Run, Forrest, Run!

Running is not something I've always done. Hell, when I was one of the captains of the crew team in college (& in the best shape of my life), I'd still weasel out of the run to the boathouse because I had to head straight to student teaching after rowing. 

After I had some of my kids, I found the Couch to 5K plan and used that to work my way up to running a 5K. I've restarted that plan a million times because I've stopped running for so long in between. Before I had baby #4, I really got into running. So much so, that I ran into the 8th month of that pregnancy and had my best 5K race time just five weeks after Sean was born. But, I let it go again some time later. 

Last fall, for the first time in forever, I completed the Couch to 5K training. It was the first time in ages that I'd actually gone past week 4. I've been running on and off since then.

In May, I ran Boston's Run to Remember in honor of fallen police officers. The race is either 5 miles or a half marathon. My aunt and I ran the 5 mile race (my longest run ever) and my cousins ran the half marathon. I was so proud of myself for completing the 5 mile race. But, I was totally inspired to run more. 

That brings me to this summer. I've set a new goal for myself. I've been running for weeks using a new training program. It's helping to prepare me for what I've done...

That's my registration for my first (ever!) Half Marathon...

Yup. This fall, I'm running my first half marathon. I know there are a lot of runners out there who have no problem running a half marathon (or even a full one), but for me, this is a huge deal. I've never done a run this long and I've never had the follow-through and willpower to spend this much time and effort training. As far as races go, the Smuttynose Rockfest is supposed to be the flattest course in New England. It's also finished off with beer, lobster rolls and clam chowder. So, if I'm going to kill myself doing my first half marathon, I may as well be rewarded by beer and shellfish.

What's not to love about this course? Flat and ocean views! (Let's just hope the weather cooperates.)

So, wish me luck. I'm really excited (and just a little freaked out)!

~Lissie