I’m really excited! I’ve decided which marathon I’m training for, and I’ve started my training program. I’m up to being able to run 6 miles so far….only 20.2 miles to go…haha! I’m going to run the L.A. Marathon (yes, it did seem the obvious choice). It’s on March 1, 2009. So I have lots of time to train, which is a good thing because I’ve realized even though I’m in pretty good shape, my body isn’t used to running long distances, and apparently my age is trying to catch up with me. Now don’t get me wrong, at 30 I feel totally young and full of energy (amazingly more so than I did in my 20′s), but my knees are so not agreeing with that statement. Whenever I run a decent amount of distance, I start feeling this pinching in my knee – it feels like a tendon or a nerve saying – what the f%ck are you doing to me?!?! I’m working with a physical therapist for a different sports injury, so I think I’m going to ask her about it and see what I can do. Plus, I’ve been reading tons about training programs and strengthening exercises to get your knees ready for the task, so I think I’ve got lots of info to get me started. But I am so working through this and getting into great shape so that I can do the run (without injuring myself).

I’m not sure what it is that attracts me to running a marathon (aside from, of course, just being able to say I ran 26.2 miles in one day – bragging rights and all). But the thought of it is exhilarating. It’s an amazing feeling when you’re running (or doing anything else that’s challenging, really) and you realize how strong your body is and what it’s capable of. It’s kind of addicting.

Of course, we’ll see how addicted to it I am after having run that first long, practice run. lol. I think I’m definitely going to need some people cheering me on!

photo credit: Francis Storr