Come Run, Come All

For the second day in a row, Caitlyn and I have been able to run outside. We have only gone to Bashas and back which is about 2.5 miles. It has been so lovely being outside and C is doing a great job riding. I am hopeful that she will be up for some longer rides this fall...because-

I signed up for my first half marathon. It is an all women's race on November 7th in Tempe/Scottsdale, AZ. Two good friends are planning on joining me for the exciting adventure. Maria (from Gonzaga) and Jenn here is AZ.

I was beginning to look for a run group to train with and found exactly what I was looking for at Lifetime. They are starting a run club to train for PF Changs in January. They leave out of Liftetime, it works with my schedule and it is free for members. I attended their first meeting and was inspired to train for the full PF Chang's marathon on January 16th, 2011. Just 3 days before I turn 33. They kept saying "anyone can do it", "anyone can do it"...I guess I fall into the "anyone" category. I just kept thinking, the women's half is a perfect "half" way mark in miles and timing to train for the full. I had gone back and forth about it, but the Run Club has sparked my interest and I am ready to light the fire. I just registered!!

So, as Caitlyn and I took off on our short run this morning, I began to think of the Marathon journey. I pondered the following :

I really have no idea how I will run 26.2 miles physically and mentally, but I know the effectiveness of a task analysis and believe it will work for me the same way it works in many other parts of life. As a behavior analyst I use the task analysis to break down complex academic skills and self-help skills into small pieces, or teachable, attainable components. Once the first skill is mastered we add in the next one until the child has learned a skill/concept that seemed far out of reach when we began. The same goes for the 26.2 miles. I will have to break it down mile by mile, conquering each individual one until they begin to add up to 26.2. I also began to think about how running is such a mental "thing." I thought about our last couples prayer and support group dinner (TEAMS). We had discussed offering up pain and suffering that we experience to Jesus. I reflected on that and thought that could be a way for me to get through some of the physical pain and metal anguish I may encounter. I know that it won't be easy but I am ready to give it my all. I know that I will learn so much along the way, both physically, mentally and spiritually. I know that God will be with me along the way. I also thought it would be a neat way to honor those family members who have gone before me. I can use my run time to think of them, remember them in a special way and pray for them.

As for the guilt trip, sister peer pressure (eh,em, I mean encouragement and inspiration) I have been providing my little brother to run with me, I will just have to wait and see. He is working at the Operation's Center for the State Department in D.C. and his hours are totally crazy. Over nights and inconsistent. I do think he has good reason to pass on the 26.2 this time, but I have been doing my best to ask him to think past the "why nots." I know the list of "why nots" is very long and that they are all reasonable "why nots". I told him the only "why" he needs to remember is ... "why not." Let's live every day to the fullest and give life our all. I think it would be an amazing experience to share with him, not to mention we both need someone to laugh at while running. If he signs up I will totally spring for the 2 dollar, 26.2 sticker for his car and I will do the FeeBee run (from Friends) across the finish line or when ever he yells out FeeBee run. What other "why" do you need to run. Love ya Nate.