So after my setback on Monday..
I ran again on Tuesday and Wednesday- three days in a row!
I didn’t run fast or especially well, but I ran, and I’m proud that I’ve managed to keep up that motivation. I’ve also started running/walking/running/walking, etc. to up my mileage which has been helpful. I’m still out of shape (hell, I’ve only really been at this for two weeks) but I really am trying like hell.
Also, I’m sore! And loving it! I forgot how good it feels to be sore after working out. It’s such a great reminder that I’m working out again. It makes me feel like an athlete!
Thank you so much to everyone who has been following and replying to me with great advice. I read it all and follow most of it :) I really, really appreciate it!

3

steelmangoes asked: Dude!!! Cox is going to be my first full marathon too! Can't wait!
Awesome!! I’m so excited (and nervous)!!!

2

Ugh.
What a setback. After my 2.5 mile victory on thanksgiving, I managed to avoid running for three days (I have excuses, none of them good) and finally hit the treadmill again today. I could barely run a mile. I ran it in twelve minutes but I practically passed out afterwards. Then I power-walked another mile and got off.
Now I feel tired, dizzy and glum. On the plus side, I know better now than to skip running for three days if I want to finish this marathon in six months. That was a terrible idea and it makes me feel mad at myself that I couldn’t find that motivation necessary to get my butt in gear.
Tomorrow I run again. And the day after that. I need three days of running under my belt before I take my next day off to cross train.

3

Ran 2.5 miles this morning!
My sister finally got home last night for the holiday and we decided to do a quick 2.5 mile loop before the big feast today. Not only did I run 2.5 miles without stopping (!!!), we ran it is 25 minutes, making our time a 10 minute mile. I am so excited!
I have to admit, I was hurting for the last mile. My breathing hurt and my feet were dragging. Fortunately my sister was there and I was too eager to impress her to stop running even for a minute. She is a great athlete and even she is intimidated by this goal of running a marathon. If I can keep up with her, I will be a happy camper :)
Now it is time to feast on turkey! Happy thanksgiving!

4

bostonmarathon2012 asked: Good luck! The training is half the fun, really! Where on cape? We will be there too! We will be in Falmouth
Hey! I love Falmouth- it’s a great area. I’m in Hyannis visiting the folks :)
I cannot believe how beautiful today is..
I can not wait to get out there and run. It’s cool, sunny and crisp, with the slightest breeze outside.
I keep psyching myself out about how on earth I’m going to run three whole miles but I need to remember that after I run that first mile, I can run, walk, run, walk, run, walk until I finish the loop.
I have to say, one of the best things about this ambition to run a marathon is that weight loss has not factored into my goal at all. I don’t care if running this marathon means I gain 10lbs. As long as I end up healthier and able to run long distances, then I will be thrilled with the results. And on that note, I am going to eat a small bowl of granola and skim and get out there!

5

Heading to the Cape this week..
Thanksgiving week is finally here and I’m heading to the Cape to be with my family.
I’m looking forward to being home for a few days, not only to see everyone, but because I know the area so well and their are two loops I love to run: one is three miles and the other is four miles. The area is also relatively flat, which bodes well for my beginner abilities. I don’t know if I will be able to run either one straight through yet, but I’m looking forward to trying, at least for the three mile loop.
I also have to say that I am not sore at all from my run yesterday. Granted I only ran one mile, but I’m so out of shape that I thought I would be in more pain today then I am. That makes me feel really good, both physically and mentally, like maybe I’m not completely kidding myself with this endeavor. It’s the little victories, right?
Ran 1 mile today..
Can not believe how out of shape I am. I ran one twelve minute mile and I am sweaty, out of breath, dizzy and my feet hurt. I probably could have kept running but I wanted to make sure I’m in decent enough shape tomorrow to run again.
In order to complete Hal Higdon’s beginner marathon guide, I need to be able to run three miles by the end of December. I don’t mind being slow, but I need to be able to comfortably run this distance.
It’s easy to feel motivated this early in the game; I need to figure out how I’m going to stay motivated through the next six months.

2

This is the map of the marathon I will be running in six months. Oh dear.