Tuesday, February 12, 2013

26.2

11 months from today, I'm going to run a marathon.

There... it's in writing, and that means it's officially official.  I'm doing this.

The first reaction I have gotten when I have told the selected few who know about this is usually, "WHY?? You must be crazy."

Maybe I am.  But I'm doing it.  January 12, 2014-- the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I am going to cross the finish line of the Walt Disney World Marathon.

It will not be fast.  It will not be pretty.  But I will do it.

Why?  Lots of reasons.

1)  IT'S DISNEY!  Y'all know... that in and of itself is reason enough for our family.  Still, I have run 3 half marathons at Disney (2 Princesses and a Wine and Dine) and done the Expedition Everest Challenge. RunDisney events are the perfect combination-- challenging races with smiles every mile.  I know that sounds beyond cheesy, but it's true.  They go above and beyond to make the entire course fun and interactive, with characters and volunteers supporting every step you take.  If I'm going to run 26.2 miles, it's going to be with Mickey Mouse waiting for me at the end. 

Plus, like I need another reason to schedule a Disney trip.  For serious.

2)  I need to get back in the habit of running.  Running has always been a good outlet-- it's easy to get lost in "one foot in front of the other" over and over again.  Running used to be all kinds of things for me-- relaxing when I needed to unwind, a stress-reliever when I was cross, and a source of pride when I overcame obstacles.  I miss it. 

Now that Parker is home and we have recovered (mostly) from the trauma of his first few months, I feel like I can finally take some "me time" and get back to where I once was.  I have a LONG WAY TO GO, and training will be hard.  But I have the greatest motivation in the world.

3) My boys.  I need to be healthy for my boys.  I'm fighting a steep hereditary slope of cardiac problems, obesity, osteoporosis, cancer history, on and on and on.  I am going to do everything in my power while I am relatively young to make those battles easier when I am older.  I WILL NOT allow myself to increase the risk of leaving my boys too soon.  All I need to do when I need a kick in the pants is to picture their little faces.

My Jeremiah, who has the sweetest soul and tenderest heart.
My Parker, whose battles in his first year of life make 26.2 miles look like taking a nap.

So there it is.  A written statement, sworn this 12th day of February 2013.

I'm going to need help.  I'm going to need encouragement. I'm going to need accountability.  I'm going to need some cute running clothes.

But I'm doing it.

I'm coming for you, Mouse.

10 comments:

  1. I will eat a munchkin for every mile you complete

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    1. You're always there for me in the kindest of ways!

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  2. I don't like donuts, but I'll eat a Krispy Kreme for every mile you run that day!

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  3. Reason #4, that's Ramsey's birthday!! Good luck with your training. I commend you for taking care of yourself!

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  4. Awesome! I just started couch to 5k and plan to run a 5k next year...wish my 5k would have Mikey at the End too. :-)

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  5. I have NO doubt that you will make it .... look out, Mickey Mouse 'cause here she comes!!!!!! With those 2 cute faces in front of you ... wow ... you CAN do anything!!!!!

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  6. Abby....
    You make my recent--uh, challenge?--of gathering the courage to write Robert Downey Jr. telling him how he has profoundly changed my life by playing Tony Stark/Iron Man a breeze on the beach!! Go girl, go!! ;)
    --Raelyn
    PS. Isn't tomorrow the day when you are supposed to get test results?

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  7. Abby....
    Happy Valentine's Day!! ;-D
    --Raelyn

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  8. You can do it!! Maybe you should get a shirt with a picture of the boys on it for motivation!!

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  9. Woo hop! I'm doing the princess next week and I did wine and dine in 2011. My goal for next year is to do the WDW half or whole(maybe the goofy challenge?). And yes, Disney races are so much fun!

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