Well, it's that time of year again. After taking about 6 months off from racing, I've added two half marathons to my schedule to get me back in gear. Oh and by racing, all I mean is that I have an event to attend. There will be no "racing" in these events, only finishing. I didn't want you to think that I actually had a chance to finish in the top 25% or anything like that. Nope, I'm like the turtle - slow and steady.
The first event is the OUC half marathon, which takes place in Orlando. I'm attending this one with brother Dean, who will smoke me (as usual). But, it will be a chance for me to visit him in Orlando and enjoy a run in relative warmth at a time when the average temperature in North Carolina is hovering in the 40s.
The second half marathon will be the Disney Princess Half at Walt Disney World in March. I'm running this one with my running confessional buddy Kasey. It will be so great to revisit our marathon stomping ground, but to actually have fun and not be in anguishing pain at the end.
The half marathon is kind of like a summer fling. You get all of the benefits of falling in love without all of the baggage that comes with actually seeing the relationship through. Youth (and summer flings) are definitely wasted on the young, but fortunately, we can run half marathons forever. Or something. Nevermind.
The best part of having races planned is that all of a sudden, your workouts have a purpose. Fortunately, I've stayed on top of my middle distance runs, so jumping right back into 8 miles this weekend won't be that big of a deal. Sure, I'll have ridiculously tight calves and some foot and hip pain, but that just comes with the territory. I didn't really start getting significant ankle pain until we had hit 16 miles so hopefully, I won't have to revisit that anytime soon.
Yup, there are new races on the horizon and I've gone back to my favorite slogan: Just do it, baby! Come rain or shine, sleet or snow, get out there and pound the pavement...or the treadmill for wimps like me.
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