Oops, I'm Running Again...

And by running, I mean slowly and creakily working my way towards another marathon.  Unless you know me outside blogland, you probably don't know that I love long distance running. I love it so much I've run three marathons in the past 18 months.  If you're surprised, don't be, its not like my teapot-like physique totally gives it away. :)  Anyway, on November 20th I'll be running my fourth marathon in Philadelphia.  Running Philly feels pretty special and symbolic as its my husband's hometown and its where my love of pounding pavement really took off.  I started running after college as a stress-reliever from a bad break-up and a bad job decision.  After those stresses waned (I found a husband and new job) the running continued.  Boredom and sitting for 9 hours a day in that new job coupled with an insatiable sweet tooth propelled me into long distance running.  



http://yfrog.com/h25g79j via pinterest

After casually running for 4 years, in 2009 I nervously laced up my sneaks and ran my first half marathon in Philadelphia.  I was dying at the end but watching the marathon runners veer off towards the left, and 13 much tougher miles totally intrigued me and I knew I had to try it.  So in the wake of my runner's high, I signed up for the 2010 National Marathon in D.C. with Andrea.  It did not go well...at all. I nearly quit at mile 17 when I was so dehydrated I was cramping, pale and shaking all over.  Somehow Andrea pushed me to the end and we finished in just under 5 hours.  I wanted redemption badly so I immediately signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon.  That race I felt like the weather; cool and comfortable, coming in at 4:45.

Anewhistory on Etsy - must purchase!

Now, any marathoner seasoned or not, will tell you running the Boston Marathon is like a dream come true.  For a Boston born and raised gal who grew up just miles from the course?  Its one for the bucket list (number #3 actually).  Knowing that I'd never ever in a zillion years qualify, I applied to be a charity runner and was honored when I was selected for Team Access.  My date with Boston came in April and to put it mildly, I rocked it.  I ran a 4:26:15 marathon, beating my previous time by 20 minutes, and my goal time (sub 4:30) on a much harder, hillier course. 

This is what elated exhaustion looks like

So, why am I telling you all this? Well, its a huge part of my life that I've been pretty mum about around here; primarily because I was resting post-Boston...and then I got lazy and stopped working out all together.  This morning the scale told me that I've been naughty so I need to get back on the wagon and publicizing my running goals will hold me accountable.  I'm also hoping it proves inspirational to those of you who've been repeatedly told that, "you aren't made to run" (or do whatever it is you've been told not to do).  I'm 5'1 with short legs, T-Rex arms and an ample chest.  Running is not in my genes, trust me I've looked.  But I love it, and it challenges me.  Plus, I love being able to shock the pants off the long, lean runner types when I say I've run three marathons and keep going back for more. 

http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=rocky-statue-philadelphia-art-museum

So I'll be training for Philly over the next few months, listening to the Rocky soundtrack on loop and dreaming about the hot pretzels they give you at the end. (I run for food, remember?)  I hope to share some of my running-related experiences, training tips, etc with you along the way. Any other running enthusiasts out there?