So my sister talked me into running the New York marathon.
Dana’s a marathoner. You know, one of those women who consider a 15 mile run part of their normal weekend routine. I do not consider myself a runner, but I do like a personal challenge. The clincher was when my friend Brenda signed up. How could I say no?
I’ve done some endurance events in the past – 150-mile bike rides, a few triathlons and half marathons, and one full marathon in 2009. But I’m still getting into shape after dealing with that pesky blood clot in my heart last year, so…
I’m approaching November’s marathon with my focus on the experience, not the finish line.
I missed the lottery for marathon entries, so I joined Fred’s Team and will be raising funds for ovarian cancer research. This disease is particularly heinous in that it usually doesn’t present symptoms until it’s at an advanced stage.
That was the case for my friend CJ, who lost her fight with ovarian cancer last summer. I’m running in her memory, and in the hope that the money I raise will help develop better screening methods and increase late-stage treatment options.
I’m also trying to appreciate my training runs, focusing on the things that make running a ridiculous number of miles a little easier.
Here’s what I appreciated on today’s run:
- Injinji toe socks – 10 miles today and not a single blister. These socks are so worth the $16.
- Honey Stingers Gold energy gels – no nasty aftertaste!
- The hairband I bought at the Bay to Breakers expo in May. I have no idea who made it, but it’s the only hairband I own that doesn’t slip off when I exercise.
The running playlist I’ve been honing over the years is still doing its job. Today’s “keep on running” tunes included:
- Gamma Ray by Beck
- Silversun Pickups’ Panic Switch
- Santana featuring Everlast – Put Your Lights On (Everlast wrote the song after recovering from a heart attack)
- Lay It Down by Magnapop
- The Breeders’ Cannonball
I plan on writing about my marathon experience up until the big event on November 4. I hope you’ll follow along and consider supporting my efforts – words of encouragement are just as important to me as that fundraising goal!
