The Only Proper Title is: WTF Am I About To Do?
Wednesday, 13. January 2010
I’m putting this on the internet and in writing so that it is real. So that there’s no turning back, and so that I can lean on random people for support.
After weeks of debating in my head, I have decided to run a full marathon. I have 15 weeks to train, and will do my first (and almost certainly last) marathon in Eugene, OR on May 2.
When I ran my first half marathon, I watched in awe as people continued on for 13 more miles after I had crossed the finish line of the half marathon. I have very close friends who have run full marathons, so I know it can be done. I know you don’t have to be an elite athlete, and that anyone can start from walking and progress to 26.2 miles.
But, I am nervous. I’m worried about the time commitment, the possibility of injury and about the complete change in my life over the next 4 months. Because the truth is, I can’t really make weekend plans because running 20 miles on a Sunday doesn’t really coincide with a night of drinking on a Saturday. Nor does it coincide with doing ANYTHING on a Sunday aside from that run.
And so I thought a lot about this decision. It comes at a time where I have been seriously assessing certain things in my life and wanting to change those things. Focusing on this will force me to make some of those changes – drinking less, eating better, thinking about positive goals as opposed to dwelling on petty things that don’t matter.
There really isn’t a more perfect time to attempt this. There’s no wedding to plan, no babies planned in the very near future and no big plans over the next 5 months.
So, here goes.
WTF am I doing again?
Oh, yeah. Eugene 2010.
My favorite place for so many reasons.
Ben Says:
So, are we uninvited for our visit in a couple weeks?
Allison Says:
HA. Yes! I was still going to have to run something that weekend because of this half marathon on Feb. 7.
You should do it with me!!!
AJ Says:
YYYYAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!!
Whitney Says:
I now officially think you are bonkers.
PDXPrincess Says:
Well, I sure hope you’re planning some time to chill in Portland with me and the little peep after this ordeal! We’ll have to come down to Eugene for the day and cheer you on!
Allison Says:
Whit: Yep, I think I am too…
Amy: I can’t WAIT to get to Portland to see the peep. And, would LOVE if you were in Eugene somewhere around mile 17 to give me a boost.
Heather Says:
This is an awesome goal, and I’m really not joking about bringing a golf cart for you just in case you need need a boost along the way…or maybe to haul you back to your car afterwards!
Nick Says:
“Focusing on this will force me to make some of those changes – drinking less, eating better, thinking about positive goals as opposed to dwelling on petty things that don’t matter.”
I’ll make sure to wait until summer to come visit then. Will you be off the wagon by June?
Stephanie Says:
congrats on your goal, Allison! It will be fun. I am thinking of doing my second this summer. Of course, every year I think about doing my second and don’t. Maybe you can help inspire me. Can’t wait to follow your training!
Nage Says:
You’re nuts.
Cathy Says:
“Focusing on this will force me to make some of those changes – drinking less, eating better, thinking about positive goals as opposed to dwelling on petty things that don’t matter.”
I need to do this too. So badly. I need something significantly easier than a marathon, though…
PS We’ll be there too – just tell us which mile
Chef Troll Says:
I’ve run 26 miles. Piece-of-Cake over 40 years.
Hope you have enjoy having Elaine Kiffin to castigate for a long long time.
little.lamb Says:
fuck.
i just got a treadmill and can finally run again without peeing (thanks, having babies). im gearing to do a 5k by the summer. ONLY thinking about a half maybe in the fall. anytime i think about not wanting to get on that MFing hamster wheel, i think about your post after your half. how smilie you were with a beer. no joke, it gets me on that fucker.
heather... Says:
you’re kind of a nut. But I like you anyway.
If you were running it down here, I’d be at the finish line with a cold drink for you!
Jenny Says:
Found your blog just recently and enjoy reading it. (I am a friend of Anissa’s in Florida) I am gearing up for my first 10k next month. I feel the same way about running… sometimes I really hate doing it, but afterward I feel soooo good! I have done a few sprint triathlons and have two friends that regularly do ironmans!! I just hope I can get through my 10k without dying. Good luck with your training and I’ll be reading to see how it goes.