The Inception.

It all started with an off-hand comment, and laughter.

“I’d like to run a Half Marathon one day.”
“Have you ever run before?”
“Uh… No…”

Cue laughter.

Cue eye twitching, and anger.

From that moment on I decided I was going to run and prove I could do it.
First I had to find out what a Half Marathon was. Turns out its 13.1 miles.

I repeat: 13.1 miles.

The furthest I’d ever run was one mile… over 20 years ago, when I was young and not over 50 lbs overweight. And that one mile? It killed me. I collapsed on the field… coming in last, behind people who WALKED it.

What the HELL was I thinking?!

But not one to step down from a totally self imposed challenge, I refuse to give up.
(Granted the furthest I’ve run so far is 7 miles… But that’s skipping ahead in the story. )

Where was I? Oh ya, HOW THE HELL AM I EVER GOING TO RUN 13 MILES?!

The journey of a thousand steps starts but with one step. Blah,blah,blah.

First things first, I had to run one mile.
I put on some sneakers and went outside. I ran to the corner of my block and doubled over. That was barely 1/10th of a mile. That wasn’t going to work.

Got online, did research, discovered the couch to 5k plans.

The goal of a couch to 5k plan is to train a lump of mashed potatoes (aka ME) to run a 5k (3.1 miles.)

I figured it can’t hurt as bad as running down the block and limping back in defeat.

The first week was miserable.
The second week I questioned my sanity.

The third week I wanted to quit.

The fourth week I felt it wasn’t all that bad.

The fifth week saw me running in the rain as to not miss a run.

The sixth week I signed up for an official 5k and ran half/walked half.

By the time I made it to week 8 I was addicted.

This past year I’ve run quite a few 5ks. I don’t run pretty; I don’t run fast…but I run. I have the T-shirts and finisher medals to prove it.

I’m still trying to reach 13.1 miles.
I’ve gone as far as 7miles in a training session… I’m getting there.

This blog is about the journey as I bumble my way through 13.1 miles.