My (three) long-time readers know that in the past year, I have taken up running.
Me.
Who used to say regularly, "I only run if something is chasing me."
Me.
Who literally could not run for 45 seconds without stopping.
Me.
It started with a 5K. Then became several 5Ks. And then a 10K. And more 5Ks. Then I decided that I would go for the gold and run a half marathon.
ME!!!!!!!!!
And it's in THREE DAYS.
I feel prepared. I've done several long runs (two 12-milers and a 12.5-miler) and lots and lots of shorter runs (4.7-miles each).
I am actually running three half marathons over the next 7.5 weeks.
The first one is the Santa Hustle. (Click the link for more info.) It's in Sevierville, TN (Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area), and is this Sunday, December 11. The reason it's called the Santa Hustle is because everyone who is running is given a customized Santa shirt, a Santa hat, and a beard. We're supposed to wear them when we run. And they'll be playing Christmas music over the loudspeakers; they even have candy cane stops along with the water stops.
But I'm pretty sure all I will be thinking of is how friggin' cold I am. The low in Sevierville on Saturday night is supposed to be 22 degrees. And there's no telling how cold it will feel like with the windchill.
I was hoping to be able to maintain an 11:30 average pace, for a finish time around 2:30. But I will be so bundled up and distracted by my frozen extremities that I'm not sure I will go much faster than a snail. A drunk snail.
I've already made my running playlist for my iPod. It contains mostly fast-paced Christmas music with a little Eminem thrown in for good measure.
My second half marathon is Saturday, January 7, at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
My third is Sunday, January 29, at Disneyland in California.
More later on those races; for now, I've got to figure out a way to run 13.1 miles wrapped up in an electric blanket while sipping on hot chocolate.
9 comments:
What do you say to a runner? Surely not "break a leg" like in the theater. Good luck? Go get 'em?
In New York, we'll be cheering you on heartily and playing "Eye of the Tiger" in your honor! xo
oo - I didn't know you were going to Disneyland, too. Cool!! I will say, for races to run in - you have picked some really fun sounding venues.
I still tell me kids, "Don't make me run in public."
I can't wait to see some pictures of you in your costume.
Good luck!
That is SO FUN!!! I ran a couple of 5Ks this year for the first time, and I'm hooked too! I made the mistake of not wearing gloves at a recent one...they are an essential! I hope you have a great time!
I just ran my 2nd half marathon this past Sunday...Your mileage sounds perfect to be able to run the time you are looking for! 3 halfs in such a short time is impressive... Good luck!!!
YAY! :) I'm so excited!
I have really enjoyed following your running journey and I'm very excited that I will be there to witness the first one on Sunday!!
Careful now
I keep seeing your status on the right hand side of my blog... and all I can hear is the '70s disco song "Do The Hustle" doot doot doot doot-doot doot doot doot-doot!
I usually wear lots of layers and then I peel them off as it gets warmer throughout the race. When I ran the Chicago Marathon the race organizers collected and donated all the shirts and pants that had been thrown off. So if you are going to toss them, just make sure it's something you don't mind parting with. This may sound crazy but some people use garbage bags with a head hole and arms holes at the start of the race to keep warm and it really does work, it traps the heat in...just my 2 cents ;-) Have a good run, you are going to do great!
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