Now is the time

I just completed filling out my training schedule for my first marathon. January 8th, 2012 during Walt Disney World's Marathon Weekend, I will be among thousands of others during my first marathon. Sixteen weeks of training remain between now and then, and I have set up a challenging yet achievable schedule to get me there. I ramp up to 20 miles by the middle of December so that I can begin my taper through the holidays and be ready and refreshed in time for the run.

I can't say that I am excited. Nervous, curious, concerned. All of these adjectives are more appropriate. However, I have also had a depressing and discouraging summer. As I attempted to maintain my training over the hot summer, I have slowly deteriorated. I bought into a gym in order to build muscle mass and have an air conditioned place to hit the treadmill. I bought a nice sports watch (Garmin Forerunner 610 to be discussed later). I read running and health conscious books feverously. Yet, by the end of the summer I could barely muster runs longer than 8 miles. EIGHT MILES! Are you kidding!

I ran ten miles on Saturday, while requiring a half mile walk near the end. This was better than previous runs, but clearly not the level for which I was targeting. The heat has just killed me. Now, with two weeks to go before my next half marathon, I am really concerned that this whole running thing was just a cruel joke. What made me think I could actually be a runner? 40 years old, 210 pounds, hairy with bloody nipples. What the hell? Shouldn't I be drinking beer and grunting at the tv?

I've been asked recently why I want to run a marathon. Six months ago when I paid the registration fee, I could have easily answered that question. Now, I'm not sure. I could repeat all the reasons I've heard others say, but all of them would be a lie. Right now the only reason I could recount that would actually be true is, "I've already paid for it and there are no refunds." I'm not sure that will be enough to see me across the finish line.