A few weeks ago, I made the big decision to pursue Perth’s City to Surf marathon as my fitness goal of the year. I quit soccer and other sporting commitments so this can have my total focus. I’ve been in pre-training for the last few weeks, and I’ll be starting the official Hal Higdon novice program in a couple more.
What I have learned so far is that running a marathon isn’t a decision you make just once; it’s one you make again and again. You have to recommit every time you set your alarm for 5:15am and again when that buzzer goes off and you’re tired and all you want to do is sleep. When you wake up ten minutes early, you start to bargain with yourself, trying to rationalize an excuse to put off the run until evening. You have to strategically set out your clothes the night before, and charge your ipod.
This week, I am also starting to add some light cross and strength training to focus on my weaker muscles. Even the specific rest days are all part of the bigger picture. I think about this goal all the time and what more (or less) I could be doing to help myself achieve it.
This past weekend I ran a free 5k race in East Perth. The Claisebrook Cove parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 8 with the help of very enthusiastic volunteers. Some of my friends have been doing it for weeks now, but this was my first one.
I’ve been reading books about running to pump myself up and learn what I need to know. For now I’m taking a break from that and letting my body be my guide. I’ve also got a training schedule and motivational post-its taped to the wall next to our bed. Matt is being incredibly supportive.
Last Sunday was my 27th birthday. I got up early in the morning to go down to the beach to support my good friend Thuy in her first triathlon. I am so proud of how she did. Teri and I took heaps of photos to capture the moment for our tri friends.
I’m keen to start doing triathlons in the next few years, but this year is all about the marathon. I don’t even own a bicycle…yet.
Today I got new running shoes and they are gorgeous and I am bursting with excitement. Maria is coming over later to help me break them in through a nice social walk. I also looked at bikes and am in love with a purple beauty. Need to save a few pennies before I can go back for her. Sigh.
13 Hours Later 