So I decided to do a marathon.
I’m not really in shape. I’m totally unprepared. But hell, I have 3 months how hard can it be right? (/sarcasm) This time last year I’d signed up for the Surf City Half Marathon and was terrified of 13.1 miles. That was a LOOONG way from my couch.
This year I’m feeling the same thing only the distance just doubled and I’m staring down the cold ugly face of truth. I managed to bullshit my way through my first ever half marathon but people die attempting marathons. I’d really rather not be one of them.
Why am I pushing this when a smart person would just register for a June marathon and train properly?
Historically the LA marathon goes through some of the crappiest most boring parts of LA. The dreary roads of downtown and parts of the inner city (no not the super scary parts). But THIS year? The race starts at Dodger’s Stadium. You do a little loop and then haul ass for the beach. 26.2 miles through some of the coolest real estate on the planet.
**Enter crazy training schedule**
There is a delightful gentleman by the name of Hal Higdon. He is best known for his Marathon knowledge and God knows at this point I could really use some expertise. He wrote both Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
I have read neither of these but I’m going to have to look for them because Hal won me over with the Hal Higdon training programs. There is advice on how to train for any distance (from 5K to the super hard core ultra marathoners).
And they’re FREE! (because we all know I love free)
My schedule? I’m doing a tweak of THIS one. I’ll post it when it’s finalized.
So I basically have 80 days to figure this out.
My biggest challenge?
The LA Marathon does not have a time limit however streets re-open to traffic at an approximately 13-minute per mile pace. At that time, participants still on the course will be required to move into the curb lane or on to the sidewalk and obey all traffic signals. I’d rather not fight traffic so I have to figure out how to get my slow-ass half marathon time down to 13 minute miles.
Oh and I also want to shake the hand of Bill Higgins from Fullerton, CA. Bill is in a class all by himself and that is just incredible.
dude. YOU are in a class all by yourself! Seriously. I’ve been hesitating signing up for the LR Half-Marathon. I can do a 10K no problem. but 13.1 miles? hmmmm. Not so sure. I read all about your blisters. Do. Not. Want.
Sounds like an awesome goal and a perfect 1st marathon! I’ve been keeping that one on my “someday” list. Good luck with your journey to the marathon finish line!