Committed

There is something beautiful about commitment.

The commitment I’m excited about tonight is the New York City Marathon. It’s on November 4th, but it’s been on my mind for years.

I was all ready to run this marathon in 2012. I had trained with a good friend over lots of miles, with hours of conversations and laughs. Our longest training run was 22 miles and we were ready to roll. Literally on the flight to NYC, a buzz started to spread on the plane (full of runners) that the marathon had been cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. We knew it was a risk, but it seemed unlikely. Unfortunately, the damage was severe from the storm and the local politicians took enough heat so they cancelled it. While we were mid-flight. So, we ended up enjoying a long week-end in NYC with our friends – not exactly what we had in mind, but fun, nonetheless.

My IT band had flared up on our last long run and I had visions of a blissful first marathon, so I didn’t run the Seattle Marathon a few weeks later. I totally should have! Because all of that training did not result in a marathon and here I am, six years later (!) and I still haven’t completed one.

But I’m going to on November 4th. I can’t wait. 

I’ve been training – nothing crazy – but in balance with my lifestyle and with the goal of not getting hurt. After many injuries in my running career, staying healthy may be my biggest challenge.

But I’ve worked on strengthening what needed strengthening. Carefully calculated a smart mileage build-up. Even went to physical therapy and hot yoga fairly religiously for a few months. The extra stuff got a bit ignored in July due to tons of vacations, but I kept up my running and slowly built up my long runs.

Now, I’m ready to focus again and get back on my program. It’s kinda fun actually and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for several years. So yay for that!

Sunday I ran 16 miles. It was a milestone of sorts. In a “yep, I’m going to commit and do this” kind of way. I largely felt good. You have a long time to think over 2 hours and 11 minutes (it’s 8:11/mile pace for those who care about such things – slower than 6 years ago, but not too bad for #44) by yourself on a running trail. It’s peaceful and centering.

So I decided to commit. Let’s do this. Part of achieving and reaching a goal is committing, so Sunday night, I locked and loaded. Committed to my new team – the March of Dimes charity team. It’s a fantastic organization and since I didn’t get in via the lottery, I needed to join a charity team to earn a spot in the race. It’s great to raise money for a cause I believe in while achieving a life goal. Bought plane tickets and booked a hotel. Arranged childcare for my kids.

Committed. 

I still worry <a bit> about staying healthy. There are still nearly 3 months until the marathon. But life – like marathons – can’t be run by fear. And sometimes, the biggest step to take is planting yourself in the arena. Calling the shot.

Committed.

I look forward to more long runs. Inching my mileage up just a bit further. Trying to do the little things that will help me stay healthy. While still enjoying life.

My long run was supposed to be on Saturday. But Friday night brought an epic Pearl Jam concert, where they played for nearly four amazing hours. I ate random seafood for dinner at a pre-party on a Seattle pier. Had a few drinks. Stood and walked on my feet for hours. Stayed out until 2am. This does not happen often. And not the best long run prep.

So instead of a long run on Saturday. I took two – not just one – but two naps. And geared up for a Sunday long run.

Because I am committed – to training for this marathon – and loving life in the meantime.