Day Two of Operation Half-Marathon Number Three - Successful

Yesterday I officially started training for the Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon 2008.


Yesterday and today I have thought a lot about my progress over the past year. A year ago I officially started training for the Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon 2007. I had been walking somewhat regularly since the summer of 2006, but in January I tried to kick it into gear. Many times in the past I had said that I was going to participate in the Mini, but this time I was actually registered and I was more determined than ever before to actually do it!

I didn't follow the training program extremely well. I typcically walked 2 miles a few times a week and as the Mini approached did longer walks on the weekends. I figured that anything I did was an improvement and I was happy with that.

When the day of the Mini arrived my goal was to simply cross the finish line, although I must admit that I was skeptical. I had been averaging 16 minute miles, but the furthest I had walked at one time was 8 miles. I really wasn't sure that I could maintain an 18 minute mile for 13.1 miles. I was horrified at the thought that I might not finish the race! Here is a photo of me, pre-race, on May 5, 2007:

Well, I finished. It was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life, but I did it, and the feeling of accomplishment was amazing! I cried as I approached the finish line, partially because I was miserable, but mostly because I had accomplished something that for so long I had wanted to do, but hadn't had the determination and discipline to do it. I was very emotional.

At that point I resolved to participate in more half-marathons, if nothing else to keep me motiviated to exercise. Jeremy and I registered for the Indianapolis Half-Marathon, held on October 20, 2007. Over the months between the Mini and the Indy Marathon I lost 25 pounds and continued to exercise regularly. I was excited because I expected the 13.1 miles to be much easier considering that I was in better shape, I was a little lighter, and the weather was much more tolerable in October than in May. Here is my pre-race photo from the Indy Half-Marathon:

During the Indianapolis Half I started strong, even jogged a bit, but by mile 10 I was running out of energy. It was discouraging when they started following behind us cleaning up cones and signs - apparently we were bringing up the rear. We did eventually make it to the end and I even drummed up enough energy to run across the finish line! And, we didn't bring up the rear - there were two more walkers behind us! I kept telling myself that I hadn't walked any slower than in the Mini, but that the other participants were just faster than in the Mini! Sadly, we learned that we had actually added over a minute to our mile average.

In spite of my disappointment in my lack of improvement, I was thrilled to have completed my second half-marathon and was even more determined to improve. Since October I have continued to exercise regularly (with a brief hiatus over the holidays). Last week as I looked at the training schedules available online I decided that I am ready for a walk/run schedule and to fully commit to run at least part of the Mini in May.

The training starts with a walk/run 3 times a week for 36 minutes each time (3 minutes of walking followed by 1 minute of running repeated 9 times) and cross-training twice a week. This morning I did my first walk/run. I wasn't sure that I would be able to complete it as suggested. I thought that I might complete the first few cycles and then have to walk out the remaining time. As I practically sailed through the walk/run, even extending it a few minutes, I was amazed as I thought back to last year at this time and the change in my ability. All of the effort is worth it, and I can't wait for May!

Just FYI, my ultimate goal is to run my first marathon in January 2012 in the Disney Marathon at Disney World. Anyone want to plan to join me?