Run, Theresa, Run

Consider this a follow up to this little diddy.

Weeks ago, I chose to do something previously unthinkable.  After consulting with friends, anxiously researching online, and talking myself in and out of it, I signed up for the Chicago Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon.  13.1 miles of solid rock running.  I mean, how do you say no to a Bret Michaels concert at the end of a race?!  At this point, at my current pace and five weeks before the race, it will take me somewhere around two hours.

If you stole Doc's DeLorean, went back to 2008, and told my past self about this the response would be mixed.  First, surprise ("hm, that's impressive") then denial ("lies.  you don't run") then uncontrollable tears ("why is the economy so bad and why am I still waiting tables?").

Now, there is just excitement.  I'm currently on a four-day-a-week schedule. There is room for flexibility, with flip-flopping between Tuesday and Wednesdays or maybe a Friday long run depending on weekend plans. There's a difference between being strict and being insane.

You see, Rome wasn't built in a day.  I still do not call myself a "runner."  But those seemingly pompous jerks with their Nike run gear, zoned out with an iPod, sweaty and absolutely miserable?  This summer, that woman is me.

It happened last Saturday.  I woke up at eight a.m. to run seven miles in ninety degree heat.  Somewhere between mile five and mile "I'm going to fall over and die on this road" I become one of those people.  Instead of drinking beer last night, I chose water and woke up at 6:15 on a Friday to train.  Dedication or stupidity?  Both.  This isn't a lifestyle, but for now it feels pretty amazing. 

I never let go of that athlete stigma that was encrusted in my brain since childhood.  Dammit, I will keep going until I break down.

To conclude, I recommend these types of challenges to anyone.  Try to become one of those people and you may find something you love. Try Bikram yoga, sign up for your first 5K, buy a bike from Target.  Firsthand, these experiences will change your life for the better.  Number one rule, never forget to have fun on the way.

I will make updates along the way, some time after the 6 a.m. wake up call that announces it's time to put on some work out gear already laid out the night before.