sleep than I have been! Damn internet...
So, for now, bye bye!
Kate
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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Good luck, girl! Anyone can do it if they train. It'll help take off the weight (and the stress from all those babies, whew!) Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHey Girl it's Laura Lynn...
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me into your world
and I just wanted to tell you when we feel fat
( and I am way bigger than you btw)
We think the whole world is looking at us but sad to say the whole world in general is mostly selfish so they are all thinking about themselves usually..we live in the midwest and even in when I go to San Diego there are fat women they do nto shoo them on the beach for swimming so go buy your tennis shoes you do nto have to feel people are starring at you yeah you are not what you were in that picture but do I look at you and go OMG what happened to her? NO. We all age and our bodies change with babies and stress etc...but you are still so very beautiful and I wish you so much luck no matter what weight you are you are beautiful all weights...please believe this I am not just saying that.
And it was my dream todo a marathon till they discovered heart problems for me so do it for me girl!
HUgs
and Merry Xmas Girl!
LL
I admire you for setting this goal and setting out to achieve it. Welcome to the running community. Don't be so hard on yourself and try not to feel embarassed - runners come in all shapes and sizes.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about the journey to your first marathon.
(As a side note, I weighed well over 200 lbs just a few short years ago, and now I can say that I have run a marathon. It will change your life, and you can do it.)