I Want To Be "Made"

My husband, and all five of our children are athletic. I, on the other hand, am the least athletic. All of them run track, and four play soccer, softball/baseball, basketball, and my son plays football. We go from one sport to the next, and we love it! We’ve had to drop off one, and run to pick up another on numerous occasions. Once during spring softball/baseball season, I had four children playing on three different teams. They were spread out from T-ball, softball, and baseball at the same YMCA. As luck would have it, twice they all played at the very same time. I went from one field to the next, cheering them on.

Don’t get me wrong I am athletic, just the least athletic one in my family. Growing up, I played a little softball, ran track, and was the Most Valuable cheerleader, my senior year. I’m pretty good at catching, and can even bat. During softball season, I practice with my girls. When it comes to track, well… let’s just say, I ran as a young child. Now, I am so not a runner! But I can walk. And I will do so in the Little Rock Marathon in March.

From time to time, I watch “Made,” on MTV. They take kids, pair them up with a coach and make them into what they fantasize about becoming. Usually, it’s polar opposite of who, or what they are. After watching that show, I always think, “I want to be made.”

Actually, I am being made, into a marathon walker. I’ve found a workout schedule, and assembled a team to train with. We’re going into our second week of training. What I’m missing is a coach. Being in charge of my own training is okay, but I’m no expert. This week, I will try to find a coach.

Who knows, one of these days, I just might run. Yeah, right!

Thirteen Weeks

I am committed!

March 14, 2009, I will walk in the Little Rock (Half) Marathon. That’s 13.1 miles. This past October, made my second time walking in the Susan G. Komen Race 4 the Cure. That was a 5K, (3.1 miles) the Little Rock Marathon is the REAL DEAL.

Walking in a marathon is on my list of things “To-do,” during my year of being “40.” Although I am very excited about the adventure, I had to think rationally, and do what I knew to do. Research. Walking a half marathon is more than a notion and deciding, “I’m going to do it.” There is training involved.

Armed with a training schedule from marathonwalking.com, I enlisted two other women to prepare with me. One is along for the training, and the other will walk the half marathon as well. Having company helps the time pass by, and makes it much easier to get out of bed EARLY. A support group is key to my continued motivation.

This week, the first of our thirteen-week training, started off a little slow. Tuesday, the first day of walking was shut down due to rain. Even though we had a slow start, we ended our first week of training having walked a total of seven miles. I’d say that’s pretty good.

I’m looking forward to all that the next twelve weeks of training will bring, and writing about the process.
Wish me luck!