New Challenge

I’m going to run a marathon.

OK it’s not going to happen tomorrow, but I’ve got some books on it, all aimed at ‘non-runners’ and I’m going to do it. 26.2miles. That’s 42km (or thereabouts anyway). I’m not sure I could run the 0.2miles right now, but that’s besides the point. The point is that I need something to aim for, something big. One of the things a book I’m reading (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nonrunners-Marathon-Guide-Women-Training/dp/1580052053/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1341557317&sr=8-5) told me to do was to have a list of reasons along with the ‘lying-on-a-bench-dying’ counterarguments as well. So Here We Go.

Reason No. 1: I want to do this.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: No you don’t, it was a promise you made while out of your mind.

Reason No. 2: It will get me fitter and happier.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: You have to live to be fitter and happier.

Reason No. 3: It will be a massive achievement.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: So is living – which seems more likely right now.

Reason No. 4: I need a focus.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: Yes, but it doesn’t need to be this.

Reason No. 5:  I’m running a marathon for Parkinson’s Disease.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: Nana’s already gone, she won’t come back.

Reason No. 6: Yes but Mam’s still alive and so I am and it’s hereditary.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: So we’re back to self-preservation?

Reason No. 7: Self preservation is a good one.

Lying-On-A-Bench-Dying Argument: OK fine, but if they don’t come up with a cure, I’m complaining.

I reckon self preservation is a good one. Now going by all accounts it takes 4 months of preparation to run a marathon, but most of these people have a base fitness level to start with. I’m giving myself two months to work on base fitness and then I’m moving onto the proper marathon training. Given the wedding/honeymoon hiccup, that means that 1^st October 2012 I will be starting training for marathon. By that stage, I think I will be able to run for 50mins without stopping. 87days to get up to running for 50mins without stopping. That should be a good base since the plans I’ve been looking at all have 35mins running as the start point.

87days, then 112days….February 2013 I will be able to run 26.2miles. Wow. That’s really not that much of a timeline from couch to marathon runner.

So, today – set out the plans, dust off the old C25k, C210k and work out where and when I will be doing my running. Tomorrow – START!!!