Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
In spite of the fact that I nearly collapsed after sprinting to first base during a “friendly” softball game, I agreed to run the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 7, 2012. Why? I’m running for Be Bright Pink, a non-profit organization that funds prevention and early detection initiatives for breast and ovarian cancer in young and high-risk women. If these women can fight through chemo, I can certainly tough it through a marathon…right?
June 10
It’s the first day of training and Maddie, my 21-year-old daughter, has a background in long distance cross-country running. She’s the perfect running buddy, so I think. After three sets of 5-minute running intervals I breakdown crying. Maddie sees my beet-red face and thinks I’m having a heart attack! I live, barely.
June 13
My boyfriend, Yanis, steps in for a training session. More tears and hyperventilation follow. This is what I get for putting my body on the backburner and my career in the forefront. Humph.
June 20
I make it 5 miles without bawling due to a welcome distraction: music. Thank you, rhythm gods!
July 8
Running to audio books is even better than running to music! I make it ten miles, albeit slooow miles. I text my fam, so they’ll know I wasn’t abducted.
July 16
A late night out with friends earns me a massive headache in the morning. I postpone my third 10 mile run until 6:00pm when the sun goes down. It still took me two hours and 15 minutes. Maybe I should have started with the half marathon?
July 19
Travel and fatigue kept me from running four days straight. I’m rusty. I run 3 sluggish miles, then turn around and walk my butt home. I vow not to skip training ever, EVER again.
July 31
I’m at week 8, halfway through training, and here’s what I’ve learned thus far:
· Listen to something—birds, cars, books, guitars.
· Do not wear thong underwear while running long distances.
· Cotton socks stretch and make your heels bleed.
· Once you know you need an anti-chaffing product, you’re already in bad shape.
· Distance running is mental and physical. I’m meeting with a running coach this weekend to discuss my self-diagnosed mind block.
Stay tuned to see if I run to the finish or for the hills!
