An Introduction to My Crazy Goal

180 days until race

I've been running a little over a year now. I started off with the Couch to 5K program. I was about 100 pounds overweight. Through the course of that running program I discovered that I have exercise induced asthma, got that treated, lost about 60 pounds, and dropped from a size 20 in denial still wearing an 18 to a size 10/12.  I've now run several 5K's, a 5 mile race, a 10K, and two half marathons.  I'm set to run the Warrior Dash this weekend.  AND I'm starting my training for a marathon today.

Why do I call this a crazy goal?  Well, first off there is the fact that I broke my ankle ten years ago and my orthopedic surgeon told me I'd never run a marathon.  There's the fact that the marathon I've registered for is in October in Portland, Oregon, and I'll have to do my longest training run in the Southeast Texas Summer heat. And there is the fact that Portland is hilly, and, well, this area is FLAT!

Today I need to do a two mile fast run. My sister is going to run this one with me. She's in better shape than I am and runs as well. She refuses to consider running a full marathon, though. I'm still a slow runner. I'm going to shoot for a "fast" run of eleven minute miles. Last week I ran my fastest ever mile at about ten minutes. I don't think I could keep that up for two miles, however.