Marathon Dreams

I'm on a runner's high.

I'm SO enjoying winter running. I've always liked it. A little crazy? Yes. But there is really nothing like stepping out into 20 degree (or colder) weather all bundled up and going for a nice long run. It gets me out of the house during an otherwise cooped-up season. And, not that I don't love spending time with my family, but it's really my only "Erica" time.

Brad and I are both training for the River Bank Run. I missed out on the race last year, as I was just 12 weeks postpartum and only 6 weeks back to running after having Gavin by the time the race rolled round. And while I ran all last winter up until 38 and 1/2 weeks pregnant, none of it was outside...too slippery and dangerous for the large belly and precious cargo I was supporting. And there aren't bathrooms strategically placed every one mile -- about my bladder's limit at that time in my pregnancy.

This winter running season has been extra wonderful, given the long wait. I actually enjoy running in the winter more than the hot summer. The only major downfall are the short days. I can't usually get a run in outside on weekdays. By the time I get home from work, it is dark not much later (though I must say I do notice the days are starting to get a little longer now). So, we usually spend a couple week days running inside at Grand Valley's track. And then those Saturday long runs outside are so great! The track at GVSU is nice, but no where near the experience of true road running...snow, ice, cold and all!

Okay, back to the title of the post...Marathon Dreams.

I was out on one of my long runs a couple of weekends ago. It was a beautiful, sunny winter day. We've actually been pretty blessed with lots of sun on Saturday mornings lately (with the exception of this past weekend). I was trucking along, listening to some Taylor Swift (Fearless, of all titles), and I had what seemed like a crazy thought..."I want to run a marathon". I kept thinking about it all along my run, getting more and more excited about the idea. And of course, I'm injury-free right now so the idea actually seemed do-able. I decided the Chicago Marathon would be ideal for a first marathon, given the large crowd of spectators who would cheer me on. And of course the somewhat close proximity to home. The Grand Rapids Marathon would work, too(I did the half marathon in GR in October), but the crowd is no where as large. I'd need the encouragement of others to get through.

Also, the time seems right. I won't be pregnant (most likely) and I'll be done breastfeeding. I've found breastfeeding and training for a long-distance race is do-able, but requires a TON of calories. I was an eating machine last summer and fall when I was training for the half marathon. Not to mention the planning that goes into long runs -- feed baby, get ready to run, go for up to a two hour run, get home, shower, engorged, feed baby. Gavin was eating about every three to four hours at the time. And exclusively breastfeed at the time...demanding on my body. Okay, sorry for all the details...

I got back from my run and shared my idea with Brad, who, as I knew, enthusiastically jumped on the thought. He could run it, too. He has some revenge to have on the course, given Chicago was his first marathon (2007) and it was unseasonable and unsafely hot (90 degrees in October). Needless to say, his time was not what he was shooting for. But at least he finished, as many runners were not able. They canceled the race 3 and 1/2 hours in, after Brad had finished luckily. And he was fortunate to have water all along the course. They ran out of water for runners farther back.

So, our Valentine's gift to each other was to take a leap of faith and register for the race. It's official, I WILL BE RUNNING MY FIRST MARATHON...barring any injury.

I'm so excited and nervous all at the same time...but what a goal to look forward to!