Well, I’ve taken the plunge–I’m back in marathon-training-mode. Last time I ran a marathon was in 2005; I was 38 then. Now I’m 43. That doesn’t sound like a huge difference, but it sure feels different–I’m a lot creakier than I used to be. It’s not the hardest thing in the world, though. Really, anyone can run a marathon. Those folks who say their marathon was harder than giving birth? They must’ve had really, really good drugs when they were in labor.
The training plan I’m using is in the book Run Less, Run Faster, by the folks at the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training. They are, in my opinion, geniuses. Their plans WORK. They work especially well for those of us who are getting a little older and need to pay attention to things like recovery. That 2005 marathon? The FIRST training plan helped me shave more than 30 minutes off my finish time. It’s hard, but it works.
The plan covers 16 weeks of training; this is officially week two. On tap for tomorrow: a 15 miler.
The race is on December 11th, in Kiawah, SC. Lee is going to do it, too, but he’s going to walk the 26.2 miles. Yes, you read that right, and yes, that’s going to take him all day. With any luck, I’ll be able to finish, shower, eat, and get back out on the course to cheer him to the finish.
Our race choice–Kiawah–is no accident. Kiawah is an island, and it’s flat. I’m all about flat. The fact that the race is in December is a factor, as well; I don’t love running in the heat. We’re only a few days from hitting the record here in NC for the hottest summer on record, and let me tell you–getting in decent enough shape to start this training plan has been a muggy, hot, sweaty nightmare.
Besides, the hotel at Kiawah is beautiful, with squishy-soft beds, and a fabulous restaurant. Isn’t that what everyone looks for in a marathon?