Once in a Lifetime

Hey everyone! Can I say how stoked I am that it's Friday?!?

This is going to be one of the last free weekends I have, and I am going to enjoy it! There will be lots of relaxing, reading, and girl time.

I've dilly dallied enough; now its time for the real reason I'm here. Over the past few weeks, my exercise life has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Experiencing my first real injury put a lot of things into perspectives for me. Running might now always be easy, or fun. But absolutely nothing beats the feeling I have when I finish a run or cross that finish line. Since I started running in July of 2010, I've run only a handful of races. I can count them on one hand actually. I've done 3 5K's and 1 half marathon. Experienced isn't exactly the way I would describe my running career. Even with my lack of running "credentials", I constantly dream of bigger and better races.

After a detailed discussion with some close friends on Twitter, I've made my decision. Exactly one year from today, October 14th, 2012, I will run my first (of hopefully many) marathon.

(source)

This was not an easy decision. For some people (like my amazing DM friends) a marathon is not a big deal. But for someone, who for most of her life, wouldn't even consider running a mile, this is a big deal.

Deciding on my first marathon was rather simple. I needed to think about hills, the course, and how easy it would be to get there. Seeing as PF was my first big race, it only makes sense to make it my first marathon as well. Being in my hometown, this will allow many of my friends and family to be there to enjoy the experience with me.

Over the course of this year, I will write about my journey to 26.2 miles. I aspire to, of course, lose a few pounds, gain speed, and truly find out what I am made of. Its time to ignite the flame.

(source)

I would like to give a special thanks to my boyfriend Brad and my wonderful cousin Kristin for inspiring me, as well as supporting me on this journey. I'd also like to thank the wonderful Lauren of Live What You Love for encouraging me to follow my dreams. Here's hoping she is able to make it to the race to run with me!!