A Clecision

“It is difficult to train for a marathon, but it is even more difficult to not be able to train for a marathon.” ~ Aaron Douglas Trimble

Once upon a time I ran a half marathon. I did not love it or even like it. I actually sort of hated it. So makes total sense that a marathon – a whole one – would make it on my bucket list.

I’ve signed up for my first (only?) marathon. The Texas Double – Day one. I had to find a marathon with no time limit. I run a super slow mile now and I don’t think that time will get faster doing 26.2 of them. My only goal is to finish. My plan is to run/walk and I have no expectations of a time. The website for the run even says “Enjoy the luxury of no cutoff times!” It’s gonna be luxurious. It is gonna be hard. Luxuriously hard. Oh, wait, #luxuriouslyhard

I have talked to my cardiologist about working out and limitations and he seems super unbothered by it, but I haven’t specifically asked about running a marathon or run/walking a marathon. I have an appt on Friday. I’ll ask about it. We’ll see. I guess that is my first hurdle.

I’m assuming I’ll get the all clear there. So breaking down the rest of it – at least my understanding of it right now –

The pros?

• There is a gun start. How wild west is that?
• The run is not until December. I have plenty of time to train.
• I have a training schedule and enough time to build my mileage up before the marathon training begins.
• The course is at about 500 feet above sea level; most of my training will be done at about 6800 feet above sea level.
• It’s a flat, fast course. I feel like flat is a promise the organizers can keep, but fast is in the feet of the runner.
• Learning to fuel for a marathon.
• Committing to this run probably means Christmas in Texas.

The cons?

• There is a gun start. Don’t get shot.
• My heart. Well, my heart is not a con, but it could be a reason I can’t complete this.
• The time commitment training for a marathon requires.
• Other possible injuries.
• Learning to fuel for a marathon.

Currently the pros outweigh the cons. I expect this will shift back and forth through out this season, but I can do hard things. I can.