See Jen Run

“Yes. I’m a little crazy.” That’s the answer that I usually give to people that ask me why I’m running a marathon. It’s an easy way out of a conversation that neither party really wants to have. They stand there with a puzzled look, head tilted, eyeing me from head to toe as if they’re trying to see the parasite that has taken over my body that makes me want to do this ridiculous thing.  I stand opposite dreading the inevitable questions that always come. I always feel like I’m back in English class writing an essay that must contain the Why, What, Where, and How.  I think there’s a fifth one but damn if I can remember it.

Most of the time people are nice and give a nod and say, “That’s wonderful.” or, “Wow!” while a look of horror peeks through.  I think most of the time people don’t realize what a marathon really is. Just to be clear, words of encouragement are always welcome, I don’t want to sound like an ungrateful shrew.  I just find it amusing that everyone, no matter the age, gender or orientation has the same questions.  The truth is that the only people that really understand are other runners.  Maybe that’s why it’s such a tight knit group, but that’s a subject for another post.

Now that I’m running a second marathon the questions are getting harder.  If I already did it once why in the world would I want to do it again!  My God, I must really have a screw loose.  So, in order to help myself and others I humbly, with a slight air of hostility, submit to you my answers to your top 5 questions.

Why? I ran the first marathon to prove that I could.  Now that I know I can, I want to do it faster. So there!

What? A marathon is 26.2 miles. Yes, ALL marathons are this length.  If it’s not this distance…. it’s not a marathon. It’s usually run as a road race. The event is named after the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. He died at the end of the run but he did deliver the message.

How? Training, training, training.  18 weeks of speed work, tempo runs, and long slow distance runs (LSDs), 2 or 3 good pair of running shoes, gels and Bodyglide, and the love and support of my understanding hubby and amazing kids.

Where? Disney World (how could there be a better place?)

When? (aha! I remembered it!)  January 11, 2010

I know that everyone and their brother writes the first post of a new blog as a grand introduction of how they are going to change the world by what they have to say.  This is not one of those. I’m keeping this as a personal journal. I’m making it public because I need accountability.

There are thousands of people who have done what I’m going to do this January. Running a second marathon isn’t an Earth shattering event. When I ran my first marathon I was so busy figuring out how to run a marathon that I  didn’t really get a chance to keep a record of my feelings, struggles and triumphs.  This time I  hope to capture my full experience. I’m convinced that the lessons I’ve learned and the lessons I  will learn in next few months not only apply to running but to the other facets of my life.  My hope is that when it’s all said and done I will look back and smile when I read my crazy posts and perhaps learn something about myself along the way.