It's been 6 years but

I'm going to run a half marathon.  So I think. I reconnected with an old friend who will be coming to Vancouver to run and I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It's been 6 years since I've tried something like this, and there was a time that I thought I wouldn't ever be able to run this kind of race again.  But if the first week of training is any indication, we're going to make it for a couple of reasons:

1. I'm not doing it alone.  I have 3 wonderful friends who are also moms of young children who are training with me and who also live in the same place I do.
2. Said mom friends also have kids to push around in strollers while they run one day a week.
3. "" can keep the same schedule that I do and basically, we keep the same schedule with our lives anyway.
4. "" are detailed perfectionists.  If the training schedule says we need to run or cross train or whatever, they'll find a way to make it happen.  
5. ""  are athletes in their pre-mommy lives and have the spunk and stamina to really want to run again.

Like today, for instance, when we had to "cross train" and so took our kids to the playground in our housing area in the pre-dinner hour. We did lunges and pushups and sprints on the fields next to the playground while the whole world (well, world of moms and young children) watched.  We looked pretty funny, especially when our children insisted being carried as we did the lunges, or tried to do push-ups with us, or in Asher's case, tried to crawl under me as I did said pushups. I've looked funny exercising before, so a playground full of kids shouldn't phase me.

TEN years ago I began training for my first full marathon at about this time of year.  It's only fitting to begin again.  But this time with altered time goals and awareness that I have to overcome a couple of things (like added weight and age), but the spirit is willing, even if the flesh is weak.  And I really want to run this time!

Another reason I think I can do this is that I think there will be others cheering me on.  That's really what I need.  That's what we all need!  I need to be encouraged to run the race set before me, to have discipline to make it happen, and have joy at the little accomplishments that happen each day.

My last two training attempts were thwarted by pregnancies.  I don't think that's going to happen this time.  I'll just need to bring those children along for some of the training runs so they can actually be a part of this race in ways they haven't had the chance to before:)

And last but not least, I'm trying to make enough money to cover my $75 entry fee.  If you were ever thinking that you needed some lovely silver jewelry or adorable little hats for gifts for someone else, or for yourself, I'm hoping to sell enough of them simply to cover my race fees.  Anyway, just a small plug from the creator of Poiemacreations  :)

And for a group of moms who want to say at the end of the day "I actually accomplished something!"  (You stay at home moms know what I mean!)