Goals 1, 2, 3

I've been thinking a lot about my goals lately. I have enjoyed some time doing whatever I want, but it's time for a new goal. I always do better when I am training for something.

Goal #1
My main goal is to improve at TKD. I enjoy it more than any other workouts (except lifting), and I want to do well at the tournaments this year. The first one isn't until March, but I want to be in much better shape by then. I'm trying to work on the areas that need the most improvement and have also started working on my break. I've got a plan, and I'm going to push myself.

Goal #2
Am I completely crazy? Lately, I've been considering something I wasn't sure I would ever do again. I've decided to do another marathon. It seems a little insane. I haven't been running a lot, and I haven't done anything over four miles. But, I found a marathon I really want to do. It's a year away - plenty of time to build a base and train.

The thing is, I have never trained properly for a distance run. Knowing what I know now, I'm kind of amazed I even completed my first marathon. I like the idea of training properly and seeing what I am capable of. I'll be interested to see how it compares to my first one. My daughter asked me what my goal was for the marathon. She was asking about speed/time, but I told her my goals are different. I want to train for it the right way and finish the race. I also want to continue running when it's over. The last one was so emotionally crushing that I stopped running for a long time. A short run within two weeks of completing my marathon would be a major success.

I jumped into the last marathon without thinking about it beforehand. This time, I gave it a lot of consideration. It's a major time commitment that affects more than just me, so I discussed it with my family. The kids support me 100%. They're excited about it and have been asking a lot of questions. Andy thinks I'm crazy and reminded me about my last race experience. He was concerned it would be the same as last time. I was considering the same race as last time when I first brought it up, and he didn't think it was a good idea. He was much more supportive when I told him about the one I found. It has a longer cut-off time and is in one of our favorite areas of Maine. He's officially on board and very supportive. I'm so glad because I really couldn't do it without his support.

Goal #3
This one is a short-term goal. My fabulously awesome friend, Tracy, is starting a new six-week boot camp, and I think I need to sign up. I've been struggling with getting up early and getting in a workout. I've been struggling with cardio. This would be a perfect jump start to marathon training. I'm nervous because I've been getting really dizzy whenever I start to exercise, but I'm going to go and see what I can do. Her training style would be beneficial to both goal 1 & 2. I start on Wednesday. Fingers crossed that it goes well.

The Worst/Best Race So Far

Yesterday was the Burlington City Marathon.

And, possibly the worst/best/most adventurous race I've had.

The day was a comedy of errors. It started at 6:15 with missing sneakers and ended with a broken window.

It was an incredible day.

It was super hot and humid when the race started. I was having trouble breathing, and my shins/feet were cramping. I kind of expected this and hoped it would get better after a couple of miles. To prepare for the heat I upped my salt intake. Not a good idea. My hands swelled. I've had my hands swell before it was never as bad as yesterday. My fingers looked like sausages. My hands and wrists were puffy.

I completely fell apart on the belt line. In my opinion, it is the worst part of the course. It was only pavement and sunshine and the oppressive heat. I attempted to jog, but it made my hamstrings cramp. It also intensified the heat. I did not feel good. We were at the back of the pack, and some of the aid stations were out of ice or water. It was brutal. I am so grateful to Alisa for staying with me even though it meant walking most of the race. I think I would have quit if she had not been there. I considered it several times. It was the hardest race I have ever done. Thanks for staying with me and motivating me, Alisa!

Other people were struggling with the heat. One runner wanted to drop out, and Alisa talked her into continuing. We finished the race together. It took a long time, and the timer was already packed up. They let our teammates leave before we got there, and everything (food/water/etc.) was picked up. It was pretty demoralizing, but I was so happy to be able to stop moving.

The medals were already packed up, but we were told we could pick them up at the finish line. The waterfront was two miles away, and the idea of walking another two miles made me want to cry. Luckily, one of the volunteers knew the lady we were walking with, and we all got a ride back to the waterfront.

While Alisa was finding medals, and I was sitting in the shade, Michelle and Emma were having their own adventure. The race directors canceled the race because of the heat. They were pulling racers off the course and trying to get them onto buses. Some runners chose to continue the race. Michelle and Emma kept going and had a good, fast run. Except when they reached a blocked section of the route. With only two miles left, they demanded to be allowed to keep going. They continued and no one got arrested. ;)

The whole day was kind of crazy. None of us had a race time, but we all earned our medals. I got my butt kicked, and it was a big wake up call to really get back to taking care of myself. I'm kind of amazed that I finished that race. I'm even more amazed that I ended up really enjoying it. It's all about the people you race with. Everyone was finding the humor in our crazy situations, and it made everything fun.

We met up at the waterfront and got some food. The sky was starting to get dark, so we started the walk back to the car. Everything is uphill from the waterfront. It's brutal after a race. We climbed two hills, got to the car, and changed our shoes/shirts. The plan was to celebrate with margaritas, so we started up hill to Church Street. As we were crossing a street there was a loud crash, and a guy started screaming obscenities at someone across the street. I'm still not sure who he was screaming at. There were several people sitting in the park across the street, but he went sprinting off through the park without confronting anyone. Someone told us that he had thrown a rock through the window of the bank. When we walked by there was a huge hole in the glass.

We did, eventually, get our margaritas and got to sit and relax for a while. It was a strange day. It was one of the worst and one of the most fun. I'm glad I did it. It's the first time I haven't wanted to take a break from running after an event was over. I didn't feel good during it, but I got through it. I feel like I survived something.

Today I am sore. I'm exhausted, and I'm sunburnt. I've done nothing but rest all day. I feel like I've earned it.