Mama Laughlin

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 08:50 AM PDT

If you've been reading the blog for awhile, you know when I get an idea I run with it. Pun intended.
It usually happens like this:
Think of idea.
Convince myself to do it.
Put it on the internets that I'm "MAYBE" thinking about it.
That seals the deal.
It's getting done.
Period.

Case and point- my Facebook status yesterday.
I had stated that I was thinking about running another half marathon.

And that's it.

I have decided to do it.

The ultimate deciding factor was me flashing back to my first half marathon in April.

I sat at my desk weighing my options. Talking to myself. And even answering myself.
Do you REALLY want to do this again? It's a lot of training. But you did it the first time. You can do it again. Maybe even PR. Remember how you felt when you entered the chute? Remember those tears that swelled up in your eyes? Remember the chills that ran all through your body when you realized what you'd done? Remember the unexplainable amount of pride and accomplishment you felt when you finished? Yes. I do. It was the ultimate Runners High. And I want to feel it again.

Even just THINKING of that feeling as I sat at my desk, tears started to swell up in my eyes and I got chills again.
Remembering all the hard work I'd poured into training. And the way I felt when I finished my first 10 mile training run. And how I was SO PROUD of myself for running the entire 13.1 miles without stopping ONCE. It was euphoric.
THAT'S why I continue to run.
So what's holding me back?

Well I don't really have an excuse. And even if I did, it's not good enough. Because I know I can do it, and I will.
December 9th.
At the Dallas Marathon.

So here's my plan:
Last time I followed Hal Higdon's Novice 1 training plan. Loved it.
This time, I will be following Hal Higdon's Novice 2 training plan.
It's basically the same but takes you on a 12 mile run as your longest as opposed to Novice 1 that takes you on a 10 mile run as your longest.
I like Hal's plans because he keeps the weekday runs short (never over 5 miles) which works out great for me since I'm on a bit of a time crunch with picking up the kids from daycare in time.

So, why not the full?
Plain and simple, I'm not ready.
I want to get a few more halfs under my belt before deciding to train for a full marathon.
It IS on my bucket list, however, and ONE DAY I will run a full.
But for now, I'm sticking with a half.
And I couldn't be more excited about it.

Now, who's going to run this mother with me??

post signature